Dismantle, control and win. Vitória de Guimarães' victory over Zurich (0-3) – in the first round of the third qualifying round for the Conference League – was achieved in stages, in a match marked by patience and calm.
As we mentioned in Rui Borges's review, the match helped the “conquistadors” improve their rhythm and their coordination. In this sense, the Guimaraes captain will appreciate the ability of his pupils to dismantle the defensive strategy of the host team, which had given up the offensive initiative to try to launch deadly counterattacks.
In light of the last match, in Guimarães, against Floriana, Rui Borges replaced Nuno Santos with Samu. On the other hand, Rodrigo Conceicao was the main absentee as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
Watch the film of this meeting here.
Although the start of the match was full of counter-attacks, the ingenuity of the attacking build-up was rare. As mentioned above, Zurich, who were aware of the speed of the visitors, fixed the defensive line at the entrance to their area, handing the task of leading the counter-attacks to the strikers, and serving Emanuel, who often retreated to the left wing.
Therefore, Rui Borges' men had to make direct passes, but to no avail. Anyway, at 31 meters, Chucho Ramirez fired the first shot. Although it went wide, it inspired the “conquerors” to exploit the weaknesses of the Swiss.
Until the end of the first half, Borkovic, Caio Cesar and Chucho Ramirez threatened to open the scoring, although Vitoria were unable to capitalise on successive set pieces.
At the time of the final retreat to the changing rooms, the plan to follow to secure the advantage in the tie was clear. When organized at the back – to “silence” Emanuel – Vitoria was able to explore the space in the attacking midfield, launch lateral attacks and serve Chuchu in the front area.
Breacher loomed large, but alone.
After the celebrations of the hosts Guimarães – the match's heroes from the first whistle – shook the “conquerors” Zurich into their own half until the goal. After Chucho threatened with a header and Joao Mendes sent a “poisonous” cross towards Brecher, it was up to Samu to start the game 0-1.
With determination, the midfielder sent a cross from left to right, finding Borevkovic on the end line. The centre-back in turn sent in Caio Cesar, who headed Ricardo Mangas's shot into the far post.
The winger's third goal of the season was watched by dozens of fans who visited the Zurich stadium amid the smoke. It had been 54 minutes.
Ricardo Mangas scores the first goal for Vitoria ⚔️#sporttvportugal #EUROPAnaSPORTTV #Conference_League #FCZurich #VitoriaSC pic.twitter.com/ccykhx0mvP
– Sports TV (@sporttvportugal)
August 8, 2024
Taking advantage of this moment, Borges' men continued to press with the aim of doubling their advantage. Thus, Chucho Ramirez and Ricardo Mangas had two consecutive chances, from 62 meters away, but Brecher kept going wide of the goalposts, sometimes immediately, sometimes on the fly.
Between the changes – Rui Borges replaced Chucho Ramirez for Nelson Oliveira, 70 metres out – Zurich took advantage of a unique opportunity 74 metres out. After a free kick from the right, Bruno Varela did poorly, but Bajrami headed just over the bar.
Thinking of solving the draw, Guimarães captain Nuno Santos and Arcanjo, instead of Samu and Mangas. As such, the 0-2 score seemed like a matter of time, especially thanks to Nuno Santos' speed and “perfume”.
Now, at 88 metres, another cross from the midfielder, on the right, leads to a goal. The ball meets Nelson Oliveira, at the second post, and the body of midfielder Gomes. This was the moment that destroyed the hosts. The last few minutes were proof of that.
At 90+3m, Nelson Oliveira sprinted through the central corridor, without any competition, and insisted on signing his name on the scoresheet, especially since it was his birthday. Once again, the assist belonged to Nuno Santos.
Nelson Oliveira extends Vitoria's lead 👏#sporttvportugal #EUROPAnaSPORTTV #Conference_League #FCZurich #VitoriaSC pic.twitter.com/y3z9KpyLG2
– Sports TV (@sporttvportugal)
August 8, 2024
A fancy pass from Nuno Santos and Nelson Oliveira scored two goals in the match 🔥#sporttvportugal #EUROPAnaSPORTTV #Conference_League #FCZurich #VitoriaSC pic.twitter.com/n6y3CVjrGG
– Sports TV (@sporttvportugal)
August 8, 2024
Watch highlights of the interview here.
With the clash still on – not to say it is settled – Rui Borges and his teammates are focusing their attention on the opening day of the league. On Monday night, at 8:15 p.m., the “Conquistadors” will visit “Lobos da Freita”, that is, Arouca.
Vitoria will host Zurich next Thursday at 8.15pm. If Guimaraes can take advantage of their three-goal advantage, they will have no choice but to await a qualifier: Bulgaria's Botev Plovdiv or Bosnia's Zrinjski Mostar.
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