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Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....
- Thread starter The Penalty Box Dancer
- Start date
JimmyJeffers
Player Valuation: £70m
Battle of the disgraced mascots this one. Meth lion vs colonel Getafe. Not sure if there can really be a winner.
Ten day bump.
UTFZ
UTFZ
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Cadiz vs Real Zaragoza
28th September 2036
The seventh game of the season against a Cadiz side with one win in four. Cadiz seemed happy to allow Zaragoza to come forward whilst maintaining a deep line in the opening minutes. Zaragoza were slow on the counter attack but once Alvarez got the ball to Cobos and he found Rittmuller in space, the chance opened up as his threaded through ball to Zubillaga was inch perfect but he struck the post with the shot. Can some inspiration from Ferguson at half-time inspire this Zaragoza team? Cadiz came forward in the second half and Chapman done well to clear the danger but it came back through Konate as his cross found Blanco who slotted to give Cadiz the lead. Ferguson made changes with Jorge coming on for Alonso and Alvarado replacing Cobos as Ferguson went 4-3-3. Zaragoza's chance to equalise was squandered when Alvarez got to the byline and found Rittmuller at the back post in acres of space but his header went wide. Zaragoza exploited thje space down the left but could not finish as the balls came into the box, a poor day in front of goal for Zaragoza.
PLAYER RATINGS
Barcelona B vs Real Zaragoza
5th October 2036
Pablo lined up alongside Matty Chapman for his second league game of the season with Javi ruled out through injury and Xavier Alvarado led the line with Jose Zubillaga on the bench. Zaragoza started the match deep and absorbed the pressure but were not quick enough getting up the pitch on the counter. Clemens Rittmuller went down with an injury inside the first half and Richard Donkor came on to replace him. Chances were limited for Zaragoza but Barcelona had a few and Martinez pulled off a great save to deny Torres late on. Cobos brought the ball forward as the board went up for an additional three minutes, he played it in front of second half substitute Zubillaga and he lofted it towards the back post but it was cleared. Toni Galindo drove it forward and was urged to shoot but he floated it back over the crowded area, Cobos took it down and passed it to Romero just inside the box and his shot found it's way beating the keeper and hitting the back of the net! Is that the match winner? Barcelona had a late attack but it was cleared by Chapman, Zaragoza got the ball up the pitch but had seconds to hold on. Romero won it back from Garcia and surely that must be it? Donkor won his side a free-kick on 93 minutes and that was it! Zaragoza steal the win at the death!
DF: It wasn't a great game, they looked leggy late on and we stretched them a bit at the end. The goal was a piece of magic from Romero, he has that in his locker and he never stops working. He was the best player out there today and has been a brilliant servant to this club. Rittmuller is going to be out for a few weeks with a back muscle injury. He'll be properly assessed tomorrow.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Girona
11th October 2036
Girona were still unbeaten after 8 games and went up against a Zaragoza side that were missing Rittmuller through injury, Donkor on international duty and defender Javi through injury. Pablo failed a late fitness test so Juan Carlos Perez was back in the team. Ferguson started with a front three of Zubillaga, Alvarado and Granda with Jorge supporting the midfield. Jorge got the ball out wide to Alvarez and he played a nice one-two with Zubillaga, the cross came in for Alvarado but it was headed away, Alvarado tracked it down and played it to Granda and he curled a left footed shot into the bottom left corner on 5 minutes! Iglesias held off the challenge from Juan and played in Dario Perez who done well to shield the ball from Juan Carlos Perez and slotted low past Martinez to equalise on 39 minutes. Alvarez done well to regain possession on 53 minutes and a quick pass to Granda opened opportunities for Zaragoza, he played it to Zubillaga but his shot was kept out by the keeper. Chus Abadias came on for Alvarado and had the chance to win the match for Zaragoza as the ball was played long down the left on 91 minutes for Zubillaga and he crossed low to Abadias but his shot was well held by the keeper. The last chance of the match fell to Abadias who could not turn it home to seal the win.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Getafe
Copa Del Rey Third Round
15th October 2036
It was over to the Angel Torres stadium for the third round of the Copa Del Ray. Getafe were relegated to Segunda Division 2 last season after finishing 19th in the table. Ferguson went with a strong side led in attack by Zubillaga with support from Ioseba Flano. Zubillaga and Alonso linked up well in attack and Zubillaga's shot looked goal bound but the keeper tipped it away on 11 minutes. It was a slow first half and Ferguson made changes starting the second with the introduction of Granda and Alvarado in a 4-3-3 formation. Getafe were getting into forward into good positions but Zaragoza done well to deny them in front of goal. Jorge came on for Flano in the last 20 minutes. Time was running out and Jorge took control of the ball in the centre circle, he passed it wide to Zubillaga but the cross was closed down well. The match ran into stoppage time, Alvarez played the ball forward into the area and Zubillaga battled to win it, he shot on an angle but the keeper could not save it at the near post and it was 1-0 to Zaragoza on 91 minutes! Gabriel tried to get the cross in for Getafe in the last few seconds but Martinez urged his defenders to leave it as it ran out of play for a goal kick. The match ended and Zaragoza stole it at the end! They go into the fourth round!
DF: We conducted ourselves well out there despite being under pressure at times, to win at the end was magnificent and we just want to get a home draw in the next round to keep our run going as long as we can.
PLAYER RATINGS
28th September 2036
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The seventh game of the season against a Cadiz side with one win in four. Cadiz seemed happy to allow Zaragoza to come forward whilst maintaining a deep line in the opening minutes. Zaragoza were slow on the counter attack but once Alvarez got the ball to Cobos and he found Rittmuller in space, the chance opened up as his threaded through ball to Zubillaga was inch perfect but he struck the post with the shot. Can some inspiration from Ferguson at half-time inspire this Zaragoza team? Cadiz came forward in the second half and Chapman done well to clear the danger but it came back through Konate as his cross found Blanco who slotted to give Cadiz the lead. Ferguson made changes with Jorge coming on for Alonso and Alvarado replacing Cobos as Ferguson went 4-3-3. Zaragoza's chance to equalise was squandered when Alvarez got to the byline and found Rittmuller at the back post in acres of space but his header went wide. Zaragoza exploited thje space down the left but could not finish as the balls came into the box, a poor day in front of goal for Zaragoza.
