Real Zaragoza ended UD Ibiza’s winning streak since the arrival of Paco Jémez to the celestial bench tonight in a match marked by the previous party of Ibiza’s DJ Anna Tur, two goals by Sergio Castel that lifted an adverse 0-2 after the break, and the remarkable debut of the winger lvaro Jiménez with the celestial team.
UD Ibiza did not extend their winning streak after opening the year with three straight triumphs, but they escaped a defeat that seemed certain after goals from Azón and Petrovic in the first half. The Celestes remain unbeaten and remain in contention for the play-off spots, which are still four points away.
Paco Jémez’s team started the match with a huge scare after the first minute of play, after a fast run by Borja Sáinz that Narváez finished with a shot close to the post that Lex Domínguez saved with a great save, with only one change in the starting eleven compared to the defeat in Málaga, Nono for the injured Bogusz, and with the new arrivals lvaro Jiménez and Ral Sánchez on the tea bench. The islanders took the initiative, with Guerrero very active between the lines, but it was JIM’s team that struck again in a counter-attack lead by Iván Azón, who, after getting into the area, blasted a cross shot that was just wide of the post. Ibiza needed to be more defensive against a Real Zaragoza team that was quick on the counter-attack.
Herrera starred in the first chance for Jémez’s team, after 8 minutes, with a header from Nono’s cross in front of the supporters, who yesterday filled the Can Misses stands like never before (4,678 spectators, a record in La Liga).
However, Zaragoza discovered flaws in the Celeste resistance once more, and Francho Serrano ruined the Celeste party by defeating Lex in a one-on-one match (0-1, min. 15). The Maó attacker exploited a new mismatch in Paco Jémez’s rearguard to release the visiting expedition’s exhilaration. The haemorrhage may have worsened in the following minutes, especially after Azón’s close-range double shot, which Lex Domínguez was able to stop (min. 21). But Ibiza was a sponge yesterday, and the bloodshed poured over the Can Misses pitch after a corner kick, the rebound of which Petrovic gathered inside the box to score the 0-2 score (min. 24). After 25 minutes, Francho scored on a rapid counter and Petrovic scored after catching a dead ball in the area.
UD Ibiza was unable to contain the Aragonese team’s attacks and, in attack, was unable to breach the enemy lines. Jémez’s players, who had scored 11 goals in the previous two games, failed to score a single goal in a terrible first half.
The entire backline, including Manu Molina and Nono, was not up to the task against a Zaragoza team that was intense and motivated in both zones.
UD Ibiza change of strategy
Jémez sacrificed Cifuentes and Nono at halftime, leaving a three-man defence and starting the second half with lvaro Jiménez, a debutant with the islanders, and the Asturian Davo. A clearly offensive gamble, but also perilous in the face of the Maos wingers’ speed. In actuality, Lex saved a 0-3 score by clearing Borja Sáinz’s free kick after entering the area alone in another counterattack led by Narváez (min. 50).
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