Post-match Review

The referee's penalty decision after a VAR review shifted the entire structure of the match. Up to that moment the defensive shape had held firm, but the goal that followed broke the first-half stalemate and forced one side to chase.

The tactical change at the start of the second half was the most significant coaching decision of the match. Moving from a deep block to a more aggressive press changed where turnovers happened and immediately created pressure in areas that had been quiet for the first hour.

The numerical advantage removed any remaining uncertainty. Once the teams were unequal the match settled into a pattern that left little doubt about the outcome. The final twenty minutes became about managing the lead rather than contesting the result.