Europa and Bruno fought it out for the points

It was a tight first 15 minutes, played largely in the middle third of the pitch. Europa gradually grew in confidence, showing the greater threat and forcing Bruno’s back.
The resumption of the league after the international break was always going to be an early test. Last season both sides had battled fiercely for third place. Although Europa eventually finished in that position, it was Bruno’s who claimed European football through winning the cup. There was, therefore, something to prove on both sides.
For Europa, it was important to get points on the board. For Bruno’s, the same applied. Coming into the match, Europa had one win and one loss. Bruno’s had two draws.
With twenty minutes gone, there had been few chances, but what there were came from Europa. That seemed to wake Bruno’s up, though they lacked fluidity going forward. Some of their players had recently been with the national side and were heavily involved during the break. Whether this explained their lack of cohesion was anyone’s guess.
In the 25th minute, Vinet carved out a great chance for Europa, forcing goalmouth action that left Bruno’s keeper scrambling. When the ball was floated back into the six-yard box, he had to punch clear. Three minutes later, Europa again sent the ball across the goalmouth, but without success.
Bruno’s responded briefly, carrying the ball forward, but were quickly forced to chase back. On 32 minutes Mustafa broke past his defender to the byline, but his cross was miscued and another shot flew wide. Moments later Bruno’s earned a free kick at the other end, testing Zappacosta, who gathered confidently.
Europa were punished heavily for their failure to convert. On 35 minutes, Bruno’s won a free kick at the edge of the box. A brilliant curling delivery at mid-height to the far post was met for the opening goal, Zappacosta unable to reach it at full stretch. Four minutes later Bruno’s were forced into a change through injury, but they finished the half stronger. Europa were suddenly on the back foot as Bruno’s grew in confidence, creating chances to add to their lead.
The second half began physically, with Bruno’s collecting two yellow cards in the opening five minutes. Europa raised the tempo, pressing forward in search of the equaliser. By the hour mark they were dominating possession, playing with urgency, but still lacking the decisive final ball.
Much like the first half, Europa were in control of the play, but Bruno’s led and were content to remain compact and protect their advantage. The pressure, however, told in the 66th minute. Vinet created the space that allowed the final ball through, and Europa finally forced the equaliser.
The match opened up after that, both teams seeking the winner. Bruno’s brought on Borge, who had featured internationally, just as Europa struck the crossbar in the 79th minute. Europa then introduced Liam Walker for Vinet and De Castro to strengthen their attack.
The chances continued to fall Europa’s way. In the 81st minute a floated ball was flicked to the far post, bouncing off the upright, running across the line, and striking the other post before going out for a goal kick. It was their clearest opportunity yet.
On 86 minutes came another twist. Isak Ruiz was sent off after feigning a foul inside the box, receiving a second yellow card. Europa, down to ten men just as they were building momentum, had lost their key player in quick succession of bookings.
Still they did not ease off. Walker saw a shot deflected for a corner, and from the delivery he made the difference. His cross was perfectly placed and met with a clean header to make it 2–1 in the 88th minute, just two minutes after Europa had gone down to ten.
Six minutes of injury time followed, but Bruno’s failed to use their numerical advantage. Europa protected their late lead and claimed three crucial points in a hard-fought contest.