Zaragoza's Christmas Blues: Facing Second Festive Season in Relegation Zone
Real Zaragoza missed their chance to escape the drop zone before Christmas, continuing their Segunda División struggles with defeat to Cádiz.
Real Zaragoza will be pulling no crackers this Christmas as they face their second festive season in the relegation zone during their purgatory in Spain’s second tier.
Opportunity Missed
The Aragonese outfit had a golden chance to climb out of the drop zone—or at least get within touching distance of safety—with a win against Cádiz at the Ibercaja Estadio. Instead, they fell to defeat, and other results went against them, leaving Zaragoza four points adrift of safety with just one match remaining before the year ends.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Los Maños. Back in 2020, they bid farewell to the year in the penultimate position with just 16 points—the exact same tally they currently possess. The difference? Back then, safety was only three points away, rather than the current four-point gap.
Ray of Hope
There is a silver lining to this dark cloud hanging over La Romareda. Zaragoza could narrow this gap if they manage to get a result against Burgos this weekend. And history offers some comfort too—in that 2020 season, they eventually secured their Segunda División status, finishing with a respectable 50 points.
It’s a timely reminder that survival remains possible with:
- A strong second half of the season
- Effective January reinforcements
- Recapturing their pre-Cádiz form
Missing Links
Rubén Sellés’ side has been hampered by significant absences. The loss of Francho Serrano has been particularly damaging, with the midfielder proving himself the most indispensable cog in the Zaragoza machine thanks to his work rate and constant effort. He remains doubtful for the Burgos clash.
Meanwhile, Martín Aguirregabiria is definitely sidelined pending medical tests, further weakening a squad that can’t afford to lose quality players in their fight for survival.
Zaragoza fans will be hoping for some late Christmas presents from the January transfer window, or it could be another season of squeaky bum time in Aragon.