Ziganda’s men had travelled to Vitoria aiming to record a third straight win – this time against a powerful Alavés side and in front of 200 SD Huesca fans that had made it to the stadium. It was a daunting challenge for the Azulgranas and yet they tried, they eventually couldn’t handle it. In the end, the two goals scored by the hosts proved crucial and decisive. Huesca made progress in the second half, and even cut the deficit, but were unable to complete the comeback.
Cuco Ziganda suffered the first setback of the afternoon at Mendizorroza when Soko was forced off with injury after 20 minutes and Gerard Valentín had to replace the winger. The Cameroonian had had the closest attempt so far with a low cross-cum-shot from inside the area that was denied only by an outstretched Sivera. Nevertheless, the boss had already had to change his plans before the game, as Marc Mateu missed out through injury. The Azulgranas looked to play on the counter attack at every opportunity, whereas the hosts kept up their attacking threats, as Andrés was repeatedly called into action. Our No.1, however, was unable to dispel the danger when Akain fired a rocket after a corner. Alavés had the ball in the net just before the break.
Cuco made some changes intending to produce a reaction after the interval. Óscar Sielva and Tomeo joined the action in the midfield, trying to enjoy possession, but Alavés found the net again, and from a set piece again. It was Tenaglia this time who found a brilliant finish from the back post. Far from breaking down, SD Huesca responded with our best minutes in the opposition’s area. In fact, Escriche got close to a goal in front of Sivera, who clawed away the striker’s headed effort. ‘Cuco’ looked to underpin the momentum by introducing Kevin Carlos, aware of his physical attributes. Actually, his first intervention led to a corner from which Florian Miguel was about to score. The goal would come after that from outside the area, when Óscar Sielva unleashed a powerful shot that flew in at the far post for the visitors to come close. With Huesca still striving for the equaliser, Carrillo made his debut, but couldn’t connect any good cross in what was a disorganised finale. The final whistle eventually blew on 2-1 to Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza.
