ÍA Akranes vs Víkingur Reykjavík — Besta deild karla

**ÍA Akranes 2-2 Víkingur Reykjavík**

**What set this match apart:** This was a very typical match: only small details set it apart (88% of matches were more unusual than this one). The most striking figures come from the defensive and individual duels. Both teams recorded a massive 84 clearances in total, a volume at the 99th percentile of joint volume, with no real difference between them. In terms of individual actions, few successful dribbles occurred in the match (12 in total, 12th percentile of joint volume), but Víkingur Reykjavík was clearly ahead with 10 to ÍA Akranes' 2, a +8 gap at the 95th percentile of gaps.

**How it played out:** The game was defined by a high volume of direct play and pressure, as both sides recorded 69 accurate long balls (90th percentile of joint volume). While few passes were made in the opponent's half (217 in total, 11th percentile of joint volume), Víkingur Reykjavík was clearly ahead with 126 to ÍA Akranes' 91, a +35 gap at the 69th percentile of gaps. Both teams were equally active on the flanks, recording 11 accurate crosses in total (88th percentile of joint volume). Defensively, both sides were under constant pressure, evidenced by 6 blocked shots in total (73rd percentile of joint volume). In terms of physical contests, few ground duels were won in the match (55 in total, 13th percentile of joint volume), but ÍA Akranes was clearly ahead with 30 to Víkingur Reykjavík's 25, a +5 gap at the 73rd percentile of gaps. Few tackles were made in the match (27 in total, 24th percentile of joint volume), but ÍA Akranes was clearly ahead with 18 to Víkingur Reykjavík's 9, a +9 gap at the 93rd percentile of gaps.

**Verdict:** The fair probabilities are ÍA Akranes win 51%, draw 30%, and Víkingur Reykjavík win 19%. The performances leaned towards a ÍA Akranes win, but the actual result was far from unlikely. With ÍA Akranes creating 4 big chances to Víkingur Reykjavík's 2, the draw remains a very plausible outcome.