Real Zaragoza to play first preseason friendly vs Utebo on Wednesday

Real Zaragoza will play its first proper preseason friendly this Wednesday against Utebo FC, following the traditional training match against Deportivo Aragón. The match is scheduled for 6:30 PM with open doors, allowing fans an early look at the new project's initial developments.

Match Objectives

The fixture will serve to:

• Gauge physical fitness after just over a week of training at the Ciudad Deportiva and three days in Boltaña
• Assess how tactical concepts are beginning to take shape on the pitch

Tactical and Squad Updates

The clash will offer a first look at Ibai Gómez's plans, with the coach expected to test the 4-2-3-1 system—the likely formation for the start of the season.

The squad, which includes 31 players (8 from the youth team), is nearly at full strength. Both Bazdar and Saidu are training normally. The only exception is reserve team player Iker Vadillo, who is working separately alongside fitness coach Andrés Ubieto.

All preparations are taking place under scrutiny, as the pitch condition is not ideal. Facility managers are conducting last-minute checks on the surface to ensure the match proceeds without risk.

Opponent: Utebo FC

Utebo is led by Javi Suárez, a former blanquillo and ex-Deportivo Aragón coach from the 2016-17 season. Suárez's teams are known for being competitive at the start of summer.

The priority for this test will be:

• Distributing efforts
• Assimilating the new tactical setup
• Giving players match practice

The afternoon also marks a reunion with the Zaragoza faithful. Utebo has spent four years in Segunda Federación, finishing in 4th place each season and qualifying for the playoffs, but without achieving promotion to Zaragoza's current category.

Source: El Periódico de Aragón