On a day they will remember for the rest of their lives, Real Zaragoza's three young footballers had the chance to make their first-team debuts in the second half. Laken Torres came on in the 62nd minute to replace Pau Sans and lead the attack. At that same moment, Lalo Arantegui also made his debut, replacing Gabilondo and taking over at right-back for Zaragoza.
The last to come on was Sergio Beltrán 'Ratón'. The forward entered in the 72nd minute in place of Diego Monzón and took up a position on the left wing of Zaragoza's attack. As well as enjoying his first minutes with the senior side, he had a couple of chances to make his mark as a goalscorer, although he was unable to convert them in a match that the Aragonese club settled quickly in the first half.
Moreover, the debuts came in a match that highlighted the importance of the academy to Zaragoza's project. Tobajas, Monzón, Saidu, Cuenca and Barrachina were among the representatives of Zaragoza's talent pool, with Pau Sans and Hugo Pinilla serving as the main finishers. The winger scored twice, including a penalty and a spectacular strike from the edge of the box, while the attacking midfielder celebrated his first goal for the senior side with a composed finish that showcased his quality.
LALO ARANTEGUI'S MESSAGE
In this way, the Copa del Rey left Real Zaragoza with an encouraging image in Tudela: several young players seizing their opportunity and taking a step forward in the club's colors. One of them, in particular, received the support of the Aragonese club's current sporting director, Lalo Arantegui, after making his debut in the first round of the cup competition.
The Zaragoza executive shared an emotional message on social media after his son's debut: "A day you will never forget. A day I will never forget." The post reflected the personal significance of a day that will remain etched in the memory of both of them, as well as several members of a Real Zaragoza academy determined to keep proving that it has enough talent to earn a place in the first team.
