The first time Real Zaragoza faced Fernando Torres was in the Primera División during the 2003/04 season. At La Romareda, the 90 minutes ended in a goalless draw. In Madrid, the Blanquillos came from behind with a brace from Toledo, who scored in the 88th and 90th minutes. As a curiosity, Víctor Muñoz’s side overturned the scoreline while down to ten men following Cuartero’s dismissal.
Real Zaragoza and Atlético Madrid met again in 2004/05. It ended 1-1 in the first leg and 0-0 in the return, adding two more consecutive matches in which the forward was unable to beat the Aragonese side. That made four meetings.
Fernando Torres oversees an Atlético Madrileño training session: Photo: Atlético Academy
He managed to do so for the first time in 2005/06, at La Romareda. That came after Real Zaragoza had held Atlético to a 0-0 draw at the Calderón. The sixth time was the charm. A goal from Maxi and another from the forward born in Fuenlabrada, from the penalty spot, gave Atlético a 0-2 victory at the Municipal stadium.
Finally, in the 2006/07 season, Real Zaragoza won both matches. Óscar gave the Blanquillos a victory at Atlético’s ground (0-1), and Diego Milito did the same at La Romareda (1-0).
RECORD
The record has been entirely in Real Zaragoza’s favor to date. The Atlético Madrileño coach, who leads the next opponent, has suffered one defeat in eight matches against the Blanquillos. This encounter, embarrassing for the Zaragoza side, takes place in a different context and under different circumstances.
Back then, surely nobody imagined that they would meet again in this way. Real Zaragoza are seeking a return to professional football and are on the right path to achieving it. The Blanquillos now face an Atlético Madrileño side for whom things have not been going well so far.
After two consecutive defeats, Fernando Torres’s team welcome none other than Real Zaragoza. The Blanquillos, meanwhile, are looking to remain near the top of the table after five straight wins.
