MD 15: ZAGREB NK 1–0 KS WARSAW
Super sub Jamal Kane helps tiny Zagreb take down a Polish juggernaut
By: Drew Peacock 🦚
Third-placed Zagreb NK played host to 12th-placed KS Warsaw for match day 15. The Croatian side, in their alternate kits this evening, would bring young Mexican winger Pepe Lozano back into the starting eleven. The Polish visitors would make two changes, with two debutants in Jesus Ochoa and Peter Wisniowski.
Zagreb would start off strong, getting five attempts off within the first eight minutes. Henry Kamel had the first chance of the match, but was unable to redirect Marcus Neagu's cross on target. After the Warsaw keeper pushed the ball out for a corner, Zagreb would throw just about everything they could at the Warsaw defense, with attempts from Scooter McGavin, Marcus Neagu, Lucca Rizzo, with the defense conceding corners each time. Finally, Jethro's effort went over the bar to lower the temperature in the Warsaw penalty box.
The first chance for the visitors would come in the nineteenth minute after a free kick was awarded to them a few feet outside the Zagreb penalty area. Former captain Kiu Dos Santos sent a strong effort directly into the wall, and the rebound was shot well off target. On the ensuing play, Zagreb would have their first real chance at scoring as Neagu found Kamel free in the Warsaw box, but Francis O'Brien did everything right to keep the match level. Zagreb would continue attacking pressure, but there were no clear chances for either side before HT.
There were no changes for either side during halftime. Zagreb would pick up where they left off and put pressure on the Warsaw defense, with little rebuttal from the Polish side. Jamal Kane would enter the game before the 60th minute, and Zagreb would change their shape to a 442 diamond. Instant impact from the substitute as Kane initiated a counter-attack with an interception. He connected with Kamel for a “one-two-buckle my shoe” followed by a “three-four-shut the door,” as the Bitcher got the better of O'Brien this time. Zagreb now with a lead, would they be able to add to their league-leading seven clean sheets?
Yes. Zagreb's defense did the job once again, as they did not concede even a single shot in the entire second half. The home fans would have hoped for more goals this match day, but the performance definitely deserved three points. Zagreb, having played one more match than league leaders Vienna, move into second place, level on points with their Austrian rivals. Warsaw will have to wait and see if Athens, Istanbul, or Paris win later in the match day. If not, Warsaw will remain in twelfth place.
