MD 19: ZAGREB NK 2-2 DEPORTIVO MADRID
Zagreb & Madrid share the points for the fourth time in a row!
✍️ Written by: Saad Maan, Forta Evening News
Zagreb and Madrid are two of the oldest clubs in the FSL, competing in their fourth FSL season this year. Success has been scarce for the two clubs, with Zagreb winning the initial “Season 0” and Madrid winning the Season One League Cup. Despite the fixture having been a tame one for the majority of FSL's history, in recent seasons it's heated up. The arrival of Billy Boyo in Madrid has sparked the team into a constant title contender, challenging the likes of Zagreb and Vienna. With transfers such as Tobi Lawbender leaving Madrid for Zagreb, a possible rivalry may be brewing.
In their last three league fixtures, the sides haven't beaten each other, sharing the points on the three occasions. Both teams were looking to change that, as Madrid lined up with their unusual attacking 3-4-3 formation, and Zagreb matching them with a midfield diamond.
The game would get off to a slow start, with both sides looking to counter-attack to no avail. It was only in the 26th minute that new recruit Tobi Lawbender took matters into his own hands. Henry Kamel sent Lawbender through on the left-hand side, leaving Madrid's wing-back Lennox Vito behind. With acres of space ahead of him, he crept closer and closer to Madrid's goal before finally unleashing a curled effort, hitting the far post.
Zagreb would maintain the pressure, as just a minute later, Jethro received the ball on the edge of Madrid's box, where Raeshaughn Jefferson was no match for the Italian's powerful strike.
Despite going down, Madrid weren't letting up, as they upped the tempo right from kick-off. Only six minutes after Zagreb's goal, Madrid duo Shmurda & Bendtner would combine, chipping the latter through on goal. 12 yards out, with nothing but the net in front of him, Bendtner put it wide.
Madrid would own the remaining 20 minutes of the half, with Zagreb's shot stopper Owen Majmunovic pulling off what may be the save of the season in the 40th minute. Following a foul from captain McGavin, Billy Boyo lined up from miles out. Despite the distance, the Jamaican international's effort was powerful and on target, but couldn't beat a flying Majmunovic.
Three minutes later, the equaliser would come. Hussein Joaquin was left open in the left half-space, and given enough time to deliver a perfect cross, which was met by a leaping Bobby Shmurda.
Going into half-time, Madrid were riding a wave of momentum, with Zagreb being pushed back for a while. The two teams looked eager to keep attacking, so the 1-1 scoreline was sure to change.
Similarly to the first half, the second half would take a while to get going. Through good collective defending from both defenders, neither team were able to take the lead. Most notably, Madrid captain Billy Boyo tracked back to block a Henry Kamel shot, which would've likely spelled disaster for the Spaniards.
In the 75th minute, following a throw-in, Bobby Shmurda delivered a lovely pass to Loord Bendtner, who avenged his previous mistake by giving Madrid the lead for the first time in the game. However, Madrid's lead wouldn't last long. Eleven minutes after Bendtner's goal, Zagreb pushed high, sending Bebe Barry forward. Barry would then get an assist as he sent Zagreb winger Cuzza Brown through on goal, as he equalised the score.
Whilst many thought the match was over, it was far from it. Zagreb kept pushing high, and as Barry failed to flick a header on, Bobby Shmurda picked up the loose ball and sent Bendtner through on goal once more. This time, just like the first time, Bendtner couldn't handle the pressure.
This result sees both Zagreb and Madrid fall further behind Vienna, 4 and 8 points respectively. With just eleven matches to go, it'll be a hard task for either side to catch up, and perhaps it's better for them to focus on the upcoming cup.
📸 Loord Bendtner woes his miss
