Juventud de Torremolinos has had to carry out construction work to be ready for its first league home game. In fact, its first two matches were played away from home and in Madrid, against Atlético's reserve side (2-2 on matchday 1) and Castilla (a 2-0 defeat in the round). In the third, they must host Real Zaragoza.
For some time, there were doubts that El Pozuelo would be able to host matchday 3. The pitch had to be extended lengthwise and widthwise, from 100x60 metres to 106x63, and temporary stands had to be installed. This was because part of the playing surface had to take the place of what, just a few weeks ago, were stands. In short, before playing Real Zaragoza, Juventud de Torremolinos had to adapt its stadium.
Real Zaragoza in the victory against Antequera. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
And it is now ready. After training for part of the week at facilities provided by Málaga C.F., Real Zaragoza's opponent last season who were promoted to the Primera División, the team from Málaga province returned to El Pozuelo on Thursday. The side tested the football stadium following its facelift.
It has now been expanded to 106x63 metres, while retaining the same capacity of 3,000 spectators thanks to the recently installed temporary stand. Juventud de Torremolinos has allocated 123 tickets—all those available in El Pozuelo's north stand—to Real Zaragoza supporters. Almost all of them have been sold.
THURSDAY, FIRST TRAINING SESSION
Juventud de Torremolinos trained on Thursday at its usual ground before hosting Real Zaragoza on Sunday. The remnants of the work carried out this summer to adapt the stadium for the competition can still be seen. It was an important issue for the club on the Costa del Sol.
Real Zaragoza must visit a stadium that remains modest, with the stands very close to the players. It remains to be seen how Ibai Gómez's team adapts to this uncomfortable trip. It is by no means the only one in the division, and they have to win just as they do any other match.
