Cagliari used the international break to add another encouraging page to Fabio Pisacane’s early work, winning the Trofeo de Vallecas in Madrid after a penalty shoot-out against Rayo Vallecano. The Sardinian side drew 1-1 in normal time before prevailing 6-5 from the spot, with M’Bala Nzola’s first goal for the club providing the most significant note of the afternoon.
A competitive afternoon in Madrid
- Rayo Vallecano took the lead in the 23rd minute through Alvaro Garcia, putting Cagliari under pressure in a match that demanded more than a routine mid-break workout.
- Cagliari grew into the contest as it went on, while goalkeeper Elia Caprile again made important saves to keep Pisacane’s team within reach.
- Nzola levelled in the 77th minute, opening his Cagliari account and taking the match to penalties.
- The rossoblù won the shoot-out 6-5. Japan’s Sugawara, one of the newer arrivals still working towards full fitness and adaptation, converted his penalty.
The friendly offered Pisacane the chance to assess players who have so far featured only sparingly. Along with Sugawara, the coach gave minutes to former Inter player Massolin, using the long pause in the calendar to widen his options before league football resumes.
Pisacane said the trip had delivered precisely the kind of examination his side needed during an unusually extended international interval. “We wanted a proper challenge, particularly in such a long break, which is something new for us, and that is what we found,” he said.
The coach was especially pleased for Nzola, who has been waiting to make his mark in Sardinia. “I am happy about his goal and glad to see him taking centre stage,” Pisacane added.
Nzola finds his starting point
For Nzola, the equaliser was more than a friendly goal. After a lengthy period without playing, he sees the break as a useful step towards match sharpness and hopes to turn this moment into a meaningful season with Cagliari.
“I want to have a strong season here,” Nzola said. “I feel well after being out of action for a long time. I have joined a dressing room full of good people, a united and strong group. I want to help the team meet every target.”
He also credited the pause for helping him improve physically, while thanking Pisacane for the confidence shown in him. With Kevin Carlos absent from the Madrid trip because of discomfort in the rectus femoris muscle, Nzola’s progress takes on extra relevance for the attacking department.
Juventus awaits after the break
Pisacane believes the championship will enter a different phase once the domestic schedule returns. Cagliari did not allow the pause to interrupt the mood built before it, and the coach wants that momentum carried into the next fixture against Juventus.
“After the break, it will be a different league campaign,” Pisacane said. “Mentally, though, we have never switched off. Before the stoppage we earned real enthusiasm on the pitch, and against Juventus we want to begin again from there.”
The trophy itself will not alter the standings, but the afternoon in Vallecas supplied useful evidence: Caprile remained dependable, new faces were brought closer to the group, and Nzola found the net at a moment when Cagliari need their forward line to offer more answers.
