The clash between Real Zaragoza and Granada at Nuevo Los Cármenes on February 22, 2025, ended dramatically as Zaragoza salvaged a 2-2 draw with two late goals, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The game was pivotal for both teams, each heading onto the field with something to prove.
Real Zaragoza came to this La Liga Hypermotion encounter looking to improve their standings, which had been shaky throughout the season. Playing under coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez, they knew every point was valuable. On the other side, Granada, managed by Fran Escribá, was enjoying a solid season and aimed to consolidate their mid-table position.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to strike first. Zaragoza seemed to be controlling the ball more effectively, attempting to pressure the Granada defense early on. This strategy paid off, as they created the first significant chance. Yet it was the home side, Granada, who shocked the visitors with the opening goal. Abde Rebbach netted the first goal at the 23-minute mark, scoring with a perfect left-footed shot from outside the box, leaving Zaragoza goalkeeper Joan Femenías with no chance to save it.
Granada celebrated as they took the lead, but the game took a decisive turn just before halftime when Gonzalo Villar received his marching orders with a straight red card for a harsh tackle on Zaragoza's Francho Serrano. This moment shifted the momentum, leaving Granada to defend against the persistent attacks of Zaragoza for the remainder of the match.
Despite being down to ten men, Granada struck again. Just minutes after the break, Lucas Boyé initiated a swift counterattack, which culminated in Giogi Tsitaishvili scoring the second goal at the 48th minute, with his shot deflecting off a defender and slipping past Femenías. At this point, the hosts looked poised for victory, leading 2-0 and seemingly settling comfortably.
Nonetheless, as the half wore on, Zaragoza began to find rhythm, pressing the Granada defense and trying to break through. The visitors had their opportunities but struggled to convert as the minutes ticked by. It wasn't until the dying moments of the match when the visitors finally found their scoring touch.
With just seconds left on the clock, Alberto Marí connected with a perfectly executed corner from Aketxe, heading the ball home for Zaragoza's first goal at the 91st minute. The once-stunned crowd buzzed with anticipation as hope flickered for the traveling contingent of Zaragoza fans.
Then, just two minutes later, as the stadium still reverberated from Marí's goal, Pau Sans latched onto the ball to score the equalizer, sending it past Granada's goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The dramatic twist occurred after the referee consulted VAR to confirm there was no foul or offside, allowing the goal to stand. The scoreboard now read 2-2.
The match ended with both sides sharing points, but for Zaragoza, this draw felt more like a victory considering how the game had unfolded, clinching two goals at the eleventh hour. The team, having endured hardships, bolstered their morale and added another point to their tally.
Though Zaragoza remains mired below mid-table, their late surge showcased determination and resilience. After the match, multiple players expressed their relief and satisfaction at overcoming adversity, reflecting on the character shown during those dying moments. There’s no doubt the late equalizer ignited renewed optimism within the Zaragoza camp.
For Granada, the missed opportunity to secure all three points stung, especially after having controlled large parts of the match. The home team had objected strenuously to the final result, and the frustrations were palpable as they left the field, pondering what could have been. Their next task will be to shake off this disappointment and prepare for upcoming matches.
Overall, this clash highlighted the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can shift dramatically within moments, leaving fans and players alike with memories of thrilling resolves and heart-thumping excitement.
With no immediate rest for either team, both Real Zaragoza and Granada will look to build on their mixed fortunes as they head toward the next round of fixtures. For Zaragoza, the challenge is to turn this momentum from the draw against Granada and forge it effectively as they look to climb the table.