PLAYER RATINGS
Barcelona B vs Real Zaragoza
5th October 2036
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Pablo lined up alongside Matty Chapman for his second league game of the season with Javi ruled out through injury and Xavier Alvarado led the line with Jose Zubillaga on the bench. Zaragoza started the match deep and absorbed the pressure but were not quick enough getting up the pitch on the counter. Clemens Rittmuller went down with an injury inside the first half and Richard Donkor came on to replace him. Chances were limited for Zaragoza but Barcelona had a few and Martinez pulled off a great save to deny Torres late on. Cobos brought the ball forward as the board went up for an additional three minutes, he played it in front of second half substitute Zubillaga and he lofted it towards the back post but it was cleared. Toni Galindo drove it forward and was urged to shoot but he floated it back over the crowded area, Cobos took it down and passed it to Romero just inside the box and his shot found it's way beating the keeper and hitting the back of the net! Is that the match winner? Barcelona had a late attack but it was cleared by Chapman, Zaragoza got the ball up the pitch but had seconds to hold on. Romero won it back from Garcia and surely that must be it? Donkor won his side a free-kick on 93 minutes and that was it! Zaragoza steal the win at the death!
DF: It wasn't a great game, they looked leggy late on and we stretched them a bit at the end. The goal was a piece of magic from Romero, he has that in his locker and he never stops working. He was the best player out there today and has been a brilliant servant to this club. Rittmuller is going to be out for a few weeks with a back muscle injury. He'll be properly assessed tomorrow.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Girona
11th October 2036
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Girona were still unbeaten after 8 games and went up against a Zaragoza side that were missing Rittmuller through injury, Donkor on international duty and defender Javi through injury. Pablo failed a late fitness test so Juan Carlos Perez was back in the team. Ferguson started with a front three of Zubillaga, Alvarado and Granda with Jorge supporting the midfield. Jorge got the ball out wide to Alvarez and he played a nice one-two with Zubillaga, the cross came in for Alvarado but it was headed away, Alvarado tracked it down and played it to Granda and he curled a left footed shot into the bottom left corner on 5 minutes! Iglesias held off the challenge from Juan and played in Dario Perez who done well to shield the ball from Juan Carlos Perez and slotted low past Martinez to equalise on 39 minutes. Alvarez done well to regain possession on 53 minutes and a quick pass to Granda opened opportunities for Zaragoza, he played it to Zubillaga but his shot was kept out by the keeper. Chus Abadias came on for Alvarado and had the chance to win the match for Zaragoza as the ball was played long down the left on 91 minutes for Zubillaga and he crossed low to Abadias but his shot was well held by the keeper. The last chance of the match fell to Abadias who could not turn it home to seal the win.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Getafe
Copa Del Rey Third Round
15th October 2036
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It was over to the Angel Torres stadium for the third round of the Copa Del Ray. Getafe were relegated to Segunda Division 2 last season after finishing 19th in the table. Ferguson went with a strong side led in attack by Zubillaga with support from Ioseba Flano. Zubillaga and Alonso linked up well in attack and Zubillaga's shot looked goal bound but the keeper tipped it away on 11 minutes. It was a slow first half and Ferguson made changes starting the second with the introduction of Granda and Alvarado in a 4-3-3 formation. Getafe were getting into forward into good positions but Zaragoza done well to deny them in front of goal. Jorge came on for Flano in the last 20 minutes. Time was running out and Jorge took control of the ball in the centre circle, he passed it wide to Zubillaga but the cross was closed down well. The match ran into stoppage time, Alvarez played the ball forward into the area and Zubillaga battled to win it, he shot on an angle but the keeper could not save it at the near post and it was 1-0 to Zaragoza on 91 minutes! Gabriel tried to get the cross in for Getafe in the last few seconds but Martinez urged his defenders to leave it as it ran out of play for a goal kick. The match ended and Zaragoza stole it at the end! They go into the fourth round!
DF: We conducted ourselves well out there despite being under pressure at times, to win at the end was magnificent and we just want to get a home draw in the next round to keep our run going as long as we can.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
COPA DEL REY FOURTH ROUND DRAW
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JimmyJeffers
Player Valuation: £70m
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Real Zaragoza vs Sporting Gijon
19th October 2036
Real Zaragoza had the chance to pile more misery onto Sporting Gijon's season and a win could lift them into fourth place. Ferguson made changes to the team that beat Getafe with Chus Abadias starting on the left and Richard Donkor starting behind Jose Zubillaga. Carlos Romero suffered a calf injury and was ruled out for around 4 weeks, Jorge partnered Juan in midfield. Zaragoza were trying to play down the right but it wasn't working out. Gijon won a corner on 22 minutes and the orgaisation defensively for Zaragoza was poor, Moyano's ball into the six yard box was easy enough for Calvo to volley past Martinez to get the opener. Richard Donkor sprayed it wide to Alvarez, he found Juan in the six yard box but his shot was saved by the keeper, Alonso got to the ball and stabbed it over the line to equalise! A few minutes later Mendy had the chance for Gijon to make it 2-1 but Martinez made an incredible fingertip save to deny him. Jorge and Juan played a nice one-two and Donkor took the ball outside the box, passed to Abadias who cut inside and played a nice through ball for Zubillaga to slot on his left foot, 2-1! As the match went on, legs grew tired and Juan was replaced by Silva with just under 20 minutes to go. Richard Alonso couldn't see out the game with what looked like a knee injury and he was replaced by Granda. Not long to play and Chapman and Pablo were on hand doing their defensive duties. With a minute to play Silva went in excellently on Carreras and came forward with the ball playing in Zubillaga to tuck home his second making it 3-1 and putting the game out of sight! It was a really hard fought second half for Zaragoza and that win keeps them moving in the right direction!
DF: We've won five out of ten and it's not a bad start, it's competitive at the top and next we play leaders Oviedo, they've only lost once so far and it's going to be tough.
