Second to beat Napoli: Granada's epic

With no time to savor their historic victory against Napoli, Granada is already preparing their Sunday game against Huesca resetting to his reality in the League where he has not won for five games. The team that has played the most games in all of Europe, no less than 38, manages efforts to stay in the front line of battle despite so many efforts and players who are on the edge due to injuries and physical problems. “This is being very nice and I am not changing it for anything because living this with Granada is extraordinary. But it is true that it costs us a world to think beyond. We have to think about Huesca ”commented Diego Martínez, analyzing the overexertion that the team must face under these circumstances.

There is a detail that marks the growth of this Granada. Six players who were on the pitch against Napoli played just two years ago in Segunda. Rui Silva, Carlos Neva and Montoro started as starters. Then Antonio Puertas, Germán and Víctor Díaz jumped onto the pitch. Aarón Escandell was on the bench and the other reserve goalkeeper, Aarón Fabrega, comes from the lower categories. “We have nothing to do with Villarreal, Real Sociedad or with European teams. Our starting point is very different. So different, that two years ago we were in the Second Division and many of those players were on the field today. And that is what, I think, has merit of this team and for that I thank the players ”reflects the coach from Granada, leader and motor of this progression.

One of the great merits of this Granada is overcoming obstacles. Against the Neapolitans Vallejo was injured at 22 'and was replaced by Germán, who was saved by Diego due to his physical problems, Duarte has had a few games with a broken left hand bone, Montoro who had been a dud until the last minute, Yangel who has just recovered from the coronavirus, the casualties of Milla, Luis Suárez and Soldado. The response was exemplary and we stop, for example, in Jorge Molina, who did not stop running and pressing during the 95 'that the game lasted. And he's about to turn 39!

Domingos Duarte expresses it clearly. “We believe a lot in what we do. We are aware that we have another game left. Now we have to recover and think about winning in Huesca ”. Víctor Díaz, for his part, appreciates the efforts of the fans who welcomed them upon arrival at the stadium (of course with distances and security measures). “350 days without an audience since we played the Cup against Athletic. People were very excited and without them it is not the same. Thank you and I hope this happens soon and you can enjoy with us ”.