The Granada of the ‘step by step’ continues to stride. For the third time in its history it is a leader in the First Division. Agree that it is only the second day and that there are rivals with less matches due to the ups and downs of the competition. But… leaders! It sounds really good and the feeling is that the best is yet to come for this EuroGranada.
We go back in time. 1973-74 season. The Granada that Joseíto then led (he coached Granada in 204 league games) climbed to first place despite drawing 1-1 at home with Murcito. He added seven points (then the victories counted two points and not three as implemented in the 1995-96 season). It was a great Granada with Izcoa, Falito, Montero Castillo, Fernández, Toni, Aguirre Suárez, Jaén, Chirri, Ángel Castellanos, Enrique Porta, Quiles, ‘Chikito’ Oruezábal and company. Although the first place only lasted one day, Granada completed a formidable season and finished in sixth position.
It took no less than 46 years for Granada to return to the top even if it was only for one day and despite the fact that Barcelona had one game less. The great Granada built by Antonio Fernández Monterrubio, general manager, and Diego Martínez, coach had already beaten Barça 2-0 and climbed to the top after beating Betis (1-0). Another great Granada with Rui Silva, Víctor Díaz, Neva, Duarte, Yangel Herrera, Eteki, Soldado, Puertas, Carlos Fernández, Machís, Vadillo, Gonalons …
This third leadership, despite being fleeting, is still meritorious. Two goals from Roberto Soldado (the historic first scorer in Europe) and Machís they worked the feat for a team that enjoys the best moment in history under the wise leadership of Diego Martínez, the youngest coach of Primera, who has achieved a record of great interest. Since 1988, no coach had been on the bench for more than two consecutive seasons. The last was Joaquín Peiró who chained 103 consecutive games. Diego has 82. He only has 21 games left to match the remembered “Galgo del Metropolitano” recently deceased.
“We fight together, we suffer together, we win together. Let's continue dreaming Granada CF together! ” wrote on his Twitter account Roberto Soldado.While Machís reflected: “I congratulate all the companions for the disposition in each game. We are excited to continue competing in this way ”. The key to Granada's success? He said it in As Monterrubio: “We are a family”. On Thursday (8:00 pm) the European adventure will continue against Georgia's Lokomotiva Tblisi. There is Granada for a while!