Huesca: A heated Segunda Division relegation clash dissolved into a mass brawl on Sunday after Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada punched Huesca captain Jorge Pulido in the final moments of the Aragon Derby.

The incident occurred in the 99th minute at Estadio El Alcoraz with Zaragoza trailing their rivals 1-0. Andrada, already cautioned, was issued a second yellow card for shoving an opponent during stoppage time. Following the dismissal, the Argentine veteran charged at Pulido and struck him in the face.

The assault triggered a chaotic pitch invasion by Huesca’s substitutes, resulting in a widespread physical confrontation. Match officials subsequently issued red cards to Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende as they struggled to regain order.

Andrada Issues Apology

Andrada, 35, who is currently on loan from Mexican side Monterrey and has represented Argentina on four occasions, expressed deep remorse following the match.

“The truth is, I’m very, very sorry for what happened. It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry,” Andrada stated, as reported by the BBC.

The goalkeeper noted that his disciplinary record had been nearly spotless prior to Sunday. “Throughout my career, I’ve only had one red card, and that was for a handball outside the penalty area. I also want to apologise to Jorge Pulido because we are colleagues, and honestly, it was my fault. I lost focus at that moment, and well, I am here for whatever consequences the league may give me.”

Club and Coaching Condemnation

Real Zaragoza released a stern statement distancing the institution from the goalkeeper’s actions, promising "appropriate disciplinary measures."

“We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred,” the club said. “These events do not represent the values of Real Zaragoza or its fans... We are role models and examples for many fans, especially children... That is why these regrettable images should never have been seen.”

Zaragoza head coach David Navarro added his own apology, remarking that "there are lines we can’t cross," while Huesca manager Jose Luis lamented that the violence overshadowed the significance of the regional rivalry.

“It’s hard to explain. I think it’s a complete loss of control,” Jose Luis told the BBC. “I can put myself in their shoes, given what was at stake and all. But it’s unjustifiable. It’s ugly. This was supposed to be a celebration of Aragonese football.”

Relegation Implications

Huesca secured the 1-0 victory, yet the result did little to ease the existential pressure on either club. With only five matches remaining in the season, both Huesca and Real Zaragoza remain mired in the relegation zone, facing the prospect of demotion from Spain's second tier.