Zaragoza Win the Derby by Turning Atlético’s Barrage into Dust

The ball kept coming towards Zaragoza’s goal, and Adrián Cifuentes kept sending it away. As Atlético Pamplona pressed for an equaliser, the Zaragoza goalkeeper stood firm through a storm of attempts; then, in the 89th minute, substitute Mickaël Gibert struck to turn a tense derby into a 2-0 home triumph at La Romareda.

This was no quiet neighbourly squabble. The rivalry is marked as historic, and Zaragoza have won two of the last three meetings: 2-2 away in November 2063, 4-1 away in March 2063, then 2-0 at home on Friday. On Friday, Zaragoza claimed the latest chapter, and the bragging rights that come with it.

Juanjo Gaitán had given them the lead five minutes before half-time, scoring with a close-range shot through the middle. This time his contribution was not finished with the goal: Gaitán also assisted the late strike that finally gave the scoreline breathing room.

For much of the contest, Atlético had more of the ball and more attempts. They registered 14 shots to Zaragoza’s seven, put seven on target and hit the woodwork once. But Cifuentes made seven saves, while Zaragoza’s defence had to clear its lines again and again. Atlético could make the noise; Zaragoza had the nerve to withstand it.

The second goal came after Zaragoza had sent on Gibert in the 83rd minute. Six minutes later, the substitute found the net with a high shot. It was the decisive flourish in a match whose danger had never quite matched its pressure: Zaragoza made two clear-cut chances count for two goals, while Atlético had none.

Gaitán’s goal and assist gave the derby its familiar hero, but Cifuentes supplied its steel. Atlético’s Ruymán, booked in the 82nd minute, and his team had kept asking the question; the Zaragoza goalkeeper kept answering it. Then Gibert put the final accent on a night when the visitors’ greater share of the ball brought no reward.

The result does not erase Atlético’s victory in this fixture two seasons ago, nor the draw in November. It does give Zaragoza the latest say in a rivalry that refuses to stay settled. On Friday, the red-and-blue celebration belonged to the side that endured the barrage, waited for its moment and made it count.