Real Zaragoza returned to training this Wednesday at 11 a.m. following Tuesday afternoon's session. The only notable absence from the Aragonese team was Vadillo. All the other players trained under the orders of the Basque coach.
After the opening runs, the team moved on to exercises replicating the small Can Dragó stadium, where Real Zaragoza must visit—and win against—Europa. A very small playing area, barely a few metres wide, was marked out, with the outfield players inside it. Three goalkeepers remained outside.
Ibai Gómez in an archive image with Real Zaragoza. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
The exercise then took the form of a game with four small goals, in addition to the three goalkeepers mentioned above, whose task was obviously not to defend the tiny goals. This meant the ball had to circulate in a very confined area. The players also had to adapt to this way of playing.
At first glance, Ibai Gómez was delighted with how his players adapted. His every reaction was encouraging toward the Real Zaragoza players, who came together for brief corrections.
Several players stood out during the exercise, in which not all members of the squad took part during the period open to the press. Tobajas, covered by Sangalli, looked sharp, while Edu Espiau scored several goals. Overall, everyone impressed Ibai—at least judging by his reactions.
THE MATCH
Real Zaragoza held its penultimate training session before the match against Europa this Wednesday. The game will be played at Can Dragó, which has a capacity of 3,000 spectators and a small playing surface. However, the Catalan side is not entirely comfortable there either, having been forced to use the ground because it cannot play at Nou Cerdenya.
The stadium is located in the Gracia neighborhood, where Europa is based, but it has an artificial pitch. As logistical issues have made it impossible to carry out the work required to switch to natural grass, the team has been forced to leave its usual surroundings and move to Can Dragó, in Nou Barris.
This is where Real Zaragoza urgently need to return to winning ways. They cannot afford a third setback if they want to reclaim top spot in Group II of Primera RFEF.
