In this way, on the fourth matchday of Spain’s third tier, Real Zaragoza wants to continue counting its matches at a Zaragoza stadium as victories, with the venue currently boasting a 100 percent record of wins for the home side this season. To keep improving those numbers, Ibai’s team host Cartagena this Sunday at 8:30 p.m. Cartagena are yet to lose at the start of the campaign, having beaten Algeciras and drawn with Nastic de Tarragona and Rayo Majadahonda.
Last season’s home record was a long way from turning Ibercaja Stadium into the fortress Ibai Gómez is now seeking. Real Zaragoza struggled badly at home, winning just four of a possible 21 matches and dropping numerous points in one of the main symptoms that led to the historic relegation to the third tier of Spanish football.
Now, with a revamped squad, a new coach and a different style of play, Real Zaragoza’s objective is to radically change that trend. The first step came at the start of the season, with a dramatic victory over Antequera thanks to a late goal from Edu Espiau. Cartagena will now provide the next test to determine whether Ibercaja Stadium is beginning to recover the fortress-like character Real Zaragoza needs.
THE FANS, KEY TO THE CAMPAIGN
Another factor that could prove decisive throughout the season is the fans. Zaragoza supporters have responded to relegation and once again demonstrated their loyalty, with season-ticket figures already surpassing those recorded throughout the previous campaign. The Aragonese club currently has more than 23,000 season-ticket holders (18,227 with seats and 4,914 Zaragoza supporters without an assigned seat), a response that once again highlights the loyalty and importance of the club’s fan base.
Moreover, that support will be even more important in a division where home advantage can make a difference. Real Zaragoza wants every home match to be an opportunity to claim three points, with the atmosphere in the stands pushing the team through the most difficult moments. The connection between the squad and the fans therefore appears to be one of the keys to helping the side remain strong in the battle to return to professional football.
