Cagliari Vs Venezia: The Fierce Battle Of The Red Zone Team

JAKARTA - Gianluca Busio equalized in stoppage time to help Venezia share the points with Cagliari. He canceled out Keita Balde's opener in the 1-1 draw at Sardegna Arena on Friday night.

Both teams started the night in the red, as Venezia sit two points clear of the hosts ahead of the clash in Cagliari.

However, the Rossoblu showed their intentions early on and paved the way to give Walter Mazzarri his first win since taking over from Leonardo Semplici.

Joao Pedro and Keita started up front for the hosts, while Ethan Ampadu started his first game for Venice in midfield.

Nahitan Nandez appeared slick in the first minute, while Venezia 'sit back', giving space and time for the hosts to control the ball.

In the 19th minute, Casteddu took the lead through former Sampdoria striker Keita's header on the counter-attack.

Venice tried to retaliate and Dennis Johnsen almost equalized in the 26th minute. Alessio Cragno was then introduced, but the visitors struggled to compete with Cagliari in the first half.

Marin continued to be a star for the home side and his shot hit the post from outside the box.

Thomas Henry came on after the break and looked to give Cagliari more trouble, but the striker failed to test Cragno with his two attempts in the first seven minutes.

Cagliari came close to doubling the lead through Keita moments later when the striker arrived late and missed a fine cross from Nandez.

| FINALEChe peccato, pareggio.#CagliariVenezia 1-1 pic.twitter.com/9mzWfLuvuv

— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) October 1, 2021

Venezia made three changes before Mazzarri considered a substitution, and the first came when Keita was replaced by Leonardo Pavoletti in the 66th minute.

Norway's Johnsen came close on another occasion to give Venezia a point when Alessandro Deiola made a big mistake at the back.

The midfielder was then replaced by Gabriele Zappa in the hope of Cagliari closing the game and holding on to the three points in Sardinia.

However, Venezia found a way out via Ginluca Busio towards the end. The goal came for the visitors and Cagliari's celebration was cancelled. Both teams earned one point each in a fierce relegation battle.