Luis Vázquez has promised to recover after his remarkable late miss in Birmingham City's 2-1 win at Derby County. The Blues came from behind at Pride Park on Saturday to secure three key Championship points, but the game ended with a moment of infamy for the substitute striker.
Vázquez entered the fray in the 74th minute with his side leading 2-1. In the dying moments, Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström parried a low Ethan Laird shot directly into the 25-year-old's path, leaving the net gaping from close range. Vázquez somehow failed to convert, sending his effort wide of the target. The miss would have sealed a more comprehensive victory but did not affect the final score.
Vázquez's response
Speaking after the match, Vázquez took full responsibility for the error. "I really just missed a wide open net," he said. "It's simple as that, everyone makes mistakes on the job, it's part of life." His candid admission was welcomed by supporters who saw the team's overall resilience as the bigger story.
How the Blues turned it around
The victory was built on a quick response to falling behind. Derby's Bobby Clark opened the scoring in the 40th minute, but Birmingham hit back almost immediately. Carlos Vicente equalised just two minutes later, assisted by Liam Millar. Paik Seung-Ho then put the visitors ahead in the 63rd minute, again set up by the influential Millar. The result continues a solid start to the campaign for Tom Brady's side, who now sit 10th in the Championship with 10 points from seven matches.
This win forms part of a recent run of two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five outings. The sequence includes a 2-1 defeat at Norwich and home draws with Wolves and Southampton. The three points at Pride Park provide a timely boost ahead of a significant test next weekend. Birmingham host third-placed Middlesbrough at St Andrew's on Saturday, 19 September. The last meeting between the sides ended in a 3-1 home defeat for the Blues back in March. Patrick Roberts remains sidelined for the club, with his absence noted on the injuries list. The full squad available for selection is detailed on our squad page.
While Vázquez's miss sparked immediate comparisons to some of football's most famous blunders, the forward's focus is already on the next challenge. His commitment to moving on will be needed as Birmingham aim to climb the table further against a high-flying Middlesbrough side.
Further reading: ESPN
