At first glance, the only absence Real Zaragoza will have is Peter Ademo. The midfielder developed a fever on Friday and therefore did not train with his teammates. So, barring a surprise, he will not be able to play against Antequera.
The rest, if nothing unexpected happens, will be available. They will form part of a Real Zaragoza side for which the only acceptable feeling is victory: the sense of calm that comes from celebrating a goal, and seeing that the team can get back on track after a heavy defeat.
Coach Ibai Gómez defended his team. He spoke about performances, merit, chances, the speed of the ball, possession… everything that is not goals. The coach does believe that, with these elements, Real Zaragoza will win far more often than it draws or loses.
Peter Ademo, Real Zaragoza's new player. Photo: Tino GIl/Real Zaragoza
Well, here comes the first opportunity to prove it. It is time for all the means to finally serve the purpose for which they were devised: victory. Neither chances nor the speed of ball circulation have value ‘per se’; they are merely methods for scoring. Without that, they are useless.
So the time has come for everything to come to fruition. For Real Zaragoza to create play, move the ball at full speed, find its forwards and turn chances into goals. At the back, with a strong and fast defense, the goal must remain untouched. With that, everyone will be happy: performances and, above all, three more points.
A STARTING XI WITH NEW FACES
Changes are expected in Real Zaragoza's starting XI. Not many, but some. For now, one of these three players will start: Iranzo, Ureña or Sangalli. They are the latest arrivals, but one of them will already earn a starting berth in Ibai Gómez's lineup this weekend.
The coach himself hinted at that. And everything points to changes coming in the team's defense. The back four of Gabilondo, Barrachina, Tachi and Escudero could be reshaped. Even more so considering that Diego González returns after completing the protocol following a concussion, while Iranzo has another week of training under his belt. In addition to the center-backs, Sangalli has also arrived, although there is room for only one of the two.
The midfield and attack offer fewer new elements. They remain exactly the same, apart from the aforementioned Ademo. However, he was a substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Nàstic.
HOME DEBUT
Real Zaragoza make their home debut… and it remains to be seen whether it will truly feel like home. It was not the case last season, logically, because losing La Romareda means losing a home. After playing 42 rounds away from it, we will see whether this time the number of matches carrying that label remains at 19. First test, first examination in the Aragonese capital and, please, the first win of the season.
