MD 18: SC HAMBURG 23 0-1 ZAGREB NK
Zagreb gets their revenge after opening day fumble
By: Drew Peacock 🦚
Zagreb traveled to Hamburg Germany for their 18th match of the season with one thing on their minds: revenge. In the opening match of the season, in front of the Zagreb home supporters, Hamburg shocked the league by taking down the early title contenders by two goals to none. The Zagreb players who suffered the embarrassing defeat have been patiently waiting for their chance at redemption.
The German club would play host this time. After several very strange outcomes, Hamburg head into their eighteenth match in seventh place, but with the joint worst goal difference in the league at -17 (tied with Istanbul and Belgrade). The captain, Akiyama Hernandez, made a proclamation after the ten-goal loss to Deportivo Madrid, stating that they would double their defensive efforts in training to avoid losing like that ever again. As the lineups were announced, Hamburg changed their shape to offer more defensive support from the start of the match.
The match got out to a hot start as Zagreb, with something to prove, came out with high intensity. In the seventh minute, Aki PawPaw played a wonderful ball over the top to Jethro. The season 1 player of the season showed off his dribbling skills by bringing the ball down into a perfect shooting position. *The $30 man* riffled off a rocket shot, beating both Hamburg central defenders and the goalkeeper to give the visitors a one goal lead. He celebrated by “eating Hamburg(er)” in front of the away fans.
The goal did not cause the Hamburg defense to lose resolve. Jethro had a chance to double the visitor's lead in the 34th minute, but his effort from long distance was just wide of goal. In the 40th minute, season 1 midfielder of the season, Leo Sanic, would have a shot blocked from inside the box. Zagreb did push hard for another goal, but the hosts were able to hold off the dangerous Zagreb attack and make it into halftime with just one goal conceded. Unfortunately for the home fans, the extra emphasis on defensive support led to the attack only having a single (blocked) shot by halftime.
The second half could only be described as a double display of defensive durability. Zagreb continued to try to unlock the packed in Hamburg defense, but were not able to test Becky Blake's catching abilities. On the other hand, Zagreb's defense was as strong as it normally is, turning away Hamburg's attacks before they become threatening.
Hamburg's captain decided to send everyone forward in the last minutes of the game to try to get a point back. In the 90th minute, Yaya Banana found himself in the Zagreb box with a chance to tie the game. Shoulder to shoulder with “Big Cheeto” Bebe Barry, the Hamburg defender had the opportunity of a lifetime to get the equalizer. Unfortunately, his shot was wide of goal, allowing the visiting fans to breathe a sigh of relief. Jethro would be given man of the match for his attacking display, but even he conceded that without another brilliant defensive effort, Zagreb may not have won the match.
With the win, Zagreb moves into sole possession of 2nd place with 40 points, just two points behind the champions, Vienna. Zagreb also added another clean sheet to their campaign, their ninth of the season. As for Hamburg, they really needed to get something from this game to keep up with Norden and Brussels. They'll hope to right the ship next matchday to avoid falling out of the race for fifth place this season.
