Relief and rebellion as Zaragoza survive on a night of drama | OneFootball

Real Zaragoza have secured their mathematical survival in the Spanish second tier after a tense 1-0 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña at La Romareda, combined with favourable results elsewhere, in the penultimate round of the season.

The decisive moment arrived early in the second half when Deportivo’s Charlie Patino inadvertently turned a Raúl Guti corner into his own net in the 55th minute, sending relief through a packed stadium bracing for the worst. It was an unforeseen stroke of fortune for Gabi Fernández’s side on an evening rife with nerves and calculation.

Zaragoza entered the match knowing only a win and help from elsewhere would guarantee Segunda Division status for another year. As events unfolded, Eldense—direct rivals in the relegation battle—kept the drama alive by twice leading Racing de Santander during their simultaneous fixture. Every development in Elda was tracked restlessly by fans and players alike.

Deportivo, already safe, offered little respite for the home team. The visitors threatened on several occasions, most notably after the interval, forcing Zaragoza keeper Poussin into action. Yeremay Hernández’s introduction for Deportivo added urgency, and the forward rattled the crossbar in the 76th minute, nearly spoiling the party for the Aragonese.

As tension mounted in the stands, supporters’ attention shifted between the action in Zaragoza and updates from Alicante, with Racing’s late goals against Eldense eventually easing local anxieties. The final whistle in both stadiums confirmed Zaragoza’s safety, with Eldense ultimately consigned to the drop.

The match also served as a farewell to the old La Romareda, set for demolition and replacement with a new stadium. Despite the crucial win, the celebration among the Zaragoza faithful was tempered, with significant protest directed at the club’s leadership. Chants demanding resignations echoed after the final whistle, reflecting widespread frustration with a season many described as dismal, despite avoiding relegation.

Key squad changes marked Zaragoza’s starting line-up due to injury. Lluis López missed out owing to a calf muscle tear, with Luna, Vital, Raúl Guti, and Dani Gómez stepping in. The visitors rotated their squad as well, giving starts to Guerrero, Bouldini, and Patino, the latter enduring a decisive and unfortunate evening.

With one round remaining, Zaragoza sit on 51 points, now out of reach of the relegation zone. Attention turns to their final match against Castellón, which will decide only finishing positions, not survival. For Zaragoza, this result represents both relief and a lesson after a season spent too close to the edge.

Source: Diario AS, Heraldo de Aragón