PLAYER RATINGS
Oviedo vs Real Zaragoza
26th October 2036
Zaragoza had a chance to move into second if they could beat league leaders Oviedo in their own back garden. Giacomo Dragone was in sensational form scoring ten goals in ten games and was looking unstoppable. Alonso was not fit enough to start and Granda started on the right. Javi and Flano were not quite available and it was a few weeks until Rittmuller and Romero were set to return. Oviedo were playing some of their best football and it would be interesting to see how Zaragoza could foil them. Zubillaga came deep for the ball on 4 minutes, there was little movement in attack so he took the shot on and almost got lucky as Hernandez fumbled it on the line. It was bad news for Zaragoza on 11 minutes when Jorge went down injured and had to be replaced by Silva. Fernandez took the corner for Oviedo on 16 minutes, Belkacem won the header getting it towards goal but it hit the bar, Galindo passed it to Martinez in a dangerous position and he mis-hit it, Galindo tried to clear it but sliced it into his own net! An incredible own goal and a calamitous error from Toni Galindo. Granda came forward with the ball on 34 minutes, he switched it nicely to Abadias who crossed into the box, Zubillaga headed against the bar, the keeper nowhere to be seen and the rebound was slotted by Zubillaga to make it 1-1! Donkor tried his luck with the free-kick but it was cleared to the right flank and Bernad came forward, he crossed into the box for the run of Forgas who finished with a tidy placed shot into the top left corner to give Oviedo the lead. Zaragoza lived up to their never say die attitude and just before half-time, Granda passed nicely into the box for Zubillaga to strike but have his shot saved by the keeper, he finished the rebound to make it 2-2 on 45 minutes! What a dramatic first half of football! Cobos came on for Abadias on 64 minutes, can Zaragoza steal an away victory at the league leaders? With ten minutes to go Granda was replaced by Alonso. Oviedo were being frustrated by Zaragoza with ther away side playing with grit and determination. Igor Martinez was having a great game and made some fantastic saves once again. It was 30 seconds over the additional 5 minutes and Oviedo got a corner, Dragone took the corner and it looked like it was Martinez's ball but he mis-timed it, Forgas had an empty net to shoot into and he did to steal it at the death! What a fatal blow for Zaragoza! The final whistle was blown and Duncan Feerguson was straight onto the pitch to speak to the officials, he wanted to know why there was no added time for the goal. The referee waved him away and Ferguson was livid on the pitch.
DF: The referee allowed an extra 30 seconds, we were in possession in our own half so why didn't he blow up? The ball went out for a corner and he allowed it to be played. After the goal there was no extra time for the goal and I'm disgusted with it. I won't be letting this one go. The referee made an error and it cost us the game.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Espanyol
Copa Del Rey Fourth Round First Leg
29th October 2036
A big game for Zaragoza against La Liga's Espanyol. Ferguson will want to emulate last season's cup run by getting through the Fourth Round. Javi was back in the side alongside Chapman, Manzella came in at right back and Alonso was back on the right wing. Ioseba Flano started behind Zubillaga in attack. Zaragoza held Espanyol inside the first 30 minutes and were defending very well, Cobos took the ball forward down the left looking to spring a counter attack, his cross was low into the box and the keeper claimed it comfortably. Ochoa took a shot and Alvarez done well to deflect it but the ball fell to Dalgas and he put it into the back on the net on 32 minutes. Richard Donkor replaced Ioseba Flano at half-time. Zaragoza started lively, Cobos played a nice ball to Donkor who played it forward to Zubillaga, he held it up well and showed some skill when he flicked it up and knocked it over his head into the box for Alonso but his shot was turned behind, magical football from Zaragoza. The crowd were right behind their team as Alvarez took the ball on the left in space, he crossed towards the far post and Alonso came in with a thumping header to make it 1-1! What a goal! Zaragoza pull one back! Zaragoza were performing well in the second half, they may not have created many chances but done well to frustrate the opposition. 90 minutes on the clock, Alvarez sent in the free-kick and Javi won the header, the whole ground fell silent as they watched the ball trickle past the post and go wide. It's all over at La Romareda for the first leg of the fourth round. A good display from Zaragoza tonight and they go level into the second leg.
PLAYER RATINGS
19th October 2036
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Real Zaragoza had the chance to pile more misery onto Sporting Gijon's season and a win could lift them into fourth place. Ferguson made changes to the team that beat Getafe with Chus Abadias starting on the left and Richard Donkor starting behind Jose Zubillaga. Carlos Romero suffered a calf injury and was ruled out for around 4 weeks, Jorge partnered Juan in midfield. Zaragoza were trying to play down the right but it wasn't working out. Gijon won a corner on 22 minutes and the orgaisation defensively for Zaragoza was poor, Moyano's ball into the six yard box was easy enough for Calvo to volley past Martinez to get the opener. Richard Donkor sprayed it wide to Alvarez, he found Juan in the six yard box but his shot was saved by the keeper, Alonso got to the ball and stabbed it over the line to equalise! A few minutes later Mendy had the chance for Gijon to make it 2-1 but Martinez made an incredible fingertip save to deny him. Jorge and Juan played a nice one-two and Donkor took the ball outside the box, passed to Abadias who cut inside and played a nice through ball for Zubillaga to slot on his left foot, 2-1! As the match went on, legs grew tired and Juan was replaced by Silva with just under 20 minutes to go. Richard Alonso couldn't see out the game with what looked like a knee injury and he was replaced by Granda. Not long to play and Chapman and Pablo were on hand doing their defensive duties. With a minute to play Silva went in excellently on Carreras and came forward with the ball playing in Zubillaga to tuck home his second making it 3-1 and putting the game out of sight! It was a really hard fought second half for Zaragoza and that win keeps them moving in the right direction!
DF: We've won five out of ten and it's not a bad start, it's competitive at the top and next we play leaders Oviedo, they've only lost once so far and it's going to be tough.
