International break

The Spanish top flight was paused this week with the international break calling players away to play for their countries. Three Basque players were called up for the Spanish squad. New Chelsea man Kepa Arrizabalaga was joined by his teammate César Azpilicueta and Bilbao defender Iñigo Martínez. Martinez made an appearance late in the game against England but ran out of time to make any significant impact. Spain play Croatia on Tuesday evening and could make several changes to the squad that beat England.

Osasuna vs Almería

Despite the absence of LaLiga action this weekend, Segunda still carried out their fixtures. Osasuna played Almería at home on Saturday. With Almería also starting their season poorly, Osasuna will have known the importance of winning the game. Manager Arrasate made several changes to the side that lost to Granada. Moving Oier into midfield and introducing Hernández into the backline, there was a clear intention to tighten up and prevent the dismal defending that was witnessed a week earlier. Imanol García was taken out of the squad and wasn’t on the bench for this encounter, the payer was most likely the target of manager’s frustrations after a poor performance against Granada. With the match starting, it was obvious that Osasuna looked to control the midfield and create space in the final third. The team’s movement was much better with passes looking more direct. Osasuna were able to score in the 14th minute after a dominant start; running in-field from the left, Rubén García passed to Vidal who was overlapping on the right. Sending in a simple cross, the right back found Villar who headed the ball down causing it to bounce past René. Two minutes later, Osasuna had switched off and against the run of play Almería got their equalizer. On the end of a cross-field pass, Corpas sprinted to the byline before swinging in a powerful cross. Striker Álvaro was able to get his head to it causing Rubén to make a reaction save, however, the goalkeepers parry was ineffective, leading to the ball landing by the feet of Álvaro. The striker then scrambled the ball home. Osasuna controlled the rest of the half with few goal-scoring opportunities for both sides.

Almería emerged from the break the more aggressive team. With Osasuna playing with overlapping full backs, Almería looked to exploit the wings. Romera came close for the Andalusians when his cross strayed towards goal and bounced off the woodwork, Rioja then stepped up but volleyed the ball wide. Following a slide tackle by López on García in the 64th minute the referee awarded a penalty. The ball was judged to have struck the arm of the Almería defender and although it looked very accidental, it did slow down what could have transformed into a goal scoring opportunity. It was García who stepped up to take the spot-kick, slotting the ball neatly into the bottom left. After the penalty, Osasuna looked confident and played some excellent passing moves. The team were rewarded for their high tempo just 4 minutes later, right back Nacho Vidal found himself behind the defensive line and lofted a ball into the box where it met the head of Kike Barja. With Osasuna 3-1 up, the manager saw fit to bring on an extra defender and secure their lead. The tactics paid off with the Navarra club controlling possession and preventing Almería from attacking until the final whistle. The display from Osasuna was enjoyable to watch, quick passing and effective runs as well as the ability to open space on the wings benefitted the team greatly. There was also a sense of greater discipline at the back following the poor performance against Granada. If Osasuna can stay level headed and well-organised defensively, perhaps they can get a successful season underway. Next week they play Reus, the club just below them in 15th, it may well be another opportunity to earn 3 points.

Player of the week

Nacho Vidal was terrific in his side’s match against Almería. The right back was dangerous; making continuous overlapping runs. He was dynamic too; occasionally running to the byline, other times cutting inside. He linked up well several times with both Villar and García who were swapping wings regularly. Defensively, the player made a great deal of effort to return quickly from his forward runs. The defender’s hard work paid off twice, picking up two assists in their 3-1 victory. The player joined the club from Valencia at the start of the season on a free transfer and at just 23, he clearly has a great deal of potential. If his current form continues, he could well be the transfer of the season.

Segunda B

With it being the international break, I thought I would report on the progress of the Basque teams in Segunda B group 2.

Bilbao Athletic

Athleti’s second team have started the season strongly. Villalibre, the man potentially tasked with filling the very large boots of Aduriz has so far bagged 3 goals, if his scoring form continues he could well finish as the leagues top scorer. Defensively, the team have been well organised, conceding just 1 goal in the first 3 games. However, the real test will come when they play the likes of Racing Santander and CD Calahorra.

Barakaldo CF

Another feeder club for Athletic Bilbao, Barakaldo have started the season in good form defeating both Real Oviedo B and Real Sociedad B. The club hasn’t been in Segunda since the 198/81 season and from their early performances it is not unrealistic to expect the team to push for this year’s playoffs. Their centre-forward Sergio Benito on loan from Rayo Vallecano B has so far bagged himself 2 goals and at just 19-years-old the player could start to make a name for himself.

