Real Zaragoza survive, but fans demand a revolution | OneFootball

Relief, resignation and the weight of expectation hung over La Romareda as Real Zaragoza wrapped up another difficult Segunda División campaign, ensuring survival but failing to inspire much belief in meaningful progress. Midfielder Raúl Guti confessed that sealing safety felt “a relief”, acknowledging the team’s haste to finish a season fraught with anxiety. He thanked the fans for their unwavering support amid what he openly labelled a “very complex situation”. Looking ahead, Guti offered a touch of hope, promising “many joys” to come and stressing the importance of returning Real Zaragoza to where they belong.

Yet, outside the dressing room, feelings ranged from frustration to outright criticism. The local press did not mince words, labelling this side “the worst Real Zaragoza in history”. For the fifth straight year, the club has avoided relegation, surviving more through the failures of others than any convincing display of their own. Many argue that the credit for staying up rests with their long-suffering supporters, who showed both defiance and disillusionment, demanding accountability from the hierarchy. The calls for deep structural changes to the football department and stronger leadership echoed around the stadium, with president Jorge Mas and sporting executive Mariano Aguilar specifically cited for their roles and responsibilities.

The match that finally secured their status was emblematic of the season: low quality, nervy, with individual displays just about enough to see them through. Kervin Arriaga’s composure in midfield again stood out, his January arrival having added much-needed steel. Goalkeeper Poussin provided security between the sticks, while Pau Sans showed some promise driving forward. Even so, performances across the pitch were uneven: defenders battled with concentration and physical issues, while in attack, the spark was largely absent.

Manager Gabi sought to channel local spirit when it mattered most. He relied on homegrown talent, bringing together Luna, Clemente, Guti, Francho, Liso and Pau Sans to inject commitment and heart in a tense finale. Despite his best efforts to instil belief and patch up a fragile squad, the sense in the stands was clear—this was a narrow escape, not a triumph to celebrate.

With the club lacking a sporting director for over two months and uncertainty drifting through the corridors of power, the off-field shortcomings have become inescapable. The sense is that Real Zaragoza will remain stuck in this cycle of drift—clinging to their second-tier status but never threatening the return to former glories—unless deep reforms match the ambition and loyalty of their followers.

As the final whistle blew and the anthem played, it was the fans, not the football, that defined the end of the campaign. The challenge for Real Zaragoza is now to repay their faith and restore the sense of identity and purpose befitting their illustrious crest.

Source: El Periódico de Aragón