PLAYER RATINGS
Oviedo vs Real Zaragoza
26th October 2036
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Zaragoza had a chance to move into second if they could beat league leaders Oviedo in their own back garden. Giacomo Dragone was in sensational form scoring ten goals in ten games and was looking unstoppable. Alonso was not fit enough to start and Granda started on the right. Javi and Flano were not quite available and it was a few weeks until Rittmuller and Romero were set to return. Oviedo were playing some of their best football and it would be interesting to see how Zaragoza could foil them. Zubillaga came deep for the ball on 4 minutes, there was little movement in attack so he took the shot on and almost got lucky as Hernandez fumbled it on the line. It was bad news for Zaragoza on 11 minutes when Jorge went down injured and had to be replaced by Silva. Fernandez took the corner for Oviedo on 16 minutes, Belkacem won the header getting it towards goal but it hit the bar, Galindo passed it to Martinez in a dangerous position and he mis-hit it, Galindo tried to clear it but sliced it into his own net! An incredible own goal and a calamitous error from Toni Galindo. Granda came forward with the ball on 34 minutes, he switched it nicely to Abadias who crossed into the box, Zubillaga headed against the bar, the keeper nowhere to be seen and the rebound was slotted by Zubillaga to make it 1-1! Donkor tried his luck with the free-kick but it was cleared to the right flank and Bernad came forward, he crossed into the box for the run of Forgas who finished with a tidy placed shot into the top left corner to give Oviedo the lead. Zaragoza lived up to their never say die attitude and just before half-time, Granda passed nicely into the box for Zubillaga to strike but have his shot saved by the keeper, he finished the rebound to make it 2-2 on 45 minutes! What a dramatic first half of football! Cobos came on for Abadias on 64 minutes, can Zaragoza steal an away victory at the league leaders? With ten minutes to go Granda was replaced by Alonso. Oviedo were being frustrated by Zaragoza with ther away side playing with grit and determination. Igor Martinez was having a great game and made some fantastic saves once again. It was 30 seconds over the additional 5 minutes and Oviedo got a corner, Dragone took the corner and it looked like it was Martinez's ball but he mis-timed it, Forgas had an empty net to shoot into and he did to steal it at the death! What a fatal blow for Zaragoza! The final whistle was blown and Duncan Feerguson was straight onto the pitch to speak to the officials, he wanted to know why there was no added time for the goal. The referee waved him away and Ferguson was livid on the pitch.
DF: The referee allowed an extra 30 seconds, we were in possession in our own half so why didn't he blow up? The ball went out for a corner and he allowed it to be played. After the goal there was no extra time for the goal and I'm disgusted with it. I won't be letting this one go. The referee made an error and it cost us the game.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Espanyol
Copa Del Rey Fourth Round First Leg
29th October 2036
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A big game for Zaragoza against La Liga's Espanyol. Ferguson will want to emulate last season's cup run by getting through the Fourth Round. Javi was back in the side alongside Chapman, Manzella came in at right back and Alonso was back on the right wing. Ioseba Flano started behind Zubillaga in attack. Zaragoza held Espanyol inside the first 30 minutes and were defending very well, Cobos took the ball forward down the left looking to spring a counter attack, his cross was low into the box and the keeper claimed it comfortably. Ochoa took a shot and Alvarez done well to deflect it but the ball fell to Dalgas and he put it into the back on the net on 32 minutes. Richard Donkor replaced Ioseba Flano at half-time. Zaragoza started lively, Cobos played a nice ball to Donkor who played it forward to Zubillaga, he held it up well and showed some skill when he flicked it up and knocked it over his head into the box for Alonso but his shot was turned behind, magical football from Zaragoza. The crowd were right behind their team as Alvarez took the ball on the left in space, he crossed towards the far post and Alonso came in with a thumping header to make it 1-1! What a goal! Zaragoza pull one back! Zaragoza were performing well in the second half, they may not have created many chances but done well to frustrate the opposition. 90 minutes on the clock, Alvarez sent in the free-kick and Javi won the header, the whole ground fell silent as they watched the ball trickle past the post and go wide. It's all over at La Romareda for the first leg of the fourth round. A good display from Zaragoza tonight and they go level into the second leg.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
KLOPP STRUGGLES FOR LEAGUE FORM
With only two league wins from eleven, the media are keeping an eye on Everton's poor run of form. The toffees have booked themselves a place in the League Cup Quarter Final against Crystal Palace but their league form is a concern. Klopp states there is no reason to panic as he shrugged off any fears of a poor season.
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Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
I heard that the players there are all asthmatic. Should get inhalers in.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Espanyol B vs Real Zaragoza
1st November 2036
After getting a result against Espanyol it was a trip to play their B team in the Spanish Segunda Division. Zubillaga had come into form scoring four goals in his last two leage games taking his tally to seven so he kept his place in attack. Carlos Romero was still not available so Israel Silva started in midfield with Juan. Cobos played in Zubillaga inside the first minute and from outside he hit the crossbar. The next best chance for Zaragoza came just before half-time when Cobos passed forward to Zubillaga who skillfully took two players out the game and shot just past the post. Xavier Alvarado came on for Zubillaga for the last 20 minutes. Zaragoza struggled to create any worthwhile chances and Serafin chased dowm the ball on 89 minutes, his cross was blocked by Eugenio Alvarez and Espanyol got the late corner. Adrian crossed in but Javi hoofed the ball away. The match ended a draw and was contained very little action or excitement. On the whole, Zaragoza failed to beat a mid-table side which will do more harm to their promotion chances.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Real Madrid B
8th November 2036
The league table was tight and was shaping up to be one of the most competitive campaign's in years. Zaragoza had the visit of Real Madrid B to La Romareda. Luis Javier Granda returned from injury named as a substitute but there was no return yet for Carlos Romero, Jorge and Clemens Ritmuller but they were not too far away. Zaragoza looked comfortable, Chapman was doing well with aerial balls into the box and Cobos was allowed space to run into on 13 minutes, he laid it on for Juan who went for the worldie but the keeper denied him with a great save. Zaragoza showed a committed level of aggression and were unfortunate to go into half-time at 0-0. Granda came on for Alonso with 10 minutes to go, either side not doing enough to grab the winner and was looking like another frustrating day in front of goal for Zaragoza.
