Real Zaragoza somehow managed to get out of trouble without really knowing how. They were not better than Antequera at any stage of the match. However, points are what count here. Feelings do not count, only points. When you win and when you lose. The Blanquillos did their homework: they had to win and they did.
That said, the Blanquillos still have a long way to go. There is plenty of ground to cover and a great deal of work to do. Beating Antequera at home is no heroic feat for Real Zaragoza, but it did spare them an embarrassing debut in front of their fans. The Aragonese side achieved it thanks to Edu Espiau.
THE MATCH
The first thing that became clear was that there really would be changes to Real Zaragoza's starting XI. There was a radical reshuffle at the heart of the defense, with Diego González and Iranzo coming in, while Vadillo was given a place on the wing. Jardí's absence was surprising, as he was relegated to the bench for the second match of the campaign.
Real Zaragoza raised serious doubts in the first half. Antequera soon began to put pressure on the Blanquillos' goal. It was only the second minute when Gabilondo, rather than clearing, deflected the ball toward his own goal, allowing Parra to test Westerveld's alertness.
It was the visitors' first warning, and in general they were better than Real Zaragoza. Until the 15-minute mark, there was only danger from the visitors, and when the first chance for the home side arrived in the 16th minute, it came from a series of disorderly crosses. They caused chaos and could have led to the opening goal, but it was not to be.
Espiau celebrates Real Zaragoza's winning goal against Antequera. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
Antequera's intensity dropped as the clock advanced and Real Zaragoza took control of the ball, which had previously been dominated by their opponents. Even so, it was often only possible to talk about the Andalusian side. In the 20th minute, they came within inches of scoring, but after a combination of air shots and saves from Westerveld, the ball was eventually cleared.
The same happened at the other end on the counterattack. At least, something similar. Antequera blocked another ball in the six-yard box to preserve the 0-0 scoreline. While the Andalusians continued trying, generally down the right wing (Real Zaragoza's left), Ibai Gómez's side struggled to make an impact.
Perhaps the only highlight was a good move from Vadillo, whose cross into the area found Delgado, but Pau headed over. Little else. There were plenty of things to improve. Much more was needed.
SECOND HALF
Ibai Gómez, naturally, did not like anything he had seen. So he began the second half with a triple substitution: Sangalli, Jardí and Pereira came on for Gabilondo, Cuenca and Escudero. Real Zaragoza needed all three of them.
However, he could not have been particularly pleased with what followed either. There were no dangerous moves. The only chance before the 70th minute was a direct free-kick from Jardí after a handball by the visiting defense. Nothing more.
There was then a penalty – a very soft one, to put it generously – awarded for a foul on Sangalli, but Ander Herrera missed it. Memories of the past came flooding back. Real Zaragoza were doing nothing to deserve to win, were unable to create danger, and Antequera only had to sit deep. A very bad sign.
Cuenca was substituted at halftime in Real Zaragoza vs. Antequera. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
But then came the move that changed the match in the 90th minute. Bizarre, strange. Jardí sent in a long, overhit cross, but Diego González returned it into play and it struck the crossbar. Espiau charged in, finishing with his whole body and almost accompanying the ball into the back of the net.
That is how Real Zaragoza beat Antequera. Amid relief, laughter and the thought: “Look what we have come to.” But they had to win and they did. Now it is time to change everything that needs changing. And that is quite a lot.
TEAM SHEET
Real Zaragoza: Westerveld; Gabilondo (Sangalli, 46’), Diego González, Iranzo, Escudero (Pereira, 46’); Ander Herrera, Lucas Terrer; Cuenca (Jardí, 46’), Pau Sans (Espiau, 80’), Vadillo (Ureña, 72’); J. Delgado
Antequera C.F.: Alcóver; Javi Antón, Quintana, Iván Pérez, J. Martínez; Basséle, Aspra (Mangada, 46’); Adri Gené (Isra, 61’), Luismi (Samu Almagro, 80’), Moi Parra (Agüero, 61’); Destiny (Zarzana, 61’)
Referee: Joan Masip. Booked Aspra (22’), Agüero (44’), Rubo (50’), Iván Pérez (62’)
Goals: 1-0, Espiau (91’)
