Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada lost control in the dying moments of a LaLiga Hypermotion match against SD Huesca, delivering a punch to the face of opposing captain Jorge Pulido after being shown a red card, triggering a full-scale brawl on the pitch.
The incident occurred in the 98th minute of the match at El Alcoraz stadium, with Huesca leading 1-0. Andrada was initially shown a straight red card for pushing Pulido during a heated exchange. As he walked away, the Argentine goalkeeper turned back and ran toward Pulido, striking him with a closed fist to the face.
The punch knocked Pulido to the ground immediately, prompting players from both teams to rush in and sparking a chaotic melee that required multiple officials to restore order. Television footage showed Andrada being restrained by teammates and staff as Pulido remained on the turf, visibly shaken by the blow.
Andrada, a former Boca Juniors and Rayados de Monterrey goalkeeper, had been one of Zaragoza’s standout performers earlier in the match. He saved a penalty kick taken by Óscar Sielva in the 7th minute, denying Huesca an early lead. However, Sielva scored the match’s only goal in the 66th minute to place Huesca ahead.
Prior to the red card, Andrada had been protesting insistently after a VAR review led to the expulsion of Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende. The accumulated frustration appeared to boil over after his own dismissal, leading to the violent retaliation against Pulido.
The derby match ended with Huesca securing a 1-0 victory, but the result was overshadowed by the aftermath of Andrada’s actions. Both teams were involved in the ensuing altercation, with several players seen pushing and shoving as referees struggled to separate the sides.
Social media erupted with condemnation of the goalkeeper’s conduct, with many calling for severe disciplinary action. Zaragoza issued a brief statement through official channels, with a club representative stating: “I have to apologize. Real Zaragoza does not represent this.”
Andrada joined Real Zaragoza ahead of the 2025-2026 season after spending the previous year with Rayados de Monterrey in Liga MX. Before his move to Spain, he spent six seasons with Boca Juniors in Argentina, where he won multiple domestic titles and established himself as one of the country’s top goalkeepers.
The Argentine international has represented his country at various levels, including senior team call-ups, and was part of Boca Juniors’ squad that won the 2020 Copa Diego Maradona and the 2022 Primera División championship.
LaLiga Hypermotion, Spain’s second professional football division, has seen increased scrutiny this season over player conduct, particularly in high-tension matches. The league has not yet released an official statement on potential sanctions for Andrada, but similar incidents in recent years have resulted in multi-match bans and substantial fines.
Real Zaragoza currently sits in the lower half of the LaLiga Hypermotion table, fighting to avoid relegation to the Primera Federación. SD Huesca, meanwhile, is positioned comfortably in the middle of the standings with promotion hopes fading late in the season.
The next official update on potential disciplinary measures is expected from LaLiga’s competition committee within the coming week. Zaragoza’s next fixture is scheduled for May 3 against Cartagena at La Romareda stadium.
As of now, neither Andrada nor Zaragoza have provided further comment on the incident beyond the initial apology. Fans and analysts alike are awaiting confirmation of the length of any suspension that may be imposed on the goalkeeper for his violent conduct.
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