It was a more practical than entertaining game. Jaume Jardí’s goal came when the Aragonese side were struggling most, after they had been reduced to 10 men on the field. But what matters here—what is tangible and what earns points—is the victory. And in that regard, Real Zaragoza have secured three wins in four matches. In other words, nine points from a possible 12.
Rubén Díez ‘Jamelli’ also deserves a special mention. He was a vital part of Real Zaragoza. Without him, the Aragonese side’s play suffered considerably. The midfielder’s recovery is vital if the team are to string together victories.
THE MATCH
The changes Real Zaragoza coach Ibai Gómez had predicted came to pass. More than the systems and the new faces, however, what stood out was taking to the field without a recognized striker. Terrer, Jamelli and Ureña appeared in a starting lineup that left out Ander Herrera (not selected), Pau Sans and Delgado, meaning the Aragonese side would be without a traditional No. 9.
A win would see Real Zaragoza move into the upper reaches of the standings. It showed, as the Aragonese side started well at Ibercaja Estadio. The pressure and dangerous crosses began soon after, with Vadillo, the surprise reference point, unable to get a shot away.
Real Zaragoza were the better side in possession, although they needed to create more danger when building their attacks. Cartagena made things very difficult for themselves in this regard. By then, Rubén Díez was already the best player for the Aragonese side, and he had the first chance after 10 minutes. The Aragonese player won the ball back well and found himself one-on-one with Lucho, but he was put under pressure when shooting and could not score the opener.
Jamelli reacts during Real Zaragoza vs. Cartagena. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
Cartagena were taking risks that Real Zaragoza had clearly studied. They held on to the ball for very little time because Ibai Gómez’s side were constantly winning it back in dangerous areas. In the 23rd minute, after a great move, the Aragonese player had another shot following a pass from Sangalli, but it struck the post. Once again, it went wide.
However, whenever the home side managed to turn their dominance into chances, the Murcia-based team exploited their weaknesses at the back. In fact, they had a chance similar to the one mentioned above in the 26th minute, but Westerveld kept out the shot instead of the post. Moreover, a possible penalty in the Real Zaragoza area was reviewed in the 29th minute. Cartagena continued to create chances, with two more before halftime. Luca came close to heading the ball home from inside the six-yard box, and in the 40th minute Da Costa got a shot away after a turnover, but it was poor.
Real Zaragoza could also have taken the lead. Rubén Díez, around whom all of the Aragonese side’s play revolved, slipped a pass through to Vadillo, allowing him to go one-on-one with Lucho and even dribble past him. But he could not turn the ball into the net. That was how halftime arrived, with play, chances and a sense of danger. Perhaps Real Zaragoza had offered slightly more. But on the scoreboard, it was 0-0.
SECOND HALF
Real Zaragoza made a poor start to the second half. Ribeiro soon threatened with a shot toward the side netting that could easily have become the opponent’s opener. It seemed as though they had left their heads in the dressing room.
That was precisely what happened to Mvondo in the 49th minute, when he kicked Vadillo and was shown a straight red card. Just when Real Zaragoza were playing at their worst, they received the best possible news. And the Aragonese side made no mistake.
Two minutes later, in the 51st minute, Real Zaragoza scored. With Cartagena completely weakened, Ureña reached the byline, pulled the ball back and Jardí headed home to make it 1-0.
Rubén Díez, crucial for Real Zaragoza, during another moment of the match. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
It seemed it would be plain sailing for Ibai Gómez’s team. Nothing could have been further from the truth. From that point on, Real Zaragoza began to suffer heavily.
Cartagena took control of the ball and began to play football despite being a man down. They also tried to exploit Real Zaragoza’s considerable struggles with set pieces. And after a poor exit from Westerveld in the 63rd minute, the visiting side could have equalized. Fortunately, they could not find a player to finish the move.
Real Zaragoza could not take control of the ball or the game. But Cartagena’s energy was running out. The chances of scoring a second goal began to emerge, more so than the possibility of an equalizer. From the 80th minute onward, the match truly began to wind down despite the tension.
Real Zaragoza won and have now reached the upper reaches of the standings. The challenge now is to stay there. Little by little.
MATCH DETAILS
Real Zaragoza: Westerveld; Sangalli, Iranzo, Diego González, Pereira (Escudero, 57’); Terrer, Jamelli (Delgado, 57’), Ademo (Gabilondo, 82’); Ureña (Pau Sans, 65’), Vadillo, Jardí (Cuenca, 82’)
Cartagena F.C.: Lucho; Marc Jurado (Perejón, 61’), Luca, Imanol Baz, Corral; Mvondo, De Blasis; Toni Villa (Guti, 61’), Javier Ajendo, Dacosta; Ribeiro
Referee: David López. Booked Jurado (9’), Imanol Baz (17’), Iranzo (39’) and Terrer (56’). Sent off Mvondo (49’)
Goals: 1-0, Jardí (51’).
