Zaragoza's path to the play-offs

Hard work bears fruit, and that’s in evidence in the end-of-season standings. After a tough campaign, R. Zaragozahave managed to qualify for the promotion play-offs, with a berth in the Liga BBVA up for grabs, a more than deserved reward for a team who offered no let-up even for a moment on their long path towards sixth spot. 

With the top five in the table pulling away from the chasing pack, it is los maños who in the end won out in the tussle for a highly coveted position in the Liga Adelante. Some initial ups and downs and even a change of coach have not been enough to deny Zaragoza an opportunity to return to where they belong, the top flight of Spanish football. 

The coach: Ranko Popović

One of the keys to Zaragoza’s good season is boss Ranko Popović. The Serbian was appointed in place of Víctor Muñoz, who was sacked on 24 November after an adverse run of results. He took over with the side in eighth and, within matchdays, lifted them to sixth, a position they would then infrequently give up. For much of the campaign los aragoneses proved the most consistent of the teams fighting for the final play-off place, and that saw them finally secure it. 

The star: Borja Bastón

The focal point for Zaragoza this season has been Borja Bastón, their top performer with a total of 23 goals. The striker is the second highest scorer in the Liga Adelante, a fact that without doubt played a crucial role in his side finishing in the top six. His goals proved synonymous with points, with Zaragoza taking something from the game most times their number nine netted. Despite being in his first year at La Romareda, he has adapted perfectly to the club, amassing 3,296 minutes and 89 shots, 56 of which on target: a 62% accuracy rate that has been fundamental in keeping his men among the leading teams in the division.

The revelation: Vallejo

This season has seen the youngster become a cornerstone of the side. A product of Zaragoza’s youth set-up, the central defender made his first-team breakthrough after the departure of many of the squad last season, grabbing his opportunity with both hands. He has already been given his Spain Under-21 debut and has currently made 28 appearances this term, 24 as a starter, with a total of more than 2,220 minutes on the pitch. The 18-year-old has developed leadership qualities in recent weeks and has belied his young age to help to maintain dressing-room stability in the most difficult moments.

The key moment of the season

The team rode out a bad start to the season to display an outstanding level of consistency, one that has enabled them to fight for the play-off places. After experiencing fluctuating fortunes, Zaragoza took hold of sixth in week 23 and would vacate the position on only three matchdays, 28, 34 and 35, each time quickly recovering a spot that has had their name on it for much of the year. In week 36, los maños re-established themselves in the play-offs and stayed there for the remaining seven matches – to ensure they will vie for a return to the Liga BBVA.