Granada CF are trying to keep their promotion bid alive with just over €4 million in salary cap space. The Burgos win gave that plan its clearest away proof so far, but the broader story is still about how much of the squad now comes from the academy and low-cost recruitment.
Pacheta's young squad
Before the win in Burgos, Granada had conceded seven goals in the opening 30 minutes. That kind of start has made their away form fragile, and it is why the result at El Plantío stood out. It was the first away victory by a team there this season.
Pacheta has leaned into young, physical players rather than waiting for expensive fixes. Owen Emeka renewed until 2029 with a €15 million release clause, Bourama Dembelé is tied down until 2030, and Mario Jiménez Gambín renewed for three seasons in June. Marvel Chinaza's rise from Plasencia of the Primera División Extremeña to a professional contract in LaLiga Hypermotion in one year is the sharpest sign of the route Granada are now taking.
The club's recent league run remains uneven, with W-W-L-W-L across the last five matches, and that is why the Burgos result feels more like a turning point than a final answer. Granada still need more than one complete performance, but the squad they are building is starting to look capable of lasting across 90 minutes.
Granada's own post-match message captured the mood: "Together we are stronger!" The phrase fits a club trying to make a tight budget and a young dressing room carry a promotion fight deeper into the season.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
