Zaragoza Goalkeeper Punches Rival Captain After Red Card in Chaotic Spanish Derby

From Red Card to Right Hook in Seconds

A Segunda División derby between Real Zaragoza and Huesca descended into chaos in the dying moments of Sunday's match when Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada received a second yellow card for shoving a Huesca player — then, rather than walking off the pitch, turned and punched opposing captain Jorge Pulido squarely in the face.

The incident, which took place in the 97th minute, triggered a mass brawl involving both sets of players. When the dust settled, the referee had issued two additional red cards: Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez and Zaragoza left-back Dani Tasende were both dismissed. Huesca held on to win 1-0.

Andrada's Moment of Madness

Andrada, 35, is an Argentine international playing for Zaragoza on loan from Mexican club Monterrey. By any measure, it was a remarkable loss of control from an experienced professional. Video shared by the Policía Nacional — and rapidly circulating on social media — shows the goalkeeper walking toward Pulido with clear intent before landing the punch.

In a statement afterwards, Andrada expressed regret: "I really regret what happened. It's not a good image for the club, for the people or for a professional like me. I crossed the line."

Real Zaragoza moved quickly to distance themselves from the scenes, issuing a formal statement describing them as "unbecoming of this sport" and contrary to the club's values of "sportsmanship, courage and respect."

The Consequences

Andrada now faces a potentially lengthy suspension from Spanish football's disciplinary committee — and with the ban likely to outlast his loan spell, this may well have been his final appearance for Zaragoza.

The result has serious sporting implications too. Huesca's 1-0 win strengthens their survival hopes in a tight relegation battle, while Zaragoza's defeat increases their own precarious position near the bottom of the table. A local derby already carrying high stakes ended in precisely the wrong fashion for the home side.

Whether Andrada's outburst was the result of the pressure of the occasion, personal frustration, or simply a moment of madness, it is the kind of incident that tends to define a career's final chapter rather than its highlights reel.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 29, 2026.