The Catalans showed their superiority from the start, also reflecting the difference in divisions, but the final minutes of the second half were like a punch to the jaw for the Aragonese side, which could not withstand the intensity of the match.
That brought an end to Calamocha’s first adventure in the Copa del Rey, in which they were making their debut in the competition. Despite the result, this day will always be remembered by the supporters of the Teruel club, which reached heights that will be very difficult to surpass given all the constraints facing the Bajo Aragón institution.
THE MATCH
The script was clear from the opening stages, with Calamocha sitting deep and Europa clearly in control. The striped side tried to build attacks down the flanks through Cancelo and Flavio, but the Teruel team’s defensive wall proved insurmountable. Although everything suggested that any mistake could condemn the Aragonese side, it did not take long for that to happen at Jumaya.
An error while playing the ball out allowed Zayzoun to win possession near the opposition area and place the ball into the left side of the goal defended by Calavia, who could do little to prevent the opening goal just after the 20-minute mark. Calamocha had a great deal of work ahead of them, facing an extremely difficult task.
Sergio Lagunas’ side created little danger for the remainder of the first half, and the teams went into the break with the Catalans holding a narrow lead at the Teruel venue. Calamocha had 45 minutes left to try to keep their dream alive.
SECOND HALF
The Jiloca side came out all guns blazing after the break and created very clear chances to level the match within five minutes, but such opportunities cannot be squandered when you know you may later pay the price. Europa withstood that Aragonese push in search of an equalizer, but the match changed completely as the striped side lost its way after an impressive first 45 minutes.
However, an error by Escuín led to Gori Gracia winning the ball, and Khalid scored the second with a fine finish with just over 15 minutes remaining. The goal was a cold shower for Calamocha’s hopes. The Moroccan-born forward appeared again to put the final blow to the Bajo Aragón side and seal the match.
TEAM SHEET
C.F. Calamocha: Calavia; So Delgado (Chorén, 72'), Escuín, Ginovés, Pérez, Solbes (Casas, 46'); Gomes, Jorge López, Celes, Íñigo Cortés (Ibchenko, 83') and Jorge Álvarez (Joel Andrés, 72').
C.E. Europa: Madrigal, Sgrò, Campeny, Edo, Cancelo; Tito, Gori Gracia (Anglés, 83'), Mascaró (Morales, 67'); Ribeiro (Pallarés, 76'), Zayzoun (Cadenas, 67') and Expósito (Khalid, 67').
Referee: Gaizka Altuna. Booked Jorge López (6'), Solbes (10'), So Delgado (57'), Escuín (72') and Pallarés (86').
Goals: 0-1, Zayzoun (23'); 0-2, Khalid (73') and 0-3, Khalid (80').
Match details: Copa del Rey first-round match played at Jumaya (Calamocha).
