“The second block of four matches ends with eight points. In the first, there were nine. We are within the mini-targets we set at the start of the season. With these points, the objective at the end of the season will definitely be achieved. If we are talking about that, we have achieved it,” said the Real Zaragoza coach.
The manager said he was “very proud of the team” and believes they took “a step forward in the defensive phase.” “From the 60th minute onward, we had the match completely under control, and Peter’s sending-off took away our opportunity to claim all three points. The draw is positive against a great team,” Ibai Gómez said about Real Zaragoza’s 0-0 draw against Murcia.
Terrer, who also did not have his best day, contests a ball with Real Zaragoza. Photo: Real Murcia
The manager also spoke about the sending-off of Real Zaragoza’s midfielder. “Peter said the second yellow card was clear, but the first one was not. Perhaps Murcia wanted to stop all our options with fouls. They did that very well. I do not know whether they committed 30 fouls and we committed 10, yet we are leaving with more cards, but I do not think the referee affected the result,” he said about the player’s second yellow card.
GABILONDO STANDS OUT
Ibai also highlighted Gabilondo’s performance against Real Murcia. He believes it was “the right decision” to name him in Real Zaragoza’s starting lineup, unexpectedly leaving Sangalli on the bench. “The season is long, and this week I felt he brought us closer to winning. He had gone many matches without playing and put in a great performance. Sangalli has played many minutes without a preseason,” he said.
Ibai also explained Sangalli’s substitution, with the player moving to the left. “It was not because of a problem with Pereira,” but rather “a tactical decision.” “The combinations with Ureña and Ander could give us more time on the ball. There were several rotations out wide that worked well,” the manager said.
The Real Zaragoza coach also praised the match: “It was a game of a different level. It is a shame there were no goals.”