CD Izarra

The club from Navarra has never made it into Segunda but after their first 3 games, they find themselves in 5th place. Defeating Arenas Club and Vitoria the team will be happy to have such a good points average. However, both of those victories were won by one goal to nil and as a result it is important for the club to become more assured in front of goal. Defensively, their goalkeeper Iricibar has pulled off several match winning saves. This has, according to local press caught the attention of some big clubs.

CD Tudelano

In 6th place is another Navarrese club and like Izarra it has never played in Segunda. Tudelano didn’t get off to the best of starts losing 2-0 to Bilbao Athletic. However, since then the club has beaten Vitoria and won a close fought match against RS Gimnástica. Former Bilbao Athletic and Osasuna B player Julen Arellano has so far been their star performer, making darting runs forward and whipping dangerous balls into the area. The team has been playing some good possession-based football and are good at controlling the midfield. They will hope to continue their good form and continue to challenge for the playoff positions.

SD Leioa

The team based within the Bilbao Conurbation, completed an excellent victory against Real Unión, who were top at the start of the weekend. Their centre-back turned right-back Adrián Crespo has been a key individual so far. With a goal and two very good defensive displays he will be key to the team’s success this year. Drawing their first two games against Sporting Gijon II and Calahorra respectively, the team look difficult to break down with their physicality and organisation. Next, they face Bilbao Athletic, who may well provide them with one of their more difficult games this season.

Real Unión

The team from Irun started the season with a draw and a win before succumbing to Leioa this weekend. So far, the team has shown glimpses of their potential. The team is strong and able to keep hold of possession. Controlling the midfield, Jon Ceberio has proven himself as a powerful attribute when contributing to both attacking moves and defensive marking. However, the team is too reliant on their striker Orbegozo, so fans will be wanting the team’s wingers to begin threatening goal. The team has signed young Alex Babos on loan from Derby County, with high expectations for the young Welshman, it will no doubt be a matter of time before he makes an appearance.

Real Sociedad B

Acting as Real Sociedad’s reserves, the B team understandably have an incredibly young squad. However, despite the talent on display it doesn’t feel like the squad is playing as a unit and there appears to be an individualistic element to their play, perhaps with players trying to impress the senior staff members. So far, the team have lost twice put did manage to put 3 past Durango. Their young goalkeeper Zubiaurre has been their beacon of hope for the team. Making wonderful saves in all three of the games played so far, the team may well have found itself close to the abyss without him. Next the team plays Langreo, who will be difficult to overcome.

SD Vitoria

Playing their inaugural season in Segunda B last year, the team from Vitoria-Gasteiz acts as Eibar’s reserve team after being integrated in the Gipuzkoan club in 2015. With a draw and two defeats the club has not got off to the best of starts. Perhaps the biggest concern is the lack of threat when attacking, the club have failed to score any goals and their build up play is slow and unimaginative. The team have a relatively good defence but need to start considering where their goals will come from.

SD Gernika

SD Gernika have had a nil-nil draw and two defeats, most recently losing 3-1 against Calahorra. The team have only found the back of the net once this season, gifted to them as a Calahorra scored an own goal. The team is weak at both ends of the pitch, however, 34-year-old new signing Sagastibeltza has brought some much-needed experience to the back line. Next, they play Real Unión who have started the season well.

Arenas de Getxo

The Vizcayan club started the season the with an underwhelming nil-nil draw against Vitoria and have since lost successive games against Izarra and Racing Santander. Their 4-0 loss to Racing Club illustrated enormous defensive vulnerabilities with a lack of awareness and some dire organisation during set-pieces. The club are better offensively but have still failed to score in 3 games.

SCD Durango

The newly promoted start has found life in Segunda B tough. With a draw and two losses, the club are unorganised at the back and pose little threat in attack. In their latest outing they were put to the sword by Mirandés, losing 1-4. Often playing a high line and committing bodies to set pieces, the team has been on the end of dangerous counter attacks. Their play style which is aggressive and attacking perhaps needs to be conserved for later in games when energy levels are depleted. Otherwise, Durango could see themselves punished every week.

Amorebieta

Losing all three of their opening games there is no surprise the club find themselves bottom of the league. Conceding 8 goals in the process, the team are already the book makers favourites to be relegated this season. And despite their losses, there appears to be an unwillingness from the club to change their match tactics. Playing an almost identical squad in the same 4-2-31 formation every week is not working and with further continuation of a failing system the club will have to get used to life at the bottom.