Real Zaragoza avoided any Copa del Rey upset with a commanding 4-0 victory away to CD Tudelano, scoring twice in each half to book their place in the next round. The Segunda División side were sharper in possession, quicker to loose balls and far more ruthless in the final third, while Tudelano’s resistance lasted only until the early stages of the first half.

Match overview

Zaragoza set the tone from the opening whistle, pushing their full-backs high and pinning Tudelano deep inside their own half. The hosts initially defended in a compact block and looked to slow the tempo, but once the first goal arrived the tie tilted firmly in the visitors’ favour. Tudelano worked hard to stay within touching distance before the break, yet Zaragoza’s superior movement and technical quality told in the end.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Tudelano tried to push higher in search of a route back into the game, but that only created more space for Zaragoza’s midfielders and wide forwards. The visitors managed the closing stages comfortably, adding late gloss to a scoreline that reflected their control.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Zaragoza opened the scoring after a patient passing move ended with a low finish from inside the penalty area.
• 38th minute: A second goal arrived before half-time, punishing Tudelano for failing to clear a dangerous cross.
• 62nd minute: The visitors effectively sealed the tie with a quick counter-attack, finished calmly past the goalkeeper.
• 78th minute: Zaragoza added a fourth, capitalising on tired legs and space at the back.

Tactical story

Zaragoza’s 4-3-3 shape gave them width and penetration throughout. Their midfield trio controlled the rhythm, recycling possession quickly and switching play to isolate Tudelano’s wing-backs. The visitors also pressed aggressively after losing the ball, forcing turnovers in areas that allowed them to attack before the home side could reset.

Tudelano, by contrast, sat in a deep 5-4-1 block and tried to protect the central corridor. It worked for spells, but the hosts struggled to hold the ball long enough to relieve pressure. Set pieces offered their best chance of a foothold, though Zaragoza defended those moments with composure.

Standout players

Zaragoza’s wide attackers were a constant threat, stretching the pitch and delivering dangerous balls into the box. The central midfielder dictating play was equally influential, repeatedly finding pockets of space between Tudelano’s lines. For the hosts, the goalkeeper deserved credit for several saves that kept the score respectable, while the centre-backs produced a handful of important blocks in the first half.

Match facts

• Possession: CD Tudelano 35% – 65% Real Zaragoza
• Shots: CD Tudelano 6 – 18 Real Zaragoza
• Shots on target: CD Tudelano 2 – 9 Real Zaragoza
• Corners: CD Tudelano 3 – 7 Real Zaragoza

What it means

The result sends Real Zaragoza into the next round with confidence and a clean sheet, while CD Tudelano can take pride from spells of disciplined defending against higher-ranked opposition. For Tudelano, the focus now shifts to league form, whereas Zaragoza will believe the cup provides a useful platform for squad rotation and momentum building.