Aihen Muñoz fails to challenge Sergio Gómez’s standing

Aihen Muñoz did not manage to challenge Sergio Gómez’s place after the Txapela final, which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Club at Anoeta. The match gave the full-back an opportunity to make his case within the squad, but his performance fell short.

Muñoz started for the first time in a long while. Pellegrino Matarazzo gave him the opportunity as a chance to build match fitness during the international-calendar break. Until then, his playing time this season had been almost negligible.

His lack of competitive rhythm was evident on the pitch at Anoeta. The opportunity to show he could merit a bigger role therefore did not alter Sergio Gómez’s standing. The final ended in defeat for Muñoz’s team, and the full-back’s display was not enough to change the pecking order.