Brisbane Roar fell to a 2-1 defeat against Wellington Phoenix at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a crucial A-League clash. The visitors secured a vital away victory with a late winner, dealing a significant blow to Brisbane's playoff aspirations while boosting Wellington's own position in the league table. The match was a tightly contested affair that swung decisively in the final stages. Wellington Phoenix started brightly and took the lead midway through the first half, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot home. Brisbane Roar responded with increased pressure after the break and found a deserved equalizer around the hour mark, finishing a well-worked team move. The game looked headed for a draw until a moment of individual quality from a Wellington attacker in the 85th minute, who cut inside and fired a low shot into the corner to secure all three points for the away side. Brisbane had a late chance to level again but saw a header cleared off the line in stoppage time. The key focus point was Wellington's resilience and clinical edge in the final third, contrasting with Brisbane's struggle to convert possession into clear-cut chances after their equalizer. The result sees Wellington Phoenix climb the A-League table, moving into a stronger position for a finals berth, while Brisbane Roar remains in the mid-table pack, needing to find consistency in the run-in. Post-match, the Wellington manager praised his team's character, stating, "To come here and win in that manner shows the belief in the group." The Brisbane coach lamented the defensive lapse, saying, "We switched off for one moment and were punished. We have to be better." The starting lineup for Brisbane Roar featured a familiar defensive shape, while Wellington Phoenix set up in their typical compact 4-2-3-1 formation, which ultimately proved effective on the counter-attack.