Zabaleta needs to regain confidence in his forehand to dominate the match. /
The mayors of Aspe and Baiko analyze tomorrow’s decisive couples duel in Eibar, in which the defender and the forward will be the key
The coin is in the air at the Astelena pediment in Eibar. The Gipuzkoan venue hosts tomorrow (5:00 p.m.) the fourth game of the Couples semifinal group in which one of the combinations can say goodbye to their aspirations of being in the final. The current champions, Elezkano II and Zabaleta, face Laso and Imaz. Both come from losing, and a new setback can cost them dearly. The mayors of Aspe, Jon Apezetxea, and Baiko, José Ángel Balanza Gorostiza, analyze a clash in which they agree that «the thermometer will be Zabaleta and Laso».
The Etxarren defender needs to command so that the options of the combination of the promoter from Eibar increase. However, the forcefulness that he has shown during the tournament with his blow has not had the necessary regularity. «Last weekend I saw him with many doubts. If he doesn’t enjoy the right, he doesn’t dominate. But he is a very demanding pelota player who will surely find the formula to turn the situation around », highlights Apezetxea.
Elezkano II needs his defender to settle the matches. He has to open holes for him so that he can enter the auction. The one from Zaratamo has taken a step forward with respect to the quarterfinals. «He Now he is more active. More courageous and aggressive, which is how he has to play. He should not be afraid of losing two or three balls by risking it». Those who will wear red have to get back together to improve sensations. Send, to avoid problems. «But we already saw on the first day that Laso and Imaz are going to fight. They play very well and are dangerous, “warns Apezetxea.
«Elezkano II is now more courageous and aggressive. He shouldn’t be afraid of losing a couple of balls for risking »
“Terrible Feelings”
Those from Baiko had set themselves the goal of reaching the semi-finals and they are there. But once achieved, “as usual, they want more,” emphasizes Gorostiza. They are hungry and have the means to satisfy it on the pitch. And they are willing to work their asses off trying. “The sensations that the striker transmits are terrible, but he needs to start the games with the score in favor to play more calmly,” he adds.
It will not be easy because the tension in a duel of these characteristics will be felt. Especially if the shock is adjusted. Managing it will be another goal for the four of them. “Everyone has the pressure to win, but today they are prepared and have enough boards in games of this type.” They will know the result of today’s match (5:15 p.m.) at the Labrit fronton in Pamplona between Altuna III-Martija and Irribarria-Rezusta, winners of the first day, which may also have some weight.
If the striker from Biskarreta-Gerendiain gains prominence, it will be good news for their combination. With his aggressiveness on the court he is capable of setting the pace and making anyone uncomfortable. Even Zabaleta. “He doesn’t have to give up playing at the back. He has enough weapons to move the defender, worry him and create doubts », he highlights. But he will also have to enter “complicated balls and help his partner a lot to achieve his goal.”
Both quartermasters do not expect a very tough match physically because both forwards have enough capacity to finish the goal quickly. “The confrontation is quite even and complicated,” they agree.
