On Sunday evening, Sporting secured three points at Stayen, thanks to a brace from Kasper Dolberg and solid management of a numerical disadvantage in the closing stages. A perfect week following the impressive victory last Thursday in Prague.
The home team appeared slightly more dangerous in the opening quarter. Jan-Carlo Simic had to make an excellent defensive block to prevent Ito from scoring, while a curling shot from Yamamoto narrowly missed the target. The rest of the first halve was very balanced and far from boring. Around the 30-minute mark, an excellent cross to the far post from Francis Amuzu created an opportunity for Anders Dreyer. He set up Kasper Dolberg, who calmly slotted in the opening goal. Shortly afterward, another pass from ‘Ciske’ almost allowed Kasper Dolberg to double the lead, but the Dane’s header went wide. Amuzu also broke through on a deep run but, one-on-one with goalkeeper Kokubo, he failed to stay composed. Near the end of the first half, Colin Coosemans had to intervene on attempts from Patris, who is on loan to STVV from RSCA, and Ferrari. 0-1, a logical lead at halftime.
Right after the break, a shot from Yamamoto went narrowly wide of Colin Coosemans’ goal. Moments later, Coosemans stopped an effort from Ito. STVV and its fans ramped up the pressure, but it was Jan-Carlo Simic who nearly made the difference on a set piece, almost giving Sporting a two-goal cushion. Our goalkeeper then had to make another crucial save, first on attempts from Ito and especially from Brahami. Following a defensive error by STVV, Kasper Dolberg served Anders Dreyer on a silver platter, but a defender managed to save the ball at the last second on the goal line. On the rebound, Anders Dreyer was brought down in the penalty area. The penalty was converted by Kasper Dolberg, who reclaimed the top scorer title in the league. Zanka was shown a red card 15 minutes before the end for a last-man tackle. Down to ten men, the Purple and White had to cede possession to the opponents but successfully managed STVV’s offensive pressure until the final whistle. As a result, Hubert’s men deservedly took the victory and three points home from Stayen.
