Stuck-reb fail to take advantage of Vienna’s slip-up
By: Ray Porter
After Vienna’s draw against London, Zagreb had the chance to shrink the Austrians’ lead to one point if they beat Brussels. The Belgians, however, were fighting for a place in the top half, having come off of some strong results in the second half of this season.
Clearly motivated by Vienna’s slip up, Zagreb pushed for an early lead and would find it in the 12th minute, as they mounted a counter. Leonardo Vargas sent in Akiyama “Sushi Taco” Hernandez, who, faced by Chad Cockney in goal, kept his nerves in the 1v1 and smashed the ball into the bottom right corner. The game continued in a thrilling end-to-end spectacle, with both teams getting some half chances. Brussels got a counter after Hernandez was dispossessed near their box, after a quick succession of passes, Šehbajraktarević sent in Adrian Diego. With all the time and space he needed in the box, Diego equalized. Both teams tried their best to go into half-time with a lead, but Brussels would have the last throw of the dice as Blackburn wins the ball near his box, sends it upfront to Babatunde whose through pass finds Šehbajraktarević through on goal, the Bosnian then lays it off for Diego who scores his second of the night.
Chasing a goal after half-time, Zagreb went more aggressive in their approach. And they would be rewarded for it with an equalizer, as Sobasku finds Barry, who, despite being surrounded by 5! Brussels' players can turn and lay it off for Neagu. The Romanian unscrupulously finishes into the top corner. Chasing the winner, Zagreb would run out of time. This keeps them three points away from League Leaders Vienna with all to play for in this title race. Brussels, however, keep their hot form going and seem to be a good candidate for a surprising Season 3.