DF: It's not a concern, Jose {Zubillaga} has been in great form so far this season, defences haven't worked him out, we just need to change our approach. The longer it goes on, it becomes frustrating but we can easily go out there next week and score two or three.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Real Betis B
16th November 2036
As things were looking a bit shaky at Zaragoza and fans unsure on whether Ferguson was the man to take them forward, they were buoyed by the news that Carlos Romero was back in the team. Ferguson changed his approach after a mid-week team meeting that didn't go smoothly according to club sources. Pablo, who signed for the club in the summer felt disillusioned and handed in a transfer request. Ferguson was pressed on the matter and said he only wants players who can handle competition and that his defence were performing well. Zubillaga, Alvarado and Granda all lined up in a three man attack and with Donkor away on international duty with Ghana, Israel Silva started in midfield. Zaragoza started brightly. Granda came close when he broke through the defence and had his shot turned away by the keeper and Matty Chapman had to be careful after picking up a yelllow card on 9 minutes. Chapman played a great ball forward to Granda on 32 minutes and he held off his marker to turn and get to the byline, he crossed into the box and Zubillaga headed across goal which was cleared but Silva came in winning it and thumped it hard past Esparza in goal! Early in the second half Zaragoza had to be on their game and managed to keep Betis out as Toni was causing problems down the Zaragoza left. Carlos Romero managed 76 minutes before being replaced by Jorge in midfield. Zaragoza were under no real threat as the game came to an end and it's a win that keeps the supporters happy as Los Blanquillos move up to 8th.
PLAYER RATINGS
Lugo vs Real Zaragoza
23rd November 2036
A win for Zaragoza would see them leapfrog Lugo and potentially move as high as fifth however Lugo were a team on the up after last season's 8th place finish and were ready to go one better. Ferguson's injury woes were coming to an end with Clemens Ritmuller back in the squad after training this week and the fans were pleased with the team's performance last week after Carlos Romero was back in the side. Ferguson stated in his press conference he has a squad more than capable of competing for the play-offs and anything less would be considered a massive underachievement. Carlos Romero took a free-kick sending it into the box but it almost went in with the keeper tipping it on to the cross bar early on. Alvarado played a nice ball forward to Granda on 33 minutes and he tried to set-up Zubillaga but a tackle came in to win the ball and the fans demanded Zubillaga got back to his feet and stop with the play acting. Mancisidor was making it hard for the Zaragoza players to track him and his shot on 39 minutes bounced back off the bar. Mancisidor was called into action at the other end when Granda played it through to Zubillaga and his tackle put it behind for a corner. Juan Ramon was causing problems for Emilio Alvarez and within one minute of the second half he charged in from behind taking him out. Alvarez had already been booked and as the referee ran over with Alvarez's head in his hands, he issued a second yellow card. Ferguson made the change and stuck with a back four bringing Alvarado off for Manzella, putting him at right back and playing Toni Galindo at left back. Chapman done well to deal with the cross but as the ball fell to Max Bergmark he had to strike it sweetly from outside the box and beat Martinez to make it 1-0. With ten minutes to go it was still 1-0 and Jorge was on in midfield. Martinez pulled off a great save to deny Dupuy and keep Zaragoza in with a chance. Jorge played it right to Manzella and he switched it for Galindo, Zubillaga took the shot but it was blocked and Lugo regained possession. It's not to be for Zaragoza as they struggled with the disadvantage. The loss sees them sitting outside the play-off places by two points and there's still many twists and turns in the season.
DF: If we kept it man for man out there I think we were good enough to get a result today. Defensively we played well. I can't fault the defence. The second yellow for Alvarez I agree with but he shouldn't have been booked in the first place. We aren't out of it yet but we need to start winning matches, I know it's easy to say but it's a results business and it's what I'm judged on.
PLAYER RATINGS
1st November 2036
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After getting a result against Espanyol it was a trip to play their B team in the Spanish Segunda Division. Zubillaga had come into form scoring four goals in his last two leage games taking his tally to seven so he kept his place in attack. Carlos Romero was still not available so Israel Silva started in midfield with Juan. Cobos played in Zubillaga inside the first minute and from outside he hit the crossbar. The next best chance for Zaragoza came just before half-time when Cobos passed forward to Zubillaga who skillfully took two players out the game and shot just past the post. Xavier Alvarado came on for Zubillaga for the last 20 minutes. Zaragoza struggled to create any worthwhile chances and Serafin chased dowm the ball on 89 minutes, his cross was blocked by Eugenio Alvarez and Espanyol got the late corner. Adrian crossed in but Javi hoofed the ball away. The match ended a draw and was contained very little action or excitement. On the whole, Zaragoza failed to beat a mid-table side which will do more harm to their promotion chances.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Real Madrid B
8th November 2036
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The league table was tight and was shaping up to be one of the most competitive campaign's in years. Zaragoza had the visit of Real Madrid B to La Romareda. Luis Javier Granda returned from injury named as a substitute but there was no return yet for Carlos Romero, Jorge and Clemens Ritmuller but they were not too far away. Zaragoza looked comfortable, Chapman was doing well with aerial balls into the box and Cobos was allowed space to run into on 13 minutes, he laid it on for Juan who went for the worldie but the keeper denied him with a great save. Zaragoza showed a committed level of aggression and were unfortunate to go into half-time at 0-0. Granda came on for Alonso with 10 minutes to go, either side not doing enough to grab the winner and was looking like another frustrating day in front of goal for Zaragoza.
DF: It's not a concern, Jose {Zubillaga} has been in great form so far this season, defences haven't worked him out, we just need to change our approach. The longer it goes on, it becomes frustrating but we can easily go out there next week and score two or three.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Real Betis B
16th November 2036
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As things were looking a bit shaky at Zaragoza and fans unsure on whether Ferguson was the man to take them forward, they were buoyed by the news that Carlos Romero was back in the team. Ferguson changed his approach after a mid-week team meeting that didn't go smoothly according to club sources. Pablo, who signed for the club in the summer felt disillusioned and handed in a transfer request. Ferguson was pressed on the matter and said he only wants players who can handle competition and that his defence were performing well. Zubillaga, Alvarado and Granda all lined up in a three man attack and with Donkor away on international duty with Ghana, Israel Silva started in midfield. Zaragoza started brightly. Granda came close when he broke through the defence and had his shot turned away by the keeper and Matty Chapman had to be careful after picking up a yelllow card on 9 minutes. Chapman played a great ball forward to Granda on 32 minutes and he held off his marker to turn and get to the byline, he crossed into the box and Zubillaga headed across goal which was cleared but Silva came in winning it and thumped it hard past Esparza in goal! Early in the second half Zaragoza had to be on their game and managed to keep Betis out as Toni was causing problems down the Zaragoza left. Carlos Romero managed 76 minutes before being replaced by Jorge in midfield. Zaragoza were under no real threat as the game came to an end and it's a win that keeps the supporters happy as Los Blanquillos move up to 8th.
