MD 13: FC BERLIN 2-3 DEPORTIVO MADRID
Written by: Jean Papodopoulos
Despite perhaps some lackluster matchups in MD 13, the fans were excited. Similarly to the fans, Berlin star Diego Fantastico couldn't contain his excitement as he was gloating around the ground about his recent “upgrades”.
Lawton's Berlin was going to face off Boyo's Madrid; both teams having struggled as of late. Madrid needed to win to still be a potential challenger for the title, and Berlin needed to at least draw to keep and get the morale up and high. There's a lot at stake in this match, as there are rumors circulating that Fantastico might want to join a different club. In the first half, Diego Fantastico played at his original RWF position and Berlin played with their classic tactics. Madrid played an unorthodox 3-1-3-3 formation.
Madrid immediately started to pressure Berlin at the beginning of the match. In the second minute, Shmurda already got a big chance, but his shot was blocked by Tackler. The defense of Berlin seemed very shaky from the beginning. Not much later, in the fifth minute, Madrid got a free kick which Billy Boyo converted from 20 yards (ca. 18 m) out.
Madrid kept pressuring and pressuring, while Berlin couldn't create anything. In the 32nd minute of the game, Madrid won the ball back, Lawbender passed a through ball to Shmurda, where Shmurda scored the 0-2 with a very nice shot with his left foot right in the top right corner. After this, Fantastico got a shot in from far range, but the Madrid shot stopper Jefferson kept it out.
The second half saw Berlin making minor changes. Fantastico would find himself playing as a striker, despite being very vocal about his preference to play on the wing. However, the changes proved to be effective. Berlin would claw their back way into the game as Diego Fantastico got one back in the 74th minute. He cut inside from the right and effortlessly curled one into the bottom left corner.
With momentum on their side, Berlin kept pushing on for the equalizer. Constantly winning their duels. The ball would eventually find its way to Fantastico who had a crack from range, hitting the post. Retaining possession, Aftal Shisha sent in a hopeful cross. Leaping over the Madrid defenders, Floyd Lawton would connect with the cross and headed home what seemed to be the final goal of the night, and the equalizer.
Right from kick-off, Madrid got tired of sitting back. Launching a quick attack, Marcus Wood sent Shmurda through on goal. Making no mistake, Shmurda scored, giving Madrid back the lead and three points.
In a telling post-match interview, Fantastico declared that his teammates had to improve, or he's leaving the German club. Madrid on the other hand are happy to finally win again, after a disappointing run of games.
