SD Huesca, the historic football club from Aragon, Spain, finds itself in a familiar territory this season – La Liga 2. After a brief stint back in the top flight, Los Azulgranas (The Blue and Greys) are currently embroiled in a tight battle for mid-table respectability. While promotion might seem like a distant dream at the moment, Huesca’s passionate fanbase remains hopeful for a return to La Liga glory in the near future.

This article delves into SD Huesca’s current standings in La Liga 2, analyzing their performance, strengths, weaknesses, and what the future holds for the club. We’ll also explore fan reactions and the overall sentiment surrounding the team.

Current Standings (as of July 4, 2024)

SD Huesca currently sits in 17th place in the 22-team La Liga 2 table. They have amassed 49 points from 42 games, with a record of 11 wins, 16 draws, and 15 losses. Their goal difference of +3 reflects a team that struggles to score consistently but boasts a relatively solid defense.

Here’s a breakdown of the top and bottom of the table for comparison:

• Top 5:

CD Leganés (74 points)

Real Valladolid CF (72 points)

SD Eibar (71 points)

RCD Espanyol (69 points)

Sporting de Gijón (65 points)

• Bottom 3:

FC Andorra (43 points)

AD Alcorcón (44 points)

Villarreal CF B (43 points)

The tight nature of the mid-table is evident, with only 9 points separating Huesca from the relegation zone and 20 points from the coveted playoff positions for promotion to La Liga.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Approach?

Huesca’s style of play this season can be described as defensively sound but lacking in attacking creativity. Their relatively low goal tally of 36 highlights their struggles in converting chances.

Here’s a closer look at their strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

Solid Defense: Huesca boasts one of the better defenses in the lower half of the table, conceding only 33 goals in 42 games. This defensive stability provides a foundation for them to build upon.

Experience: The presence of seasoned veterans like Jorge Pulido and Andrei Radiónov in the backline adds composure and leadership to the squad.

Teamwork and Organization: Huesca plays with a clear tactical plan and maintains good defensive shape, making them difficult to break down.

Weaknesses:

Lack of Goalscoring: Their biggest concern is the lack of firepower upfront. With only 36 goals scored in 42 games, they have struggled to put teams away consistently.

Over-reliance on Draws: Huesca’s record of 16 draws demonstrates their tendency to settle for a point rather than pushing for victories.

Inconsistent Attacking Play: Their attack lacks fluidity and creativity, often relying on individual moments of brilliance rather than a cohesive strategy.

Fan Reactions and Overall Sentiment

The SD Huesca fanbase is known for its passionate support. While there’s a general sense of disappointment over the team’s inability to challenge for promotion, there’s also a cautious optimism for the future. Here’s a glimpse into the overall sentiment:

Frustration with Missed Opportunities: Fans are frustrated with the team’s habit of drawing games they could potentially win, particularly against weaker opponents.

Appreciation for Defensive Stability: The strong defensive record is acknowledged as a positive aspect of the team’s performance.

Hope for Improvement in Attack: There’s a strong desire to see the team become more creative and clinical in the attacking third.

Belief in the Manager: Despite the struggles, a large section of the fanbase remains faithful to manager José Ángel Ziganda, trusting his ability to turn things around.

It’s important to note that these are just general trends, and individual fan opinions can vary.

Looking Ahead: Can Huesca Rise Again?

The future for SD Huesca remains uncertain. Here are some key factors that will determine their trajectory:

Transfer Activity: Strengthening the attack during the transfer window will be crucial. Signing a reliable goalscorer could significantly improve their fortunes.

Managerial Decisions: Coach Ziganda’s tactical approach and player selection will play a vital role in unlocking the team’s attacking potential.

Performance of Key Players: Experienced

La Liga 2 Standings: A Mid-Table Placement

SD Huesca finished the season in 17th place with 49 points from 42 games. They managed 11 wins, 16 draws, and suffered 15 defeats. This translates to a modest goal record of 36 goals scored and 33 conceded.

While avoiding relegation is a positive, finishing in mid-table falls short of expectations for a club with Huesca’s pedigree. They possess a passionate fanbase and a rich history, having achieved promotion to La Liga in 2019 and 2020.

Here’s a breakdown of SD Huesca’s performance compared to the top and bottom of the table:

Points Gap: Huesca finished 25 points behind league winners CD Leganés and 20 points adrift of the coveted automatic promotion places.

Distance from Relegation Zone: They secured a comfortable 8-point buffer from the relegation zone, ensuring their safety in La Liga 2 for another season.

Key Factors Affecting SD Huesca’s Standings

Several factors contributed to SD Huesca’s mid-table finish:

Inconsistent Form: Huesca’s season was marked by inconsistency. They struggled to string together consecutive wins and often followed positive results with disappointing losses. This lack of consistency made it difficult to mount a serious promotion challenge.

Defensive Stability: Despite conceding only 33 goals, Huesca lacked a truly resolute defense at times. Conceding soft goals hampered their ability to win close matches.

Limited Goal Threat: While their attacking output wasn’t woeful, scoring only 36 goals in 42 games highlights a lack of cutting edge in attack. Finding a prolific goalscorer could significantly improve their fortunes next season.

Managerial Change: The departure of head coach Nacho Ambriz midway through the season to take over the helm at Elche CF undoubtedly had an impact. It takes time for a new manager to implement their philosophy and build team cohesion.

Fan Reactions and Looking Ahead

SD Huesca fans will undoubtedly be disappointed with the team’s mid-table finish. Promotion aspirations were likely present at the beginning of the season, making the final outcome feel underwhelming. However, there are positive aspects to consider:

Avoiding Relegation: The most crucial aspect is securing their place in La Liga 2. Relegation battles can be draining and financially detrimental, and Huesca can now focus their efforts on building a promotion push.

Solid Foundation: The core of the squad possesses talent and experience. Building upon this foundation with targeted signings could provide the necessary ingredients for a successful next season.

New Manager Bounce: The appointment of a new manager often brings a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of optimism. Fans will be eager to see how the new coach approaches the upcoming season and injects his style of play.

 A Season of Lessons Learned

SD Huesca’s 2023-2024 season was a learning experience. While a mid-table finish doesn’t inspire excitement, it provides a platform for improvement. Addressing the issues discussed above, particularly finding consistency and adding more firepower to the attack, will be crucial if they aim for promotion in the upcoming season.

With a passionate fanbase and a determined squad, SD Huesca has the potential to challenge for promotion. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for fans, with the hope that the team can learn from their experiences and mount a serious challenge for a return to La Liga.

This article has provided a general overview of SD Huesca’s season. There are, of course, additional aspects to consider for a deeper analysis. Here are some potential areas for further exploration. 

FAQs

What was the final score?

The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Were there any highlights?

Yes, there were chances for both teams, but they couldn’t convert. You can find video highlights by searching for “Everton vs Aston Villa highlights” on YouTube.

What competition was the match for?

The match was part of the Premier League season.

Were there any interesting stats or moments?

Everton had a goal disallowed for offside in the 88th minute.

Aston Villa brought on Nicolò Zaniolo as a substitute in the 89th minute.

Where can I find a match report?

You can find a match report with more details on VAVEL.

Conclusion

The January 14th meeting between Everton and Aston Villa was a tight affair with neither team able to find the back of the net. While the 0-0 score might not be exciting on paper, there were chances for both sides, and it could have gone either way.

To read more, Click here