PLAYER RATINGS
Lugo vs Real Zaragoza
23rd November 2036
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A win for Zaragoza would see them leapfrog Lugo and potentially move as high as fifth however Lugo were a team on the up after last season's 8th place finish and were ready to go one better. Ferguson's injury woes were coming to an end with Clemens Ritmuller back in the squad after training this week and the fans were pleased with the team's performance last week after Carlos Romero was back in the side. Ferguson stated in his press conference he has a squad more than capable of competing for the play-offs and anything less would be considered a massive underachievement. Carlos Romero took a free-kick sending it into the box but it almost went in with the keeper tipping it on to the cross bar early on. Alvarado played a nice ball forward to Granda on 33 minutes and he tried to set-up Zubillaga but a tackle came in to win the ball and the fans demanded Zubillaga got back to his feet and stop with the play acting. Mancisidor was making it hard for the Zaragoza players to track him and his shot on 39 minutes bounced back off the bar. Mancisidor was called into action at the other end when Granda played it through to Zubillaga and his tackle put it behind for a corner. Juan Ramon was causing problems for Emilio Alvarez and within one minute of the second half he charged in from behind taking him out. Alvarez had already been booked and as the referee ran over with Alvarez's head in his hands, he issued a second yellow card. Ferguson made the change and stuck with a back four bringing Alvarado off for Manzella, putting him at right back and playing Toni Galindo at left back. Chapman done well to deal with the cross but as the ball fell to Max Bergmark he had to strike it sweetly from outside the box and beat Martinez to make it 1-0. With ten minutes to go it was still 1-0 and Jorge was on in midfield. Martinez pulled off a great save to deny Dupuy and keep Zaragoza in with a chance. Jorge played it right to Manzella and he switched it for Galindo, Zubillaga took the shot but it was blocked and Lugo regained possession. It's not to be for Zaragoza as they struggled with the disadvantage. The loss sees them sitting outside the play-off places by two points and there's still many twists and turns in the season.
DF: If we kept it man for man out there I think we were good enough to get a result today. Defensively we played well. I can't fault the defence. The second yellow for Alvarez I agree with but he shouldn't have been booked in the first place. We aren't out of it yet but we need to start winning matches, I know it's easy to say but it's a results business and it's what I'm judged on.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
You can hear the murmuring of discontent over the pelican tapas down in the bars and clubs of downtown Zaragoza.
I think an old fashioned kidnapping is needed before Ferguson gets the el taxi treatment.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Racing Santander vs Real Zaragoza
29th November 2036
A vital league game for Ferguson and Zaragoza with Brett Alexander considering the manager's future. The chairman bought the club in June this year and made the manager aware of his ambitions but Zaragoza are currently outside the play-of places. Both sides went into the match level on points and Ferguson brought in Alonso and Cobos for the tough fixture. Francisco Gomez got his chance at left back with the suspension to Emilio Alvarez. Martinez saved well from Moreno on 11 minutes and claimed the resulting corner with ease. Rojals took the ball down the left and came forward under no challenge, he played it into the box for Cabanate who had space to curl it low into the bottom left corner. Zaragoza were under immense pressure and were being overran, Martinez made some good saves in the first half and Romero done well to win the ball back in the centre circle and release Zubillaga, he was supported with players to his left and right and played in Alonso who took the shot low towards the bottom corner and the keeper reached to tip it wide. Galindo retrieved the ball before it went out of play and passed forward to Alonso, he took it forward and played a pass into the box for Zubillaga who beat his man and then hit the post from close range, he would usually slot them. A double change on 54 minutes saw Granda replace Zubillaga up top and saw the return of Rittmuller as he came on for Richard Donkor. Juan won the ball back and passed it to Romero, he played a direct pass for Alonso who got inside the box and struck with his right foot to be denied by the post, the keeper was beaten. Romero's corner was cleared and it allowed Dominguez to bomb forwared, he was crowded out and waited for support, got the ball into the path of Munoz and he was denied buy Martinez at the near post, he went in again and Chapman threw himself at it and the referee blew for a penalty! Surely not? Dominguez took the kick and he put it into the top right to almost give Santander the victory with 23 minutes to go. Carlos Romero played the corner to the edge of the box to Cobos who took the shot which swerved through the bodies and into the back of the net! 2-1 with 14 minutes to go! There was not enough time for Zaragoza to find the equaliser and after a valiant display in the second half are unfortunate to lose.
DF: We were done once again by poor refereeing. That was never a penalty, Chapman got his foot to the ball. We played well enough to get something today and I'm just speechless at how poor decisions are allowed to continue without action.
