Falling behind late in the first half through a Karl Dodd own goal, Wellington clawed their way back into the match as Shane Smeltz scored an equaliser in the 53rd minute before Daniel capped a dazzling display with an emphatic winner three minutes from time, smashing past Michael Theoklitos from close range.

The Brazilian winger was undoubtedly the star of the match, treating fans to a footballing master class as he impressed with his dazzling footwork and weaving runs.

Having failed to secure a victory in the group stage of the tournament, Melbourne were keen to atone for that fact early as a Ljubo Milicevic header was scrambled to safety.

Signed by Melbourne in an attempt provide some much needed impetus from defence, Matthew Kemp started impressively and embarked on a barnstorming run which almost resulted in a goal.

On his first trip back to Olympic Park since his move across the Tasman, Michael Ferrante starred, marshalling the centre of the park with authority and a sense of purpose.

He was ably assisted by Daniel, who tormented the Victory back four endlessly with his slight of foot, awareness and searing turn of pace.

And it was indeed the combination of Ferrante and Daniel, which came closest to producing the game’s first goal after 11 minutes.

Ferrante whipped in a free kick perilously towards the near post, finding Daniel, but the former Botafogo star flashed his headed attempt just wide with Theoklitos well beaten.

The early scare spurred the home side into action, with the midfield combination of Kevin Muscat and Grant Brebner beginning to dominate proceedings, dictating the tempo of play.

But while his team mates sprang to life, the much-feted Carlos Hernandez struggled to make an impact, looking sluggish and desperately short of speed.

Following a fruitless Asian Cup campaign that yielded little game time, Archie Thompson was eager to impress on his season debut, providing the Phoenix with a glimpse of what is to come in round one with his nimble footwork and blistering pace.

And in the 31st minute, Thompson almost conjured the opening goal as he cut inside and shot into the grateful arms of Glen Moss before scorning a one-on-one opportunity soon after.

Melbourne were soon rewarded for its persistence though, and secured a scarcely deserved lead in the 34th minute after Karl Dodd deflected a low Thompson ball past a flat-footed Moss.

But rather than become despondent and wallow in self-pity, the Phoenix responded almost immediately, launching a wave of attacks on the Melbourne goal with defender Steven Old coming closest to finding the back of the net.

The former Newcastle Jets player rattled the woodwork with an impressive volley as he latched onto a dipping Ferrante corner late in the first half.

Seven minutes into the second stanza, Wellington clawed its way back into the contest as Shane Smeltz scored a thoroughly deserved equaliser.

After earning a free kick on the right, Daniel’s quickly taken effort caught Melbourne’s defence off guard and split it in two, finding Smeltz who clinically applied the finish.

Despite fielding a close to full strength side, Melbourne were a shadow of the team which dominated the A-League last season, lacking the spirit, movement and incisive interplay which was a hallmark of the side, while in stark contrast, the Phoenix were in full flight.

With the threat of penalties looming ominously in the distance, the game degenerated into an end-to-end war of attrition, with neither side were able to maintain possession for extended periods of time.

But with only three minutes of normal time remaining, Daniel popped up to score the winner, playing a neat one-two with Smeltz before smashing the ball past a flat-footed Theoklitos to complete a man-of-the-match performance.

Next week, Wellington face Newcastle at home while Melbourne play host to Sydney FC - who were beaten 3-2 by the Jets - in a meaningless, yet enticing match-up.

By Simon Chiarelli