After a prolonged run of fourteen consecutive matches conceding goals, Córdoba CF has finally managed to keep a clean sheet, a feat not accomplished since last January. The last instance was a 2-0 victory against Burgos, a match that marked a strong period for Iván Ania's side before a challenging phase.
The poor run included eight winless matches, with seven losses and one draw, severely impacting the team's aspirations. However, the situation appears to have shifted. Although the match against Cádiz CF did not result in a clean sheet, it helped the team regain positive momentum.
The recent narrow 1-0 victory against Real Zaragoza not only secured crucial three points but also brought a noticeable improvement in play and, most importantly, the long-awaited clean sheet after 98 days. Despite VAR disallowing two goals for Córdoba, including one by Rubén Alves, the team displayed a much-needed defensive solidity.
Rubén Alves's presence has been crucial in this transformation. Since his return to the team after overcoming physical discomfort, the defense has shown significant improvement. With the Spanish-Brazilian player on the field, Córdoba CF has only suffered one defeat, at Riazor against Deportivo de La Coruña.
Alves is not only noted for his defensive strength but also for his contribution in set-piece situations. In the match against Zaragoza, he dominated most of his aerial duels and scored the winning goal from a corner kick delivered by Carracedo. He could have achieved a brace, but VAR disallowed his second goal due to a marginal offside.
“"Now we must try to continue this good dynamic, get as many points as possible in these seven remaining matches, and achieve whatever we can."
After the match, Rubén Alves expressed his satisfaction with the victory and the three points earned at home, something the team had not achieved in a while. With these two wins, Córdoba CF now has 48 points, practically securing their league status, although the play-off remains a distant goal despite 21 points still being available.
“"It's super important, and for defenders and goalkeepers, even more so. In these seven matches, we will seek more clean sheets, as that gives many possibilities to get the three points."
The defender also emphasized the importance of keeping a clean sheet, especially for the defense and goalkeepers, and regretted the goals disallowed by VAR, although he admitted not having seen the replays. Despite this, he highlighted the joy of the celebrations, which he considers “very special”.
