Half of the season hasn’t yet passed, but Saturday’s encounter between Zaragoza and Levante has all the hallmarks of a relegation battle. Both sides are ailing badly in the league, and with the duo boasting a combined points tally lower than Espanyol have achieved on their own, times are tough.
Zaragoza were in a similarly miserable position this time last year, but a fine winter transfer campaign proved the catalyst to keep them afloat. Unless another goal scorer in the mould of Humberto Suazo is found, another recovery may not be quite so forthcoming.
The board have tried to pre-empt change by switching things around in the dugout. Jose Aurelio Gay has been jettisoned and Javier Aguirre installed, though the Mexican’s initial influence on the squad has only served to underwhelm. After seven league matches in charge, he’s overseen only one victory, and the overall record of the side under his charge is remarkable similar to that achieved by his predecessor.
Last weekend was the first serious low under the charge of the 52-year-old former midfielder. Though Espanyol are a tough side to meet away from home, Zaragoza were left bloodied and bruised following a 4-0 defeat. They will have to show remarkable character to forget that loss and win what is their most important game of the season to date.
Trying To Stay Positive
Levante have been a strangely up-and-down side this season, showing few signs of consistency as head coach Luis Garcia wrestles with the best system and personnel to use for his team. Though the Valencia club have enjoyed a couple of bursts of good form, these have been rendered almost worthless by three runs of losses numbering three or more.
Presently, los Granotes are in such a period, though they had hoped to extract themselves from this position by defeating city-rivals Valencia last weekend. When Juan Mata missed a first half penalty for the guests and then hit the bar with a free kick in the second, it was starting to look like the underdogs’ day, but they would be punished late on by the same player, going down 1-0.
While the public face of Levante has been one of disgust at the refereeing decision that allowed the seemingly offside Mata to score, the coach is rather more concerned by the way the team is moving in a more general fashion. On Tuesday, he spoke with seven senior players about the team, leaving Robuste to conclude: “The coach aims to encourage people and prepare the squad.”
After facing Zaragoza this weekend, things get really complicated for the east coast club. A trip to Sevilla will not yield easy points, while in-form Villarreal and Getafe follow quickly after. Last weekend’s encounter against Valencia may have been billed by Levante as their most important of the season, but that mantle is quickly handed to Saturday’s fixture.
TEAM NEWS
Zaragoza
Javier Aguirre has instructed that his team will train behind closed doors all week, meaning it’s unclear how they will turn out at the weekend. Slight doubt surrounds the fitness of Jiri Jarosik, who had to leave Wednesday’s session with muscular complaints, but the Russian is the only fresh concern.
Levante
Felipe Caicedo is doubtful after failing to train on Wednesday because of a fever. Miguel Perez and Nacho Gonzalez are not expected to be fit in time to participate. Ballesteros and Juanfran are both banned.
Prediction
Zaragoza have shown an inability to win big matches this season, though that is rather countered by the abject form of Levante. Relegation battles are typically tense, low-quality affairs, and this match is likely to be a battle too. Los Granotes don’t draw too many games, but they’d be pleased with a point from La Romareda.
Zaragoza 1-1 Levante 
