REAL ZARAGOZA WINS 2-0 AGAINST RACING DE SANTANDER IN A HARD-FOUGHT MATCH

ZARAGOZA, 2019, DECEMBER 14 – Real Zaragoza continues its climb in the standings after defeating Racing de Santander 2-0 on Saturday night. Racing, one of the bottom teams in the table, was at Zaragoza’s mercy in the first 45 minutes but came close to equalising after the break as Zaragoza’s performance significantly declined. Victor Fernández‘s team now sits 3rd just before the end of the first half of the league, which concludes next Sunday with a derby against Huesca at El Alcoraz, a match that promises to be thrilling.

The first half was dominated by Zaragoza, who controlled possession and displayed a well-defined style of play that they’ve increasingly mastered. Racing, meanwhile, couldn’t escape Zaragoza’s pressure and created no chances in the early stages, opting to defend and hope for a counterattack that never materialised. Shinji Kagawa, returning to the starting lineup after a few games on the bench, was inspired, and Zaragoza benefited from his presence.

In the 19th minute, Luis Suárez scored the opener after a brilliant piece of play by Shinji Kagawa. Raúl Guti lofted a pass over Racing’s defense, and Kagawa expertly controlled the ball before setting up Suárez, who calmly slotted it past Luca Zidane. Despite Racing’s protests, the VAR confirmed the goal.

The rest of the first half saw Zaragoza continue to control the game, but they were unable to extend their lead. Several chances came and went, including a Luis Suárez effort in the 33rd minute that went over the bar. Racing struggled to create any real threat, and Zaragoza’s defense held firm.

However, the second half told a different story. Racing emerged more aggressive and created some nervy moments for Zaragoza’s defense, particularly when Lombardo fired just wide in the 56th minute. Zaragoza had opportunities of their own, with Luis Suárez nearly scoring again, but Zidane kept Racing in the game with some key saves.

As the match progressed, Zaragoza’s energy waned, and Racing started to gain more control. Cristóbal Parralo made substitutions to increase his team’s attacking options, and the game became more open and tense. Racing’s David Barral came close to levelling the score in the 74th minute after a defensive error from Julián Delmás, but his shot went over the bar.

In the dying moments of the game, Racing pushed hard for an equaliser, and Zaragoza’s nerves were apparent. There were anxious moments when VAR reviewed a potential penalty, but fortunately for Zaragoza, it wasn’t given. With time running out and Racing fully committed to attack, Javi Ros sealed the victory for Zaragoza in the 90th minute with a composed finish after being played through by Guti.

It was a tough win for Zaragoza, who showed glimpses of brilliance but also struggled to maintain their level in the second half. Despite the tense moments, they secured all three points and moved into 3rd place, continuing their impressive form in a season that has been full of challenges.

Video highlights available here.

GOALS:
Luis Suárez (19’); Javi Ros (90+4’)

REAL ZARAGOZA
Álvaro Ratón; Julián Delmás, Alberto Guitián, Enrique Clemente, Nieto, Iñigo Eguaras, Raúl Guti, Alberto Soro, Shinji Kagawa (Daniel Lasure 66′), Javier Puado (Javier Ros 77′), Luis Suárez (Miguel Linares Colera 87′).

Unused Substitutes: Giorgi Papunashvili, Juan Carlos Azón, Jorge Pombo, Simone Grippo

REAL RACING CLUB DE SANTANDER
Luca Zidane; Buñuel, Iñaki Olaortá, Alexis, Moisés Delgado López, Sergio Ruiz, Daniel Toribio (David Carmona 59′), Nicolás Hidalgo (David Barral 59′), Álvaro Cejudo, Enzo Lombardo, Nuha Marong (David Rodríguez 71′)

Unused Substitutes: Óscar Gil, Iván Crespo, Aristote Nkaka, Alberto Cayarga

STADIUM:  La Romareda (22,480)

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