This was Albert Rudé's first league victory since taking charge, following draws against Alcorcón and Antequera. The first three points with the Catalan coach on the bench lifted the Huesca side to 15 points and up to 10th place in the standings.
Diego Gómez was Huesca's best player, causing the most problems in the attacking area. Photo: S.D. Huesca
The relegation zone is now seven points away, while the blue-and-red side are already looking toward the top of the table, as they are just two points behind Ibiza, who occupy the promotion playoff spot.
THE MATCH
Albert Rudé appears to have a clearer idea of his preferred starting XI and named the same starters as in the previous match against Antequera. However, it is worth noting the absences of Sielva, Molina and Agustín Juárez, who are almost certain to be key players for the Aragonese side this season.
Huesca clearly dominated possession, partly because Nástic did not press and instead sat deep. However, despite controlling the ball, they created no danger, with their attacks proving sterile whenever they reached the final third. That changed with a fortunate move in which Pascu, following a ball played behind the opposing defense, delivered it into the area for Diego Gómez to finish unchallenged and put the Aragonese side ahead before the half-hour mark.
The grana side were completely lost on the El Alcoraz pitch, and Rudé's players tried to take advantage by extending their lead. However, Gaizka Ayesa had to produce his best to keep out clear efforts from Sergi Enrich and Douglas and prevent Huesca from putting more distance between the teams before halftime. Even so, 1-0 seemed a very narrow scoreline given Huesca's dominance over the 45 minutes and Nástic's wholly uncompetitive performance.
SECOND HALF
Huesca's plan remained exactly the same, while Xisco Campos brought on Borja Sánchez in search of a change in his team. However, the attacker himself nearly handed Huesca the decisive moment after making a mistake in his own area and bringing down Pascu. Following an extensive FVS review, though, the referee decided it was not enough to award a penalty. Nástic survived and continued in their dreadful form at the start of the second half.
Surprisingly, the Tarragona side came close to leveling the match with a point-blank effort from Bakis, but Gazzaniga reacted brilliantly to preserve the narrow lead. That response was only temporary, as Rudé's players quickly regained control of the match and Sergi Enrich squandered a clear opportunity, although his shot went just past Ayesa's post.
From a set-piece corner routine, Diego Gómez, who was outstanding and clearly his team's most influential player, struck from the edge of the area, forcing Ayesa to make a save. Fortunately, the ball hit the post after the goalkeeper's hand and Collado collected the rebound to make it 2-0 with just over 10 minutes remaining. Huesca managed to protect their lead, also aided by Darío Ramírez's sending-off, which took place during much of stoppage time, to claim their third win of the season, all of them achieved at El Alcoraz.
MATCH DETAILS
S.D. Huesca: Gazzaniga; Víctor García, Fornos (Djetei, min 74'), Kembo, Salva Ruiz; Gorostidi, Jimmy Suárez (Mario García, min 83'), Pascu (Luismi Redondo, min 64'); Diego Gómez, Douglas Aurelio (Diego Collado, min 64') and Sergi Enrich (Christian Herrera, min, 74').
Nástic de Tarragona: Ayesa; Joseda, Fran Gil, Van Rijn, Manel Royo (Pere Marco, min 78'), Almansa; Meshak (Borja Sánchez, min 46'), Montalvo, Eugeni Valderrama (Gabarri, min 64'); Segura (Darío Ramírez, min 71') and Sinan Bakis (Diego Gómez, min 71').
Referee: Pacheco Cotero. Booked Joseda (min 41'), Gorostidi (min 77') and Pere Marco (min 99'). Sent off Darío Ramírez for two yellow cards (min 72' and min 97').
Goals: 1-0, Diego Gómez (min 29'); 2-0, Diego Collado (min 81')
Match information: Matchday 10 fixture in Group II of Primera RFEF played at El Alcoraz (Huesca).
