In a thrilling encounter at El Alcoraz, SD Huesca secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Sporting de Gijón, ending a frustrating streak of three consecutive losses. The match, held on March 30, 2025, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the home side fighting back from an early deficit to reclaim their position in the playoff zone of the Liga Hypermotion.
The game kicked off with Sporting making a strong statement early on. In the 21st minute, Nacho Méndez scored with a powerful shot from inside the area, putting the visitors ahead. His well-placed strike left Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez with no chance to respond, setting the tone for an intense first half.
However, Huesca was not to be deterred. As the first half approached its conclusion, the home side began to find their rhythm. Patrick Soko, who had been a constant threat, equalized in the second minute of stoppage time. Soko capitalized on a loose ball in the box, pushing it past the keeper to level the score just before the break.
But the drama didn’t stop there. Just moments later, in the 48th minute, Jorge Pulido scored Huesca's second goal with a header from a corner kick, completing a stunning turnaround that left Sporting reeling. The Huesca fans erupted as their team went from trailing to leading in the blink of an eye.
As the second half began, Sporting regrouped and came out with renewed vigor. They were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute when Juan Otero was brought down in the box. After a review by the VAR, the referee pointed to the spot, and Otero himself converted the penalty, bringing the score to 2-2.
The match continued with both teams exchanging chances, but Huesca appeared to be the more determined side. They pressed hard for the winning goal, launching several attacks that kept the Sporting defense on high alert. The tension mounted as the clock ticked down, with each team battling for control.
In a dramatic finish, Jordi Martín emerged as the hero for Huesca, scoring the winning goal in the 93rd minute. His strike came after a chaotic scramble in the box, where he seized on a defensive error from Sporting to fire home the decisive goal. The stadium erupted in celebration as Huesca not only secured the win but also reignited their hopes for promotion with just nine matchdays remaining in the season.
With this victory, Huesca climbed to 5th place in the standings, now sitting with 54 points. Meanwhile, Sporting faced a harsh reality, remaining just five points above the relegation zone after suffering their second consecutive defeat. The visitors have now managed only one win in their last 16 matches, raising concerns about their ability to remain in the division.
The match was attended by 6,718 spectators, who witnessed a contest filled with drama, controversy, and late-game heroics. The referee, Orellana Cid, faced criticism for his decisions, particularly regarding the second Huesca goal, which Sporting players argued should have been disallowed due to an obstruction on their goalkeeper.
Despite the defeat, Sporting showed moments of promise, particularly in their initial lead and subsequent equalizer. However, their inability to secure points in crucial moments continues to plague them as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
As Huesca celebrates their hard-fought victory, they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches, aiming for a spot in the playoffs and a chance to return to the top tier of Spanish football. For Sporting, the focus will be on regrouping and finding a way to turn their fortunes around as they face the pressing specter of relegation.
