Zaragoza GK Andrada Faces Up to 12-Match Ban After Derby Punch
Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada may miss up to 12 league games after punching an opponent in a Segunda División derby. Both clubs fight relegation.
TL;DR
Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada may be sidelined for up to 12 league matches after punching Huesca’s Jorge Pulido in a Segunda División derby. Both clubs sit in the relegation zone and are fighting to avoid dropping to Spain’s third tier.
Context
On Sunday, Zaragoza visited Huesca in a heated second‑division derby. With the match in stoppage time, Andrada shoved Pulido to the ground, earned a red card, then chased Pulido and struck him in the face. The punch triggered a brawl that saw Huesca’s goalkeeper Dani Jiménez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende also sent off. Huesca held on for a 1‑0 win.
Andrada, 35, is an Argentina international on loan from Mexican club Monterrey. He has made 18 league appearances for Zaragoza this season, conceding 22 goals. The incident occurred as both teams battle to stay out of the relegation zone, where a single loss can swing the fight for survival.
Key Facts
Zaragoza released a statement condemning the scenes as “unbecoming of this sport” and said it would analyse the events and take appropriate disciplinary measures. According to league regulations, Andrada faces a possible suspension of up to 12 matches for the violent conduct, plus the automatic one‑match ban that accompanies his red card.
Both Zaragoza and Huesca currently occupy positions in the relegation zone of Segunda División, each needing points to avoid a drop to Primera Federación, Spain’s third division. Zaragoza sits just above the drop line, while Huesca is a few points behind.
What It Means
If the maximum ban is applied, Andrada could miss roughly a third of Zaragoza’s remaining fixtures, weakening their goalkeeping options at a critical moment. Huesca, while victorious, also lost Jiménez and Tasende, which may affect their squad depth in upcoming games.
The clubs will await the disciplinary committee’s ruling, expected within the week, and may appeal any sanction. Fans and analysts will watch how Zaragoza adjusts its lineup and whether the loss of Andrada influences their relegation battle.
What to watch next: the official sanction announcement and both teams’ responses in the next matchday.
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