We have to go back to the 2024/25 season. Real Zaragoza were plummeting down the Segunda Division table. It had already happened the previous campaign and the one before that: the warnings were clear. In the season in question, the white-and-blue side welcomed Cartagena to La Romareda on Matchday 39 with their backs against the wall.
They hosted Cartagena, a team that had already been relegated. Returning to those warnings, the Murcia side had secured a last-gasp survival the previous season and lasted barely one more year in professional football. They travelled to the Aragonese capital with little to play for; Real Zaragoza had the perfect opportunity to put their continued presence in Segunda Division on track.
Dani Gomez scored Real Zaragoza's winning goal against Cartagena. Photo: Pilar Alvarez
After Matchday 38, Real Zaragoza were just above the relegation zone on 45 points; Eldense, on 40, were already in danger. Cartagena, meanwhile, had 20 points. Incidentally, only Pau Sans remains from that Zaragoza lineup.
THE MATCH
The course of the match, in those circumstances, was another warning of what was to come. Cartagena took the lead after four minutes, Raul Guti equalised with an assist from Mario Soberon in the 10th minute, and the Murcia side went ahead again in the 14th. The teams went into halftime with the score at 1-2.
In the second half, Real Zaragoza were unable to create any danger. The game became increasingly complicated, and the score remained unchanged until the 88th minute. Then Alberto Mari, assisted by Dani Gomez, scored the insufficient 2-2 equaliser.
It was at the very end, almost despite the opposition's efforts, that Dani Gomez scored the 3-2 goal in the 97th minute to put survival on track. Cartagena were relegated, while Real Zaragoza received a serious warning of what could happen.
THE REUNION
This weekend brings a reunion between the two sides. The Murcia team were unable to win promotion in their first season after relegation. They will try again now, while Real Zaragoza are seeking—out of necessity—a quick bounce-back after their humiliating drop into the third tier.
This is where the white-and-blue side must secure their third consecutive victory. It would also be their third win of the season, and their second in front of their own fans.
