Spartak Trnava vs Zeleziarne Podbrezova — Slovak First Football League

**Spartak Trnava 4-1 Zeleziarne Podbrezova**

**What set this match apart:** A very typical match: only small details set it apart (90% of matches were more unusual than this one). The most striking feature was the lack of physical presence in the air, with only 11 aerial duels won between the two teams (3rd percentile of joint volume). On the ground, the contest was equally sparse, as only 63 ground duels were won in total (27th percentile of joint volume), yet Zeleziarne Podbrezova was clearly ahead with 38 to Spartak Trnava's 25 (93rd percentile of gaps).

**How it played out:** Both sides were under significant pressure, evidenced by a high volume of blocked shots (9 in total, 92nd percentile of joint volume) and clearances (43 in total, 72nd percentile of joint volume). While the game saw few passes in the opponent's half (232 in total, 8th percentile of joint volume), Spartak Trnava was clearly ahead with 158 to Zeleziarne Podbrezova's 74 (75th percentile of gaps). Spartak Trnava also maintained a moderate lead in patient build-up from the back, completing 209 passes in their own half compared to 141 by Zeleziarne Podbrezova (76th percentile of gaps). In the final third, Spartak Trnava found more success in one-on-one situations, recording 7 successful dribbles to 4 (75th percentile of gaps). This translated into a high volume of direct threats, with 11 shots on target recorded (88th percentile of joint volume). Both teams created many clear-cut scoring opportunities (5 in total, 81st percentile of joint volume), but Spartak Trnava was more effective, creating 4 big chances to Zeleziarne Podbrezova's 1 (78th percentile of gaps).

**Verdict:** The performances pointed to a Spartak Trnava win (43%), and that is what happened. The fair probabilities are Spartak Trnava win 43%, draw 30%, and Zeleziarne Podbrezova win 27%. With Spartak Trnava creating 4 big chances to 1, the result was deserved.