The match between the newly promoted Real Valladolid and Leganés ended goalless, due to the poor play that could be seen, especially from the Madrid side because the home team showed more initiative in attack at times.
With various changes in both teams, the two teams that played in the second division last year took to the Zorrilla pitch; four in the home team’s ranks and five in the away team’s ranks compared to the previous matchday, with the aim of adding three points against a direct rival.
That’s why there was a fierce battle for possession from the start; both teams pressed after losing the ball to avoid losing ground to their opponents. In the first minute, the home team was close to opening the scoring, but Amath shot to the right of Juan Soriano’s goal.
The playing field resembled a chessboard, with long plays that ended without any chances, carefully studied positions, little action and even less spectacle. Neither team wanted to make a fatal mistake that would give the other team an advantage.
There were too many doubts… and a lot of fear. The defence was more prominent and there were no attacks. In fact, in 25 minutes, there had not been a single shot on goal. The boredom was alleviated by the crowd, with continuous chants of support to encourage their team.
But nothing happened. Too much control over the ball, little intensity and a lack of offensive bite made forays into the six-yard box rare. In one of those, Moro crashed the ball into the crossbar, after a failed first shot by Amath.
Although, had it gone in between the posts, it would not have been on the scoreboard, as the shot was offside. At least that arrival gave some energy to the home side, who tried again to gain the advantage through a shot from Amallah, very weak and without danger.
The score was extremely even, with the balance waiting for a detail that would tip it in one direction, because although Real Valladolid created more concern, Leganés was crouching, defending well and waiting for its moment, although it did not come.
Thus, with this lack of play, this lack of action in attack, and very little speed, the first half ended with the same initial score. It was absolutely necessary to push harder in the second half, and Pezzolano’s men came out with that intention.
Moro emerged as the protagonist, and thanks to his ability to break through he began to create serious danger for the defense of the cucumber team, but his forays were not rewarded.
At least there was more enthusiasm and determination in the Valladolid ranks, who, with the changes, began to look more intentionally for the Madrid team’s area. In fact, the recently incorporated Meseguer missed the clearest chance of the match.
Alone, on the edge of the area, he was unable to finish effectively, and his shot ended up in the stands, to the disappointment of the Blanquivioleta fans, who were already celebrating the goal.
Leganés had also made several changes, in an attempt to maintain at least the points they had earned up to that point. And they had to work hard, because the Blanquivioleta team gave it their all in the final stages.
Latasa, who was registered “in extremis” and was making his debut, demanded the spotlight, but his shots were not rewarded. Meanwhile, the Leganés team struggled to surprise in the final minutes, but did not manage to do so either. Therefore, the match ended with a 0-0 draw and a share of the points.
Technical sheet:
0 – Real Valladolid: Hein; Luis Pérez, Javi Sánchez, Boyomo, Lucas Rosa; Kike Pérez (Meseguer, m.61), Juric, Amallah (Chuki, m.90+); Amath (Iván Sánchez, m.61), Sylla (Latasa, m.61), Moro (Marcos André, m.80).
0 – CD Leganes: Juan Soriano; Cruz (Roberto Lopez, m.65), Cisse (Darko Brasanac, m.65), Chicco (Munir, m.70), Neyou (Tapia, m.84), Franquesa (Oscar Rodriguez, m.46);
Referee: Alejandro Quintero González (Andalusian Committee). He cautioned the home team Paulo Pezzolano -coach- (m.45), Juric (m.90+), and the visitors Franquesa (m.17), Neyou (m.46), Sergio González (m.68), Jorge Sáenz (m.82), Óscar Rodríguez (m.83).
Incidents: Match corresponding to the third round of LaLiga EA Sports, played at the José Zorrilla stadium in front of 21,764 spectators. Before the match, a minute of silence was held in tribute to Francisco García “Paquito”, former coach of Real Valladolid, and Juan Izquierdo, player of Club Nacional de Football.
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