Real Zaragoza vs Málaga Match Preview
Real Zaragoza will be hosting this Sunday Malaga CF on a six pointer for the category. Both sides are aware the first steps can completely change the perspective of the rest of the season. Once again, none of the teams have yet been able to score, and the manager should work heavily during the week to sharpen Blanquiazul's offensive edge. Jesualdo Ferreira's strategy relies heavily on the speed of his drivers, and Real Zaragoza will have a tough time keeping up with Malaga's pace. For this very reason, and with Apoño and Sandro Silva struggling with injuries, Malaga CF should go berserk on this week's trip to La Romareda, as their rival might not be able to stand against a constant offense from all sides. Venezuelan striker José Salomón Rondón has not pleased Ferreira during the last weeks, and might leave his place in the offense to Nabil Baha, calling for a change in formation to have an easier path towards Zaragoza's goal.
Zaragoza's present is a dubious one, though the point obtained at the Riazor against Deportivo was celebrated as a victory. Now it's time for Zaragoza to grow stronger on its own ground and secure three decisive points. Leo Ponzio's injury will force Jose Aurelio Gay to change the scheme for this match, with Marco Pérez making room for Sinama Pongolle to gain more presence in the last meters of the field. Team's goalkeeper Leo Franco received more goals than any other during the last season and his performance will surely be determinant on a must-win match. Malaga is powerful on the counter attack, while Real Zaragoza's main weapons is the efficiency of its strikers.
Real Zaragoza vs Málaga Match Report
The most prolific game of the week, Zaragoza and Malaga played a game that kept entertained the whole audience, as Fernando opened the core at the first minute and Juanmi followed early at the 7th minute. Malaga's presence in Zaragoza was a dangerous one, and Jose Aurelio Gay's boys could not keep up with Malaga's pace, and once again Leo Franco is playing the role of the most vulnerable goalkeeper in the league. At least the matches exposed clearly the weaknesses of Zaragoza, and the coach should have some time to think prior to the next match and modify the bad habits of its defense.
At the 34th minute the situation was embarrassing, with Malaga leading 5-0 and little to worry for the rest of the match. The engines slowly started to slow down by the overabundance of goals, and Zaragoza could reduce the difference before the second half (Edmilson). Marco Perez and Ander Herrera shorten the gap to only two goals, but it was too late. Wonderful awakening for Malaga, slowly recovering from Valencia's abuse.
