Fortuna takes huge step with victory over Vitesse

The stakes of the match were high. Vitesse started the game against Fortuna with two points less than the home club, the team from Arnhem was on top for most of the first half. Phillip Cocu's team had clearly drawn confidence from the previous three games, in which it collected seven points. Through Million Manhoef and Matus Bero, the guests were dangerous in the opening stages. After more than twenty minutes, a beautiful shot by Maximilian Wittek landed on the top of the crossbar. Gradually in the first half, Fortuna also showed some attacking strength, Kristijan Bistrovic and Umaro Embeló tested the qualities of Vitesse goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.

Fortuna started the second half brighter, and after only six minutes that yielded results. After a cross from Ivo Pinto, Gladon trumped his direct opponents, the long striker sent the ball into the goal with his head thanks to perfect timing: 1-0. The goal felt like a liberation and was applauded by players and supporters. Fortuna quickly tried to force a final decision in the match, Gladon was close to a second goal. A cross from the left by Umaro almost resulted in an own goal.

Vitesse made three changes after 65 minutes of play. One of the substitutes, Bartosz Bialek, was close to an equalizer after a free kick from Wittek. Ivor Pandur reflexively prevented a counter goal. Fifteen minutes before time, an individual action by Umaro provided the final decision in the match. The fast outside player freed himself from his direct opponent and surprised goalkeeper Scherpen with a shot from the edge of the penalty area into the short corner: 2-0. The guests did not have the resilience to go on the offensive after that, Fortuna kept going in the closing stages without too many problems.

Line-up: Pandur, Pinto, Guth, Navarro (70’ Siovas), Cox (78’ Duarte), Bistrovic (85’ Özyakup), Erdogan, Córdoba, Noslin (85’ Buitink), Gladon, Embaló (78’ Vita)