USO GALAXY 3-2 PPZ 2014

The 18th day of Group 2 of Series A pits USO Galaxy and PPZ 2014 against each other, a clou match - for the guests - for the purpose of the final victory. After wins at Queen's and St. John's (but especially after two consecutive defeats) the Sarezzo boys are forced to win in order not to lose more ground ahead of the decisive sprint. The Galaxy are also coming off two consecutive knockouts, but the comforting performances offered chase away the word "crisis" from the environment, although they still need to pick up a few more points to permanently oust themselves from the salvation struggle.

Bertolini has the full complement at his disposal except Gamba, who is expected at GalaxyLab this week to check the status of his recovery from his strain. The only change to the starting 7 from the last outing is Zammarchi in place of Mazzetti. Giallorossi therefore present themselves with Martinuz; Romeo; Gazzoli, Magri, Zammarchi, Belotti; Bergamaschi (a disp. Crea, Mazzetti, Fioretti, Bregoli F., Bregoli D., Boccuti).

Galaxy in usual yellow and red outfit, guests showing up in black and white outfits.

The match begins and the first moments are mainly used to understand how to set up the markings and the spaces to be occupied in both phases. The guests play on the extraordinary skills of their center forward, but Romeo proves equal to countering blow after blow. No noteworthy events are reported even though the match is energetic and hard-fought. Magri takes a risk in his own area by restraining his opponent, but the referee decides not to award the maximum penalty. The performers are aware that every little detail can decide the fate of a very balanced match. The offensive actions of the Bianconeri are cautious, almost with the handbrake pulled for fear of uncovering themselves, the result in all likelihood of the last two defeats that cost them the lead in the standings. The Galaxy, on the other hand, seem looser, if very alert and balanced. The Magri-Zammarchi pair works well in the midfield and the maneuvering benefits. Gazzoli is forced to work overtime to contain the advances of his direct opponent, so at halftime Bertolini opts to reverse the flanks, leaving Belotti to curb the 25-goal outside left in the league. The first half looks like it should die down on the 0-0 scoreline, but lo and behold, just before the double whistle, Belotti finds a diagonal track for Zammarchi's raid, who is very good at being found ta the lines and then depositing into the net with his left foot. We go to rest on the score of 1-0.

The resumption began with Francesco Bregoli entering the field for an exhausted Gazzoli. The Galaxy look fresher and more fluid than PPZ and in the 5th minute they double again with Zammarchi's left-footed shot, served beautifully by Bergamaschi. The guests feel the blow and the Magical Army begins to push hard. Belotti has an opportunity to set up the third, but his conclusion goes wide. A little later, Bregoli, Belotti and Bergamaschi pack the most beautiful action of the match (and perhaps of the entire league) with spectacular backheel exchanges all with first intentions, but the Giallorossi center forward gets his shot parried. At the hosts' best moment, however, here comes the inevitable mockery: in an attempt to restart on the counterattack Bregoli loses a very bad ball in midfield; the Giallorossi are badly arranged on the field and are punished at the first carelessness. The goal reinvigorated the HCL, frightening the hosts. Two minutes later even comes the doubling goal with a conclusion from inside the area. The match thus returns to a draw, and at this point the guests can count on the psychological advantage. Toward the end of the match, the HCL players recriminate for another penalty, but this time, too, the referee does not see any irregularity on the part of Bregoli. The Galaxy despite the two goals conceded did not play for the draw and had the merit of not getting upset. The guests' best chance happens in a scrum after a corner kick, but incredibly the ball does not go in and Martinuz manages to save. Zammarchi gives way amid applause to Mazzetti for the last minutes of the match. In full recovery Bergamaschi, author of an immense performance, earns a free kick from 25 meters. On the ball come Mazzetti and Magri. Number 19 touches close for the captain, who lets off a right-footed shot that is not angled at all, but strong enough to surprise the goalkeeper, probably visually obstructed by the crowd in the penalty area. Long Street Park explodes with joy and with it the entire Giallorossi bench. The guests recriminate an irregularity in the taking of the free kick, but from our point of view there seems to be nothing to report. There is very little left and to tell the truth there would even be an opportunity for the new guest equalizer, again in a scrum on the development of a free kick, but the ball ends high above the crossbar defended by Martinuz. Triple whistle.

The Galaxy find a victory that is worth gold, for the standings, but especially for morale and stomach (THANK YOU CARAC, ed.). Never had the Giallorossi managed to score with one of the Big3 in the class. The victory was well-deserved and the result of great team chemistry and superlative performances by individuals, above all Romeo and Bergamaschi. A breath of fresh air that was needed after the drubbing with Ome.

For the guests, the third consecutive setback after an extraordinary championship threatens to blur their Scudetto dreams. Nothing is yet decided and never as this year in all likelihood the championship will be decided on the last day and it could still be the Galaxy the needle of the scales...