PLAYER RATINGS
Espanyol (1) vs (1) Real Zaragoza
Copa Del Rey Fourth Round Second Leg
3rd December 2036
Duncan Ferguson was warned by the RFEF for his comments made about officiating in his last match against Racing Santander. It was a big match for Zaragoza as they looked to progress to the fifth round of the competition. Jorge started in midfield alongside Romero and Alvarez was back after his one match suspension. 25 minutes in and still 0-0, Martinez's goal kick was poor and cut out by Willie Rodriguez who was a threat down the right, he lost out to Alavrez and then Jorge thumped it long for Zubillaga to chase, he got inside the box but was tackled cleanly. Jorge played it wide to Cobos and he crossed towards the far post for Alonso but his shot was saved in style by the keeper. Carlos Romero took the corner on 32 minutes, the keeper came out for it and made a mess of it, Zubillaga battled to win it and poked it over the line to give his side the lead! Zaragoza played well in the first half slowing the game down when they needed to. Dalgas found Prado on the overlap and he crossed in from the left, Cruz knocked it down for Luque and he rifled in a shot that Martinez could not get near and put Espanyol back into the game on 62 minutes. Rittmuller was replaced by Donkor for the last 20 minutes. Luciano came forward for Espanyol and Jorge caught up to put in a tackle to take the ball out of play. The referee blew up and came over to issue a red card for Jorge! Was that even a red card? Ferguson is stunned on the touchline. Espnayol took full advantage and with 16 minutes to go Luque's shot rolled into the bottom corner from the corner kick. Espanyol had a corner in stoppage time and as the ball was played to Luciano, Cobos went in to win the ball and the referee awarded a penalty! Ferguson was livid on the touchline and was up in the face of the fourth official. He was told to step away but ended up getting a red card! Ferguson marched off down the tunnel, it was a poor decision. Dalgas went for the bottom left but Martinez saved and held on to it! The match ended and it's gone the way of Espanyol, the talking points being the conduct of manager Duncan Ferguson who has been on the end of some controversial decisions as of late.
DF: I'll go on record and say this, that was never a sending off! Jorge won the ball fairly and it was never a penalty! This is happening every week, what do officials have against us? I'm not happy and now we wait to see the RFEF have to say. The sending off changed the game and I will be appealing it.
PLAYER RATINGS
29th November 2036
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A vital league game for Ferguson and Zaragoza with Brett Alexander considering the manager's future. The chairman bought the club in June this year and made the manager aware of his ambitions but Zaragoza are currently outside the play-of places. Both sides went into the match level on points and Ferguson brought in Alonso and Cobos for the tough fixture. Francisco Gomez got his chance at left back with the suspension to Emilio Alvarez. Martinez saved well from Moreno on 11 minutes and claimed the resulting corner with ease. Rojals took the ball down the left and came forward under no challenge, he played it into the box for Cabanate who had space to curl it low into the bottom left corner. Zaragoza were under immense pressure and were being overran, Martinez made some good saves in the first half and Romero done well to win the ball back in the centre circle and release Zubillaga, he was supported with players to his left and right and played in Alonso who took the shot low towards the bottom corner and the keeper reached to tip it wide. Galindo retrieved the ball before it went out of play and passed forward to Alonso, he took it forward and played a pass into the box for Zubillaga who beat his man and then hit the post from close range, he would usually slot them. A double change on 54 minutes saw Granda replace Zubillaga up top and saw the return of Rittmuller as he came on for Richard Donkor. Juan won the ball back and passed it to Romero, he played a direct pass for Alonso who got inside the box and struck with his right foot to be denied by the post, the keeper was beaten. Romero's corner was cleared and it allowed Dominguez to bomb forwared, he was crowded out and waited for support, got the ball into the path of Munoz and he was denied buy Martinez at the near post, he went in again and Chapman threw himself at it and the referee blew for a penalty! Surely not? Dominguez took the kick and he put it into the top right to almost give Santander the victory with 23 minutes to go. Carlos Romero played the corner to the edge of the box to Cobos who took the shot which swerved through the bodies and into the back of the net! 2-1 with 14 minutes to go! There was not enough time for Zaragoza to find the equaliser and after a valiant display in the second half are unfortunate to lose.
DF: We were done once again by poor refereeing. That was never a penalty, Chapman got his foot to the ball. We played well enough to get something today and I'm just speechless at how poor decisions are allowed to continue without action.
PLAYER RATINGS
Espanyol (1) vs (1) Real Zaragoza
Copa Del Rey Fourth Round Second Leg
3rd December 2036
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Duncan Ferguson was warned by the RFEF for his comments made about officiating in his last match against Racing Santander. It was a big match for Zaragoza as they looked to progress to the fifth round of the competition. Jorge started in midfield alongside Romero and Alvarez was back after his one match suspension. 25 minutes in and still 0-0, Martinez's goal kick was poor and cut out by Willie Rodriguez who was a threat down the right, he lost out to Alavrez and then Jorge thumped it long for Zubillaga to chase, he got inside the box but was tackled cleanly. Jorge played it wide to Cobos and he crossed towards the far post for Alonso but his shot was saved in style by the keeper. Carlos Romero took the corner on 32 minutes, the keeper came out for it and made a mess of it, Zubillaga battled to win it and poked it over the line to give his side the lead! Zaragoza played well in the first half slowing the game down when they needed to. Dalgas found Prado on the overlap and he crossed in from the left, Cruz knocked it down for Luque and he rifled in a shot that Martinez could not get near and put Espanyol back into the game on 62 minutes. Rittmuller was replaced by Donkor for the last 20 minutes. Luciano came forward for Espanyol and Jorge caught up to put in a tackle to take the ball out of play. The referee blew up and came over to issue a red card for Jorge! Was that even a red card? Ferguson is stunned on the touchline. Espnayol took full advantage and with 16 minutes to go Luque's shot rolled into the bottom corner from the corner kick. Espanyol had a corner in stoppage time and as the ball was played to Luciano, Cobos went in to win the ball and the referee awarded a penalty! Ferguson was livid on the touchline and was up in the face of the fourth official. He was told to step away but ended up getting a red card! Ferguson marched off down the tunnel, it was a poor decision. Dalgas went for the bottom left but Martinez saved and held on to it! The match ended and it's gone the way of Espanyol, the talking points being the conduct of manager Duncan Ferguson who has been on the end of some controversial decisions as of late.
DF: I'll go on record and say this, that was never a sending off! Jorge won the ball fairly and it was never a penalty! This is happening every week, what do officials have against us? I'm not happy and now we wait to see the RFEF have to say. The sending off changed the game and I will be appealing it.
PLAYER RATINGS
FERGUSON APPEALS JORGE BAN
Duncan Ferguson has appealed the match ban for Jorge after his sending off against Espanyol and after reviewing the incident the RFEF have sided with Ferguson and recinded the ban. No further action is to be made.
