Brann contra Sarpsborg 08 — Eliteserien

**Brann 1-2 Sarpsborg 08**

**What set this match apart:** A fairly ordinary match with a few distinctive traits (52% of matches were more unusual than this one). The unusualness was primarily driven by build-up (36%) and defending (34%). Both teams were highly active in one-on-one situations, completing 26 successful dribbles in total (Brann 13, Sarpsborg 08 13), a volume at the 97th percentile of joint volume. Furthermore, both sides were under constant pressure, recording 64 clearances in total (Brann 29, Sarpsborg 08 35), a figure at the 96th percentile of joint volume.

**How it played out:** Brann took a significant lead in territorial control, completing 304 passes in the opponent's half compared to Sarpsborg 08's 86, a +218 gap at the 95th percentile of gaps. This was supported by a patient build-up from the back, as Brann also completed 184 passes in their own half to Sarpsborg 08's 74, a +110 gap at the 88th percentile of gaps. Brann also bypassed the midfield more frequently, completing 34 accurate long balls to Sarpsborg 08's 16, a +18 gap at the 93rd percentile of gaps, even though few accurate long balls were recorded in the match overall (50 in total, 22nd percentile of joint volume). Sarpsborg 08, however, was more effective at getting into dangerous areas, recording 8 shots inside the box to Brann's 5, a +3 gap at the 77th percentile of gaps. While few shots from distance were taken in the match (7 in total, 26th percentile of joint volume), Brann was clearly ahead with 5 to Sarpsborg 08's 2, a +3 gap at the 77th percentile of gaps. Sarpsborg 08 also won the physical battle in the middle, recording 28 tackles to Brann's 17, a +11 gap at the 94th percentile of gaps. Both sides maintained sustained pressure near the goal, recording 13 corners in total (89th percentile of joint volume), with Brann making 8 to Sarpsborg 08's 5, a +3 gap at the 74th percentile of gaps.

**Verdict:** The fair probabilities are Brann win 18%, draw 32%, and Sarpsborg 08 win 50%. The performances pointed to a Sarpsborg 08 win and that is what happened, with the side securing 2 big chances to Brann's 1.