SD Huesca claimed one more point in matchday 17 of LaLiga Smartbank, but were not able to secure the long-awaited victory in El Alcoraz, which last happened in August. In a home game against UD Ibiza, the sides went back to their dressing rooms goalless, following an open match where the Azulgranas ended better. It is time to keep working away and find the three points to elevate our place in the table.
The clash was greeted by a sea of scarves at El Alcoraz. The atmosphere was unbelievable, with the home crowd in full song, swinging their scarves in the air when the players ran out to play another vital game to keep up with the rhythm of the competition. On the pitch, the first half was fairly even, with both teams being unable to carve out good chances, while Xisco’s side started piling on the pressure and making a considerable effort. Having recovered from injury, Joaquín came back into the starting line-up and proved himself to be very active on the right wing by creating dangerous moments. He sought Gaich’s header, set up his colleagues from the flank and pressed to win the ball back in dangerous areas. The clearest opportunity for the hosts came in the 21st, when Marc Mateu took a beautifully weighted free-kick that smashed onto the goal post, showing again his qualities as a set-piece taker. However, right after that, UD Ibiza grew into the game by having the ball. With thirty minutes on the clock, Guerrero found himself one-on-one with Andrés Fernández, but gave up the chance. Shortly after, Herrera shot on the turn and the ball landed extremely close to the goal. The visitors went better into half-time.
The second half started at a frenetic pace as Joaquín starred in attack again and both sides enjoyed a flurry of big chances. After two efforts from our no.11, Andrés Fernández reacted well to save Herrera’s header from the 6-yard box. Germán, the visitors’ goalkeeper, was also called into action by Gaich, who struck twice in a row, yet unsuccessfully. No one could net the rebound of his second attempt either, which hit the goal post and could have been the opener. Escriche, Mikel Rico and Ferreiro came on then, bringing fresh legs off the bench. After 71 minutes Marc Mateu had one of the clearest chances of the match, when Ratiu made a daring sprint and crossed a ball that bobbled across the face of the goal and was struck by our no.21, who could not make it past Ibiza keeper. The temperature was rising in and the El Alcoraz crowd were well behind the side trying to push for the opener. Ferreiro had it with only ten minutes remaining when he hit a low cross-cum-shot that ended up cleared by the rival defence. In the dying stages, Mikel Rico registered a couple of brilliant efforts to make it 1-0 and hold the three points home, but it was not to be. Next stop: Almeria, against the leader.