Zaragoza, Spain – Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has been handed a significant 13-match ban following a violent incident during a recent La Liga 2 match against Huesca. The suspension, announced Tuesday, stems from Andrada striking Huesca captain Jorge Pulido after receiving a second yellow card in the 98th minute of the contest on Sunday.
The incident occurred after Andrada was initially shown a yellow card for shoving Pulido. Following the second yellow, and subsequent red card, Andrada then physically attacked Pulido, delivering a punch to the face. The altercation sparked a larger brawl involving players from both teams, resulting in additional red cards for Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez and Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende.
Andrada, an Argentine national who currently plays on loan from Liga MX side Monterrey, immediately expressed remorse for his actions. “The truth is I’m incredibly, very sorry for what happened,” Andrada stated, according to USA Today. “It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry.” He further apologized directly to Pulido, acknowledging his responsibility and stating he “lost focus at that moment.”
Born January 26, 1991, Andrada has had a varied career, previously playing for Lanús, Arsenal de Sarandí, Boca Juniors, and Monterrey. He joined Real Zaragoza on loan in 2025. According to records as of April 27, 2026, Andrada has made 27 appearances for Zaragoza during his loan spell. His career began with the youth academy of Lanús in 2005, and he has as well represented Argentina at the U-20 and U-23 levels, earning four senior international caps in 2019.
Real Zaragoza also released a statement condemning the incident. The club stated it would “grab the appropriate disciplinary measures” and emphasized that the scenes were “unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred.” The club further stressed the importance of sportsmanship, courage, and respect, highlighting the role players have as role models for fans, particularly children.
The 13-match ban represents a substantial penalty for Andrada, effectively sidelining him for a significant portion of the remainder of the La Liga 2 season. The suspension will undoubtedly impact Real Zaragoza’s goalkeeping options and could have implications for their playoff aspirations. The team currently sits in a competitive position in the league table, and maintaining form without their starting goalkeeper will be a key challenge.
This incident underscores the increasing scrutiny on player conduct in professional sports. While passion and competitiveness are inherent to the game, maintaining control and respecting opponents are paramount. The league’s swift and decisive action sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The incident also raises questions about the potential for increased security measures and preventative strategies to mitigate similar occurrences in the future.
Andrada’s apology and acceptance of responsibility are likely to be considered during the disciplinary process, but the severity of the offense necessitates a significant punishment. The length of the ban reflects the league’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the game and protecting the safety of players.
Real Zaragoza’s next match is scheduled for May 5th against Albacete. It remains to be seen who will start in goal for the team in Andrada’s absence. The club will necessitate to quickly assess their options and identify a reliable replacement to maintain their competitive edge.
The fallout from this incident is likely to continue in the coming days, with further discussion expected regarding player conduct and the role of governing bodies in enforcing disciplinary measures. Fans and pundits alike will be closely watching how Real Zaragoza responds to this challenge and whether they can overcome the setback to achieve their season goals.
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