Real Zaragoza has been the undisputed king of Aragonese football and, traditionally, it was unthinkable that any other club from the region could share its division. Neither S.D. Huesca nor C.D. Teruel could have imagined at the beginning of the century that this situation would become a reality. But circumstances and the management of the various clubs have made it so.
The first clash with S.D. Huesca took place in December 2008, following the dramatic relegation during the Agapitismo era. It was a major event for the Huesca supporters at La Romareda, and they even managed to draw 2-2 in that first encounter. As a curiosity, Real Zaragoza’s double pivot was formed by Gabi and Zapater, while the Huesca side featured players such as Chechu Dorado and Rubén Castro.
Ibercaja Estadio, where Real Zaragoza - Teruel is due to be played. Photo: A.P.
From 2016 onward, the clash between Real Zaragoza and S.D. Huesca ceased to be an occasional exception and became a regular fixture. Despite the rivalry’s relatively short history, some groups have even elevated the match between the two clubs to derby status. This year, with both teams relegated to the third tier, Primera RFEF, it will also be played again.
C.D. TERUEL
And with the relegation, as happened with Huesca, a new Aragonese rivalry will also begin. This Sunday, Real Zaragoza are due to face C.D. Teruel at Ibercaja Estadio, where the Maños cannot afford to slip up if they are to claim top spot in the competition. Promotion goes through this match, and there can be no mistakes.
A new chapter in Aragonese football will therefore begin. Real Zaragoza will face Teruel for the first time in a regular league competition, while the visitors are fighting with all their strength to escape the bottom of the table. In this respect, both teams have the same need, because for Los Blanquillos it is a top priority to move into first place in the division.
If Real Zaragoza can move into first place with a victory, Teruel would climb out of the bottom positions. This is the dual significance of a new Aragonese derby that will be inaugurated this Sunday at Ibercaja Estadio from 9:00 p.m. October 4 will therefore go down in the history of Aragonese football.
THE ARAGONESE DERBIES
The schedule sets Real Zaragoza against S.D. Huesca for the weekend of November 8, on matchday 11. The return fixtures will be played at Pinilla on matchday 26 against Teruel, during the last weekend of February, and at El Alcoraz against Huesca on matchday 30, at the end of March. Everything points to there being plenty at stake.
