22.08.2007, 12:19
First test for Ciudad Real: Victory

Talant Djushebaiev’s team begins the new season as they finished the last one: with a victory.

First test for Ciudad Real: victory

Arrate was the first victim this season (27-22) in a game where Ciudad Real showed encouraging signs to the fans. The new Ciudad Real are very similar to that seen last year. Only Pajovic could not play for minor physical problems. The game was a usual friendly match of pre-season and the new players of Ciudad Real gave a good impression already in the first minutes playing for the Spanish Champion.

Talant had the same weapons that made Ciudad Real a strong team last season. The 5-1 defence will be very effective in stealing balls and making easy goals from fast break. Rutenka was the best scorer with seven goals, while Laen, Hjermind and Morros could already score for their new team. García Parrondo and Chema Rodriguez (the most expensive transfer of the season) did not score but played their first minutes.

Good signs in attack

Arrate were not able to cause problems to Ciudad Real. After being level for five minutes, Djushebaiev’s team tool a big lead against the Basques. Ciudad Real showed a good offensive performance, which is not very usual in the pre-season. There are not a lot of changes in the roaster and it is important to get the team play functioning again.

Ciudad Real will travel to Strasburg, France, to play the Eurotornoui from 23 to 26 August. Zagreb, Chambery, Valladolid, Ciudad Real, Copenhagen and Montpellier will make it a very interesting tournament that will be useful to prove the strength of this club for the next season.

Most of these teams will participate in the Champions League and give a big prestige to the tournament.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi