It all began with Moreno scoring the penalty awarded to Teruel against Real Zaragoza. He went over to the supporters’ stand and began celebrating the goal with exaggerated gestures. He was carried away, as the popular saying goes. Perhaps Ibercaja Estadio’s only mistake was getting drawn into the antics of a player from a third-tier side seeking attention.
In that situation, captain Sergio Escudero went over to reproach him for his actions. He was asked about it in the press room on Wednesday. “The anger came out of me, the pride that Real Zaragoza must be respected. You cannot celebrate a goal in someone’s face; he can celebrate with his own fans, but he should leave ours alone,” the player began.
Ibai, Real Zaragoza’s coach, during a moment of the match against Teruel. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
“You have to be humble. When you do those things, they can come back to haunt you, as happened here. We secured the victory. Real Zaragoza must be respected; that's what makes us a historic club,” the full-back concluded.
THE CAPTAIN’S ARMBAND
Escudero also spoke about his role as captain. “It is an enormous honor to wear the armband of a historic club like Real Zaragoza. I am eager to help my teammates, especially the younger players; I want to help as much as possible with the experience I have,” added the 37-year-old footballer.
Considering the course of Real Zaragoza’s recent years, this could be a mandatory message for every member who joins the club. Whether on or off the pitch, in one area or another, only by assimilating these principles and putting them into practice can the events of recent history—which culminated in relegation to the third division—be avoided in the future.
