This Saturday, the two sides will meet at Ibercaja Estadio at 21:00. Real Zaragoza must overcome an S.D. Huesca side that has changed coaches, with Albert Rudé now in charge, something that “has done them a lot of good”. “They are a very dangerous team; their approach is already showing results in a short space of time,” he said.
Ibai Gómez did not hesitate to describe a match in which “the emotional aspect” will come into play as “difficult”. “The strong team, the emblem of Aragón, is Real Zaragoza and that could be a boost for them. We accept that naturally, knowing it will be extremely difficult because they have improved in recent weeks,” he said.
JUST ANOTHER MATCH
In any case, for Real Zaragoza it is just another match. Its importance is “vital”, but “as it is every weekend”. He did appeal to the “emotional” aspect and to playing with “as much composure as possible”. This is important.
Logically, as in every match if the objective is to lead the standings at the end of the matchday, “a draw is no good”. They will have to adapt to the circumstances while also imposing their style against Huesca. Opponents are also showing less of their strengths, making it “more difficult to get things right”.
One of the keys will be taking the lead. Real Zaragoza have been struggling at the start of matches. “I don't know whether it is difficult for us or whether the opponents are maintaining their energy for longer. It is difficult for us to maintain it. Matches last more than 95 minutes. If we take the lead, it will be very difficult for them to turn it around. As a team, they have not created chances against us,” Ibai Gómez explained.
NOT REPEAT THE LAST ONE
The Real Zaragoza coach was asked about the last Aragón derby, in which Pulido constantly provoked his opponents and goalkeeper Esteban Andrada eventually brutally assaulted him. The goalkeeper threw such a powerful punch that it left his cheekbone completely swollen.
“I had to turn off the television. It has to be experienced with sporting rivalry, while being clear that it is a sport and that we are role models,” Ibai Gómez said. So there must be “maximum sporting rivalry”, specifically “as every weekend”. In addition, “the stands will be spectacular”. Real Zaragoza must claim three vital points.
