FC Kosice vs Zilina — Slovak First Football League

**FC Kosice 2-2 Zilina**

**What set this match apart:** This match was more unusual than 82% of matches, with the atypicality primarily rooted in the build-up (46%) and defending (31%). The most striking contrast lies in the direct play: few accurate long balls were recorded in the match (30 in total, 1st percentile of the two teams' joint volume), but FC Kosice was clearly ahead with 21 to Zilina's 9 (a +12 gap at the 83rd percentile of gaps). Conversely, while corners were also scarce (8 in total, 14th percentile of joint volume), Zilina was clearly ahead with 7 to FC Kosice's 1 (a +6 gap at the 93rd percentile of gaps).

**How it played out:** Both sides were under constant pressure, evidenced by a high volume of clearances (70 in total, 98th percentile of joint volume) and blocked shots (9 in total, 92nd percentile of joint volume). Zilina showed a greater ability to read the game, recording 15 interceptions to FC Kosice's 7 (a +8 gap at the 92nd percentile of gaps). In terms of territory, both teams were active in the opponent's half (347 passes in total, 79th percentile of joint volume), but FC Kosice was more active there with 217 passes to Zilina's 130 (a +87 gap at the 76th percentile of gaps). Zilina preferred a patient approach from the back, completing 215 passes in their own half compared to FC Kosice's 151 (a +64 gap at the 77th percentile of gaps). FC Kosice looked to beat opponents one-on-one, recording 11 successful dribbles to Zilina's 7 (a +4 gap at the 81st percentile of gaps), and they were more frequent with long-range attempts, making 8 shots from distance to Zilina's 3 (a +5 gap at the 89th percentile of gaps). Few aerial duels were won in the match (18 in total, 14th percentile of joint volume), but Zilina was clearly ahead with 11 to FC Kosice's 7 (a +4 gap at the 74th percentile of gaps).

**Verdict:** The fair probabilities are FC Kosice win 41%, draw 29%, and Zilina win 30%. The performances leaned towards a FC Kosice win, but the actual result was far from unlikely. With 4 big chances for FC Kosice and only 1 for Zilina, the draw remains a plausible outcome.