Real Zaragoza vs Atletico Madrid B
7th December 2036
In a dramatic week which saw Jorge wrongfully sent off and Zaragoza crash out of the cup, Ferguson being banned for the match against Atletico Madrid B, the atmosphere at La Romareda was very strange with the club not doing so well and Brett Alexander keeping quiet on club affairs. David Garcia took charge of the game and got off to a great start when on 7 minutes Romero struck the crossbar and Zubillaga was on hand to tap in the rebound to make it 1-0! It was free flowing football in the first half and David Garcia had very little to worry about at this stage. Cobos played it out left to Alvarez and he crossed low to the edge of the box for Rittmuller to strike cleanly into the bottom corner, 2-0 on 35 minutes! It was one way traffic as Zaragoza were performing well, two minutes into the second half and Rittmuller was there again but this time his shot was saved and held by the keeper. Juan Carlos played it through for Arques who left Chapman in his shadow and tucked it away with Martinez not quick enough off his line to pull a goal back. Atletico were enjoying a good spell, Moreno got down the left but was easily tackled by Tonui Galindo. Juan Carlos won his side a free-kick and he tried to get it over the wal, it was blocked by Rittmuller and Cobos set off on a run down the left, Zaragoza got forward in numbers and Juan was scraming for it in space, the roar went up from the crowd as the pass was made and he drilled it hard and low to make it 3-1 on 80 minutes! Game, set and match! This is the Zaragoza we have been waiting for! David Garcia records a big win, a win that could turn their season around. Duncan Ferguson will be pleased with what he saw from his side.
DG: We stuck to the same tactic and played to our strengths. We played with a lot more confidence and got what we deserved from the game. I spoke to the coach after the game who is also pleased with our performance.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Leonesa
14th December 2036
Leonesa were back in the Second Division after a 15 year absence but were struggling in 21st place in the table. Zaragoza were looking to pick back up from last time out and on 16 minutes Chapman came forward playing it to Alonso, he knocked it to the right for Galindo to cross and find the head of Zubillaga who beat his marker to make it 1-0! Zaragoza had another chancd to make it 2-0 when Zubillaga crossed into the box from the corner and Pablo headed just over the bar. Alvarez took the throw-in and received it back from Romero, he crossed it low into the box and Alonso took the first time shot which the keeper saved, he stuck his leg out to knock the rebound over the line and made it 2-0 on 70 minutes! Alonso held off two defenders on 85 minutes and skilfully backheeled it to Juan, he seen Romero in space and set him up from 20 yards to score a low drilled shot into the bottom corner! It's a solid home win recorded by Zaragoza and make it six points from their last two.
DF: We built tonight's victory on the back of last week's and this is how we move forward. We had many frustrating weeks, performances were fluctuating and players were unsure on their futures but the one thing we do right here is reward hard work. Matty Chapman came into the side on the back of Juan Carlos Perez wanting to leave the club, he's now performing as one of the best Centre Back's in the league. He deserves to stay there. We will continue to reward the hard work of the players and the team will benefit as a result of that.
PLAYER RATINGS
Duncan Ferguson has appealed the match ban for Jorge after his sending off against Espanyol and after reviewing the incident the RFEF have sided with Ferguson and recinded the ban. No further action is to be made.
Real Zaragoza vs Atletico Madrid B
7th December 2036
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In a dramatic week which saw Jorge wrongfully sent off and Zaragoza crash out of the cup, Ferguson being banned for the match against Atletico Madrid B, the atmosphere at La Romareda was very strange with the club not doing so well and Brett Alexander keeping quiet on club affairs. David Garcia took charge of the game and got off to a great start when on 7 minutes Romero struck the crossbar and Zubillaga was on hand to tap in the rebound to make it 1-0! It was free flowing football in the first half and David Garcia had very little to worry about at this stage. Cobos played it out left to Alvarez and he crossed low to the edge of the box for Rittmuller to strike cleanly into the bottom corner, 2-0 on 35 minutes! It was one way traffic as Zaragoza were performing well, two minutes into the second half and Rittmuller was there again but this time his shot was saved and held by the keeper. Juan Carlos played it through for Arques who left Chapman in his shadow and tucked it away with Martinez not quick enough off his line to pull a goal back. Atletico were enjoying a good spell, Moreno got down the left but was easily tackled by Tonui Galindo. Juan Carlos won his side a free-kick and he tried to get it over the wal, it was blocked by Rittmuller and Cobos set off on a run down the left, Zaragoza got forward in numbers and Juan was scraming for it in space, the roar went up from the crowd as the pass was made and he drilled it hard and low to make it 3-1 on 80 minutes! Game, set and match! This is the Zaragoza we have been waiting for! David Garcia records a big win, a win that could turn their season around. Duncan Ferguson will be pleased with what he saw from his side.
DG: We stuck to the same tactic and played to our strengths. We played with a lot more confidence and got what we deserved from the game. I spoke to the coach after the game who is also pleased with our performance.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Leonesa
14th December 2036
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Leonesa were back in the Second Division after a 15 year absence but were struggling in 21st place in the table. Zaragoza were looking to pick back up from last time out and on 16 minutes Chapman came forward playing it to Alonso, he knocked it to the right for Galindo to cross and find the head of Zubillaga who beat his marker to make it 1-0! Zaragoza had another chancd to make it 2-0 when Zubillaga crossed into the box from the corner and Pablo headed just over the bar. Alvarez took the throw-in and received it back from Romero, he crossed it low into the box and Alonso took the first time shot which the keeper saved, he stuck his leg out to knock the rebound over the line and made it 2-0 on 70 minutes! Alonso held off two defenders on 85 minutes and skilfully backheeled it to Juan, he seen Romero in space and set him up from 20 yards to score a low drilled shot into the bottom corner! It's a solid home win recorded by Zaragoza and make it six points from their last two.
DF: We built tonight's victory on the back of last week's and this is how we move forward. We had many frustrating weeks, performances were fluctuating and players were unsure on their futures but the one thing we do right here is reward hard work. Matty Chapman came into the side on the back of Juan Carlos Perez wanting to leave the club, he's now performing as one of the best Centre Back's in the league. He deserves to stay there. We will continue to reward the hard work of the players and the team will benefit as a result of that.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
