It has prompted widespread support for the Phoenix on both sides of the Tasman and fans turned out in good numbers to show their support for New Zealand's only professional football club.
What they witnessed is what they have come to expect under coach Ernie Merrick: entertainment.
The Phoenix conceded a goal inside three minutes, when Adelaide exploited space down their left flank and the ball fell to Craig Goodwin to slot home.
But they were on level terms less than 60 seconds later then Roy Krishna latched on to a long ball from Ben Sigmund, rounded goalkeeper John Hall who was all at sea outside his box, and calmly finished for his third goal of the season.
And Roly Bonevacia added a double to hand his side their first win in three games.
His second goal in the 51st minute was something special. In the week his partner gave birth to their first child, he struck a bullet of a shot from 25m that Hall was powerless to stop.
He completed a terrific performance when he created Wellington's fourth when he penetrated into Adelaide's box before his cross was palmed into the path of Matthew Ridenton to score his first A-League goal. At that stage, with Wellington leading 4-1, it might have been difficult for non-football fans to pick exactly which club needed saving.
Adelaide, though, played their part in the match. They put the Phoenix under considerable pressure at times - Wellington goalkeeper Glen Moss made a number of excellent saves - and added a consolation to Pablo Sanchez in the 89th minute.
Wellington's owners, the Welnix group, have been increasingly more positive about the club's long-term future.
The best thing the players and fans can do is produce the sort of results they did tonight. Even if some physiques should be best left covered.
Wellington 4 (R. Krishna 4, R. Bonevacia 22, 51, M. Ridenton 68) Adelaide 2 (C. Goodwin 3, P. Sanchez 89). Halftime: 2-1.
