arem 3 - 0 Riczu (379720254)

2174 fans braved the pouring rain at Arem Stadium. Łukasz Gaweł was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Joffrey Charton and Lukas Pannabecker. arem had chosen a strategic 5-5-0 formation. Lineup: Brzozowski - Pedrosa, Lestuzzi, Eckstål, Vigna, Gustavsson - Kashani, Filosa, Eloy, Jiménez, Salínas -.

Riczu decided to use a 2-5-3 set up. Starters: Zeissner - Garví, Heidl - Tolck, Mannteufel, Dri, Romeo, Kowarsch - Turella, Santos, Bengüler.

For their match strategy, arem had decided to use their ability to counter-attack whenever possible. It was obvious that Riczu were using their pressing skill as their primary tactic. With 3 minutes played, seemingly due to lack of experience, J. Pedrosa needlessly tripped an opponent just outside the penalty area, but the free kick that followed didn't succeed. arem took the lead 9 minutes in, as F. Filosa broke through on the left and put the 1 - 0 shot just beyond the reach of the outstretched keeper. A. Lestuzzi of arem received a yellow card after 10 minutes for unsportsmanlike behaviour. Riczu's coach was not happy when J. Mannteufel missed a penalty 12 minutes into the match. Riczu's talent at pressing frustrated the spectators as the game became a dire midfield struggle. K. Kowarsch was struggling to make the ball dance with his usual trickery and panache, and the opposing players had little trouble shutting him down in these muddy conditions. arem hit back on the counter attack 33 minutes into the game with a free kick. Initially it seemed wasted, hit wide towards the wing. But there was an idea to it - the ball was then crossed towards H. Salínas, who was waiting for it in the box. That's 2 - 0! Don't forget to thank the set pieces coach for that idea! 2 - 0 was the score after the first half. arem enjoyed most of the ball, as they maintained 52 percent of possession.

arem's L. Eckstål got himself booked for a foul. The arem players could smell victory in the air. P. Vigna wasn't in a hurry to leave the field as he was substituted for G. Achenza after 61 minutes. The arem free kick 61 minutes into the match seemed wasted, as the shot was both short and off target. But was this actually a plan? The ball landed at the feet of J. Pedrosa, who was completely unmarked in the box. That's 3 - 0! Confident in their lead, arem's players relaxed and focused more on defending the lead than increasing it. arem's H. Salínas was shown a yellow card after 78 minutes for slicing down an opponent. E. Zeissner of Riczu had to be helped off the pitch as an injury meant he was unable to finish the game. J. Schwoll came in to finish the match. Possession in this half belonged to arem, who controlled the ball 53 percent of the time.

arem's top performer was clearly P. Eloy. F. Filosa on the other hand, had a terrible day. A. Dri performed admirably for Riczu. On the other hand, J. Schwoll's play was disheartening. The match ends 3 - 0.