Real Zaragoza 2017-18 Season Review: Segunda División and Copa del Rey Campaign
The 2017-18 campaign for Real Zaragoza was a journey of resilience and competitive struggle within the Segunda División, the second-highest professional football league in Spain. Competing for a return to the top flight, the team navigated a grueling schedule of league matches and a spirited run in the Copa del Rey, Spain's premier knockout tournament.
Throughout the season, Real Zaragoza displayed a mix of dominant home performances at La Romareda and challenging away fixtures, fighting to maintain a position in the upper echelon of the league table.
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Key Facts
- League Standing: Real Zaragoza finished 3rd in the Segunda División, qualifying for the promotion play-offs.
- League Record: The team secured 20 wins, 11 draws, and 5 losses over 42 matches.
- Goal Statistics: They scored 57 goals and conceded 44, resulting in a goal difference of +13.
- Copa del Rey: The club reached the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Valencia.
- Top Venue: La Romareda served as the primary home ground, hosting numerous high-attendance matches.
Segunda División Performance
Real Zaragoza's league campaign was characterized by consistency, eventually placing them in a strong position for promotion. They finished the season with 71 points, placing them just behind the automatic promotion spots held by Rayo Vallecano and Huesca.
League Table Summary
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rayo Vallecano | 42 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 67 | 48 | +19 | 76 |
| 2 | Huesca | 42 | 21 | 12 | 9 | 61 | 40 | +21 | 75 |
| 3 | Real Zaragoza | 42 | 20 | 11 | 5 | 57 | 44 | +13 | 71 |
| 4 | Sporting Gijón | 42 | 21 | 8 | 13 | 60 | 40 | +20 | 71 |
| 5 | Valladolid | 42 | 19 | 10 | 13 | 69 | 55 | +14 | 67 |
Notably, Real Zaragoza secured 3rd place over Sporting Gijón via head-to-head points, having won their encounters 2–1 and 1–0.
Match Highlights and Key Results
The season saw several pivotal moments. Early on, the team struggled with a 1-0 loss to Tenerife but bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Córdoba. One of the most impressive home results was the 3-0 win against Numancia on October 8, 2017, where Toquero and Borja Iglesias found the net.
The team also faced significant challenges, including a 3-0 defeat to Almería and a tough 3-1 loss to Huesca. However, they remained competitive, securing a 3-2 victory against Rayo Vallecano in November, showcasing their ability to compete with the league's top sides.
Key Contributors
Borja Iglesias emerged as a critical offensive threat, scoring frequently throughout the league and cup campaigns, including several crucial penalties. Other key players included Jorge Pombo, Alberto Zapater, and Diogo Verdasca, who contributed significantly to the team's goal tally.
Copa del Rey Campaign
In the Copa del Rey, Real Zaragoza began with strong momentum. They dominated Granada 3-0 in the second round and followed it with a 1-0 win over Lugo in the third round to advance to the Round of 32.
Their journey ended in the Last 32 against La Liga side Valencia. After a 0-2 loss in the first leg at home, Zaragoza fought back in the second leg at the Mestalla Stadium but ultimately fell 4-1, resulting in a 6-1 aggregate defeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Real Zaragoza finish in the 2017-18 Segunda División?
Real Zaragoza finished in 3rd place with 71 points, which allowed them to qualify for the promotion play-offs.
How did Real Zaragoza break the tie with Sporting Gijón?
Real Zaragoza finished ahead of Sporting Gijón based on head-to-head points, winning both matches between the two teams (1-0 and 2-1).
Who were the top scorers for the team during this period?
Borja Iglesias was a primary goalscorer, with significant contributions also coming from Jorge Pombo and Diogo Verdasca.
How far did the team progress in the Copa del Rey?
The team reached the Round of 32, where they were eliminated by Valencia with an aggregate score of 6-1.
What was the attendance like at La Romareda?
Attendance varied throughout the season, with some of the highest crowds reaching over 22,000 spectators, such as during the match against Osasuna.