Spanish superstar Mata, who crossed from Western Sydney in the off-season seeking more game time, came on in the 68th minute at AAMI Park.
It was the most minutes he has logged in an individual A-League Men game since February, but it was without reward.
Recruit and fringe Socceroo Genreau was excellent, involved in everything as an attacking playmaker for the Victory, and later shifted to defensive midfield when Mata was introduced.
"Just the beginning of Denis," coach Arthur Diles said.
"Fantastic footballer, offers so much.
"He's so versatile. He's got so many things to his game that can help this team. Tonight, he was excellent."
Diles expected Mata to only get "better and better" with time after working his way into a round one berth despite only signing a month ago.
Last season, the Victory stunned Auckland with a comeback semi-final victory over two legs to reach the grand final - but Saturday night's encounter had far less bite.
Auckland (11 shots, four on target) just shaded their hosts (10 shots, two on target).
"We lose that game last year twice," Diles said.
"So for me, a lot of positives to take out of that match. We've shown growth as a team. We didn't give anything away.
"We're disciplined for the whole entirety of the match, and in the end, I think we have the best chance of the match, and the keeper (Michael Woud) makes a world-class save."
Melbourne skipper Roderick Miranda (foot) was a late withdrawal through injury, with recruit Jason Davidson taking the captain's armband.
Miranda joins Nishan Velupillay, Louis D'Arrigo and Reno Piscopo on the sidelines.
Auckland coach Steve Corica didn't start key attacking duo Guillermo May and Logan Rogerson - for fitness and form reasons respectively.
New Auckland signing Lachlan Brook was lively while fellow attacker Jesse Randall should have scored at least once.
In the 29th minute the visitors should have scored from a goalmouth scramble but Randall dragged his close-range effort wide.
In the 40th minute, Keegan Jelacic's excellent sidefooted volley was brilliantly denied by goalkeeper Woud.
In the 55th minute, Esposito threw his body in the way of a goal-bound Randall strike.
"I'm a little bit disappointed that we didn't get the three points," Corica said.
"But I think, all in all, we had a couple of good chances to score. They got blocked, or we didn't put our body on the line to get in them areas and be a little bit more clinical.
"But now that's an area obviously we can improve on next week. Defensively, I thought we were good."
Melbourne will travel to play Newcastle on Friday night while Auckland return home to host Western Sydney next Saturday.
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