In a thrilling encounter at La Romareda, Real Zaragoza faced off against FC Cartagena in a crucial match for both teams on May 10, 2025. The stakes were high for Zaragoza, who needed a victory to secure their position above the relegation zone, while Cartagena, already relegated, aimed to build on their recent win against Racing Club Ferrol.
The match kicked off at 21:00 hours, and it didn’t take long for the action to unfold. Just three minutes in, Cartagena struck first with a well-executed header from Nacho, who capitalized on a defensive lapse from Zaragoza. The early goal sent a shockwave through the home crowd, leaving Zaragoza in a precarious position.
However, the home side responded quickly. In the 10th minute, Raúl Guti equalized for Zaragoza with a precise shot from the edge of the area, assisted by Mario Soberón. The fans erupted in cheers as the team regained composure, momentarily silencing the concerns of a potential early collapse.
But the momentum shifted once again just minutes later. In the 13th minute, El Jebari scored a stunning goal for Cartagena, firing a powerful shot from outside the box that beat Zaragoza’s goalkeeper, Poussin. The visitors were back in front, leading 2-1, and they managed to maintain their advantage heading into halftime.
As the first half progressed, Zaragoza dominated possession, completing a staggering 17 shots throughout the half, yet only three of those were on target. Despite their efforts, they struggled to find the back of the net again, with Adu Ares emerging as a standout performer for Zaragoza, creating several chances but failing to convert.
The first half ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of Cartagena, leaving Zaragoza with much to ponder as they headed into the locker room. The referee, José Antonio Sánchez Villalobos, added four minutes of stoppage time, during which Zaragoza continued to press for an equalizer but was met with resolute defending from Cartagena.
Throughout the first half, the atmosphere was electric, with fans witnessing a mix of excitement and frustration. The match was also notable for a commemorative event, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Zaragoza’s Recopa victory, which added an emotional layer to the proceedings.
As the second half began, Zaragoza needed to find a way to break down a Cartagena defense that had been effective in stifling their attacks. Coach Gabi Fernández emphasized the importance of maintaining high intensity and focus, stating, “We need to give our best version to get a positive result against Cartagena.”
Cartagena, under the guidance of Guillermo Fernández Romo, was keen to secure a morale-boosting victory after their recent struggles. The team, having broken a 21-game winless streak with their win against Racing, was looking to build on that momentum.
The second half saw Zaragoza ramping up their efforts, with Adu Ares continuing to be a thorn in Cartagena’s side. His efforts culminated in several near misses, including a shot that narrowly grazed the post. The urgency in Zaragoza’s play was palpable, as they fought to avoid a damaging defeat that could jeopardize their hopes of staying in LaLiga Hypermotion.
Despite Zaragoza’s attempts to equalize, Cartagena’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Toni Fuidias making crucial saves to maintain their lead. As the clock ticked down, the tension in La Romareda heightened, with fans urging their team forward.
As the match approached its conclusion, Zaragoza continued to press for a goal, but Cartagena remained resolute. The final whistle blew, sealing a surprising 2-1 victory for Cartagena, a result that left Zaragoza in a precarious position in the league.
The loss was a significant blow for Zaragoza, who now faced an uphill battle to secure their place in the league. In contrast, Cartagena celebrated a hard-fought victory, a testament to their resilience despite a challenging season.
After the match, Gabi expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the remaining fixtures. “We have to regroup and focus on the next match. We’ve shown we can compete, and we must carry that into the final games of the season,” he said.
With the season drawing to a close, both teams will reflect on this match as they navigate their respective paths—Zaragoza fighting for survival and Cartagena looking to rebuild for the future.
