‘A Draw Is No Good for Me’ – Real Zaragoza Coach Unimpressed

First Half: Córdoba Dominate but Zaragoza Stay Level

Córdoba began the match with greater intensity, organisation, and ambition, creating nine opportunities in the opening 45 minutes. Their pressure paid off when they equalised in the 30th minute through Theo Zidane, whose low shot nestled near the post. Despite Córdoba’s dominance, it was Zaragoza who struck first, taking the lead in the 15th minute. Iván Azón dispossessed Isma Ruiz in the box, allowing Francho Serrano to beat Carlos Marín with a composed low finish.

Zaragoza had two golden opportunities to restore their lead before the break, but Tasende’s shot struck the crossbar, and Jacobo’s effort later cannoned off the post. The teams went into the interval level, though Córdoba’s superior control suggested the second half could be challenging for the visitors.

Second Half: Improvement but No Victory

Real Zaragoza came out with renewed energy after half-time. Marcos Luna and Bazdar both came close to scoring, with the Bosnian squandering a one-on-one chance against Marín. Luna eventually found the net in the 55th minute with a precise cross-shot, putting Zaragoza ahead 2-1. However, their lead was short-lived as Jacobo equalised moments later, taking advantage of poor marking to slot home unopposed.

The Blanquillos pressed for a winner, with Bazdar hitting the crossbar from the edge of the area in their best chance of the half. Despite their efforts, Zaragoza could not convert their dominance into a decisive goal, leaving coach Víctor Fernández lamenting another missed opportunity.

Víctor Fernández: “A Draw Is No Good for Me”

Speaking after the match, Víctor Fernández expressed his dissatisfaction with the result. “A draw is no good for me. We scored two goals away from home, yet we couldn’t win. Our offensive production was good, but our defensive consistency is a concern,” he said. The coach acknowledged Córdoba’s attacking approach, calling them “a very brave team” and an “offensive hurricane” despite their technical limitations.

However, Fernández highlighted that Zaragoza created the best chances. “We were possibly the visiting team that created the most opportunities against them. It is frustrating that, despite that, we couldn’t secure victory. This is becoming a delicate issue,” he admitted.

The coach praised the team’s second-half improvement, noting individual performances from Marcos Luna and Bazdar. “Luna was a dagger down the wing after the break, while Bazdar broke into space well and created problems for Córdoba. He hit the post with a wonderful shot after combining beautifully with Adu Ares,” Fernández said. The coach also commended Ares’ technical skill, saying, “I wish I had brought him on earlier. He made some fantastic plays.”

Site Opinion

Real Zaragoza’s inability to secure a win against Córdoba underscores their ongoing defensive struggles. While the team has shown attacking promise, with Marcos Luna and Bazdar impressing, the lack of cohesion in defence has become a glaring weakness. Víctor Fernández’s frustration is understandable, as his side cannot afford to drop points if they wish to stay competitive.

Córdoba, on the other hand, deserve credit for their performance. Their organisation and intensity in the first half demonstrated their resilience against a strong Zaragoza side. However, they too will regret not capitalising on their dominance. For Zaragoza, the road ahead will require not just tactical adjustments but also a mental shift to translate opportunities into victories.