MD 20: DEPORTIVO MADRID 3-1 NORDEN FK

An exciting game as 4th and 6th face off.

✍️ Written by: Conner Munist

The incredibly pragmatic captain of Norden opted for a more defensive approach, whilst a rotated Madrid side stuck with their attacking approach.

With Snow falling, the game was erratic, full of mistakes and loose passes. Madrid couldn’t break down the Nordic wall, but they would find a breakthrough in the 22nd minute. Shmurda would find himself open in the box as he received a pass from Diego Tazzu, and the Grenadian talisman made no mistake.

Despite the goal, Madrid would make a couple of substitutions in the first half. Tazzu's debut would end, as he made way for Lennox Vito. Isagi Yoichi would also make an early exit, coming off for Rapid James. With their focus elsewhere, Madrid were caught by Norden. Moise Bean was sent through the high line of Madrid by Matthew Shelby, with the former slotting it past Jefferson.

The 1-1 scoreline would remain as the first half came to a close. Madrid, unhappy with the game state, made radical changes to the formation, going for a much more narrow approach. Norden on the other hand felt confident in their defence and maintained their low block.

In the 73rd minute, Madrid would find the winner. Lennox Vito sent in a cross from the right, which was met by the head of Loord Bendtner. Unable to put it past Myung Choi, Shmurda was there to pick up the scraps as he scored the rebound.

To put it beyond doubt, Shmurda would return the favour as he sent Bendtner through on goal. Despite being low on confidence, he managed to put it past the Korean international to make it 3-1.

This result sees Madrid close the gap on both London and Vienna, as the former lost whilst the latter drew. Norden, on the other hand, are seeing their hopes of a top four finish fade away, as they now find themselves 11 points behind Madrid.