The Aragon derby filled Pinilla to capacity and was experienced as exactly what it was. The atmosphere in the stands was electric at a stadium eager to see its team claim its first victory. Even more so because this was a match with an added layer of rivalry. After all, a derby is not played every day.
Albisua opened the scoring in the 38th minute to make it 1-0, while Juárez made it 1-1 in the 76th minute. After the 95th minute, Juárez headed the ball again, Zarco could not hold it and it appeared to cross the goal line. The review ultimately ruled that it had not.
THE MATCH
Both sides showed a certain degree of caution in the first half, perhaps more so Huesca. Although Teruel had no intention of conceding, it was the team trying to do more in front of the opposition goal. The reality, however, was that despite the intensity of the contest, chances were few and far between during the opening half.
That changed when Teruel delivered the first blow to S.D. Huesca from a crucial set piece. The delivery into the heart of the area from a wide free kick in the 38th minute was excellent, as was Albisua's positioning for the second ball. After a deflection, he collected it, controlled it and made it 1-0.
It was reviewed for a long time, around four minutes, but the goal stood. Teruel, through Mario Sesé, could then have scored a second just before halftime, while Huesca were completely stunned. They had offered almost nothing, which was genuinely concerning.
SECOND HALF
On paper, Teruel had control of the match. The game grew in intensity and tempo, with numerous stoppages and fouls. There were no cards, however.
Just when the hosts appeared to be comfortable, an individual piece of brilliance arrived, the kind that usually changes the course of important matches. Juárez, a standout player in the division, received the ball in the area, dribbled past Zarco and made it 1-1. Anything could still happen, with the clock showing only the 76th minute.
And happen it did. After the 90th minute, Juárez once again took advantage of a defensive mistake to get a shot away, causing Zarco to spill the ball, which appeared to cross the goal line. It was reviewed by the division's VAR, but the verdict saved Teruel and condemned Huesca. In the end, the match finished level in a thrilling draw that, truth be told, satisfied neither side.
TEAM SHEETS
C.D. Teruel: Zarco, Joserra (Llácer, 75'), Álvaro López, Nicholas (Felipe, 90'), Relu, Redón, Romera, Albisua, Gallardo (Christos, 80'), Sesé (Moraitis, 80') and Moreno (Borikó, 75').
S.D. Huesca: Gazzaniga; García, Molina, Kembo, Salva Ruiz; Diego (Redondo, 63'), Gorostidi, Sielva (Jimmy, 63'), Pascu; Juárez and Sergi Enrich (Tresaco, 63').
Referee: José David Martínez Montalbán. Booked Gallardo (31'), Álvaro López (65'), Joserra (69') and Borge (90+1').
Goals: 1-0, Albisua (min 38); 1-1, Juárez (min 76').
