Ibai Gómez is fully aware of that. Against a lower-ranked and less prominent opponent, but with the respect demanded by the surprises that are commonplace in the tournament, he has opted to give an opportunity to players who have seen only occasional minutes. Those chosen to honor the legacy of six-time champions Real Zaragoza are Anartz; Gabilondo, Tachi, Barrachina, Pereira; Saidu, Monzón, Pinilla; Cuenca, Pau Sans and Joaquín Delgado.
Cuenca signs autographs for Real Zaragoza fans after training. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
It is worth remembering that several of these players began the season viewed as starters for Real Zaragoza. Ibai Gómez is trying to bring back into contention players capable of challenging for a starting spot in the day-to-day competition. Giving them an opportunity in the knockout tournament is the most common formula.
Saidu, Pau Sans and Joaquín Delgado are three of those players who could provide Real Zaragoza with a significant quality boost if they are fully fit. Giving them playing time in a cup match against a mid-table Segunda RFEF opponent (the fourth tier) is a good way to regain their scoring touch, build match fitness and feel important. To achieve that, an upset cannot be allowed to happen.
A PITCH IN POOR CONDITION
Real Zaragoza's coach has said that the pitch is not in the condition required to play the kind of football his team intends to play. Ibai Gómez did not hesitate to describe the state of the playing surface as “horrible.” But this is where his team must secure its passage to the next round.
“The match will probably be ugly; the pitch is horrible. It will not be nice to watch, I am saying that before we suffer any kind of surprise. We have to compete very well. For me and for the players who do not play as much, it is an opportunity to compete and enjoy ourselves,” the coach summed up in his pre-match press conference.
It does not have to be easy or comfortable. But it is clear that Real Zaragoza need to progress to the next round. That would be the best outcome for this B unit, which is looking to prove itself and demand a place, even if that comes during a visit to a lesser side.
THROUGH TO THE NEXT ROUND
To honor the Copa del Rey and the six titles Real Zaragoza have in their trophy cabinet, progressing against Tudelano is mandatory. Despite the poor condition of the pitch, despite the indignity of competing as a non-professional team and of playing in the third division of Spanish football. The Copa is the Copa.
