Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada banned 13 matches for punching opponent in derby brawl

Key facts

• Esteban Andrada, 35, on loan from Monterrey, punched Jorge Pulido after receiving a second yellow card.
• The incident occurred in stoppage time of a Spanish second division derby on Sunday.
• Andrada received a 12-match ban for the punch plus an automatic one-match suspension for the red card.
• Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza's Dani Tasende were also dismissed after the brawl.
• Huesca won the match 1-0 with a goal by Oscar Sielva.
• Both clubs are in the relegation zone: Huesca 19th with 36 points, Zaragoza 20th with 35 points.
• Only five games remain in the season.

A derby descends into chaos

A fiery Aragonese derby between Real Zaragoza and Huesca erupted into a mass brawl on Sunday when Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada punched Huesca captain Jorge Pulido in the face after being sent off. The ugly flashpoint came eight minutes into stoppage time of a tense relegation battle, with Huesca leading 1-0 through Oscar Sielva's goal. Andrada, a 35-year-old Argentine on loan from Mexican side Monterrey, had just been shown a second yellow card for pushing Pulido. Instead of leaving the pitch, he sprinted toward the defender and landed a clean punch, sparking a chaotic confrontation involving both sets of players. Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez was dismissed for retaliating against Andrada, while Zaragoza's Dani Tasende was also sent off after a VAR review.

Andrada's apology and federation punishment

After the match, Andrada issued a formal apology. "The truth is I'm very, very sorry for what happened," he said. "It's not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I'm very sorry." The goalkeeper, who claimed his only previous red card was for a handball outside the box, also apologized directly to Pulido. "I also want to apologise to Jorge Pulido because we are colleagues, and honestly, it was my fault, I lost focus at that moment, and well, I am here for whatever consequences the league may give me." The Spanish football federation handed Andrada a 12-match suspension for the punch, in addition to the automatic one-match ban for the red card, totaling 13 games. Zaragoza released a statement on Sunday saying it "strongly condemns what happened" and will "take the appropriate disciplinary measures."

Managers condemn the violence

Huesca manager Jose Luis described the incident as a "complete loss of control." "It's hard to explain. I think it's a complete loss of control," he said. "I can put myself in their shoes, given what was at stake and all. But it's unjustifiable. It's ugly. This was supposed to be a celebration of Aragonese football. I'd like people to talk about the match, even though it was ugly, with little play but a lot of hard work." Zaragoza head coach David Navarro echoed those sentiments, apologizing for his player's conduct. Navarro noted that "there are lines we can't cross," as both clubs remain locked in a desperate fight against relegation with only five games remaining in the season.

Relegation stakes intensify

The derby defeat left Zaragoza second-bottom in the Segunda División with 35 points, while Huesca climbed to 19th with 36 points. Both teams are in the relegation zone, making every remaining match critical. The loss of Andrada for 13 games — effectively the rest of the season — is a severe blow to Zaragoza's survival hopes. The match itself was described as short on finesse and heavy on nerves, with little flowing play but a lot of hard work. Sielva's goal proved decisive, but the aftermath has overshadowed the result.

A stain on Aragonese football

The brawl has drawn widespread condemnation, with both managers lamenting that the incident has tarnished what should have been a celebration of regional football. Jose Luis expressed frustration that the violence would dominate discussion rather than the match itself. "It's ugly; this was supposed to be a celebration of Aragonese football. I'd like people to talk about the match, even though it was ugly, with little play but a lot of hard work." Andrada's actions have been widely criticized as a moment of madness that betrayed the professionalism expected of a veteran player. The federation's swift and severe punishment underscores the gravity of the offence.

What comes next for Zaragoza and Andrada

With Andrada sidelined for the remainder of the season, Zaragoza must rely on their backup goalkeepers for the final five matches. The club's statement indicated internal disciplinary measures are also pending. For Andrada, the 13-match ban could have long-term implications for his career, especially given his age and loan status. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures of a relegation battle. As both clubs fight to avoid the drop, the focus will now be on whether Zaragoza can recover from the loss of their goalkeeper and the morale blow of the derby defeat.

The bottom line

• Esteban Andrada received a 13-match ban (12 for punching plus 1 for red card) after punching Jorge Pulido.
• Three players were dismissed: Andrada, Dani Jimenez, and Dani Tasende.
• Huesca won 1-0 with a goal by Oscar Sielva, moving to 36 points; Zaragoza remain on 35 points.
• Both clubs are in the relegation zone with five games left in the season.
• Andrada apologized publicly, calling the incident a loss of focus.
• Zaragoza condemned the violence and said it would take disciplinary measures.