Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada is facing a suspension expected to stretch into next season after being sent off and then throwing a punch at an opponent in a crucial Liga 2 derby against Huesca. The incident occurred deep into stoppage time of the match on April 26, 2026, with Huesca leading 1-0. According to reports from Spanish media, the Argentine goalkeeper, already on a yellow card, was shown a second yellow for pushing Huesca defender Jorge Pulido, triggering a dismissal. Video footage circulated on social media then shows Andrada throwing a punch at Pulido's head, sparking a mass confrontation between the two teams and leading to the match being abandoned.
The match, a high-stakes Aragonese derby with both clubs in the relegation zone, was decided by the early dismissal. Huesca's victory, secured by an Oscar Sielva penalty, gives them hope of survival with five matches remaining. For Zaragoza, the defeat is a significant blow to their own survival hopes, compounded by the impending lengthy absence of their first-choice goalkeeper. While the club has not yet issued an official statement on the suspension, sources familiar with the Spanish football federation's disciplinary process suggest Andrada could be banned for 10 to 12 matches.
The 34-year-old Andrada, who joined Zaragoza from Mexican club Monterrey in the summer of 2025, has been a key figure for the historic club this season. His experience, which includes a long career in Argentina with clubs like Boca Juniors and the Mexican Liga MX, was seen as vital for a team battling against relegation. This moment of ill-discipline, however, now leaves his team in a precarious position for the final run-in, likely requiring them to rely on a backup goalkeeper for the remainder of the campaign.
The suspension not only impacts Zaragoza's immediate fight for survival but also casts doubt on Andrada's future with the club. Such a significant ban for violent conduct is a serious mark on a player's record and could influence decisions regarding his contract, which is reportedly set to run for another season. For Huesca, the three points are a lifeline, moving them out of the direct relegation places and providing crucial momentum. The disciplinary fallout from the brawl may yet involve other players from both sides, but the primary focus remains on the actions of Esteban Andrada, whose season appears to be over.
