Founded on 18 March 1932, the club has spent the majority of its history inLa Liga,although they have not played at that level since they were last relegated in 2013. They have won theCopa del Reysix times,1963–64 Inter-Cities Fairs Cupand the1994–95 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup,amongst other trophies. Traditionally, their team colours are white shirts and socks with royal blue shorts.
A government survey in 2007 found that 2.7% of the Spanish population support Real Zaragoza, making them the seventh-most supported in the country.[3]
Beginning in the1960–61 season,Zaragoza enjoyed a period of great success, showcasing some of the greatest players playing in Spain during that decade, which earned for themselves the designation ofLos Magníficos.While the team failed to capture the league title, it finished in the top five every year until1968–69,with two third-place finishes, and also won its first twoCopa del Reytitles and the1963–64 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Zaragoza finished third in1973–74and a best-ever second inthe following season,losing the title in the last round toReal Madrid.The club was also defeated 0–1 in the1976 domestic cup finalagainstAtlético Madrid,[12]spending two seasons in the second level during the decade, with promotion at the first attempt on either occasion.
In1986,Zaragoza won its third Copa del Rey, defeating Barcelona 1–0. The club finished the1990–91 seasonin 17th position, thus having to appear in thepromotion/relegationplay-offs againstReal Murcia;on 19 June 1991, after a 0–0 away draw, a 5–2 home win meant the team managed to maintain its top level status.[citation needed]
Players celebrate a goal byHélder Postigaduring the2012–13 season.Chart of Real Zaragoza league performance 1929–2023
The 2000s brought a further two Copa del Rey titles to Zaragoza's trophy cabinet, including the2003–04 editionagainst Real Madrid inBarcelona(3–2 after extra time).[16][17]However, the club also suffered top flight relegation in2002[18]afternarrowly avoiding so the previous season,[19]butachieved immediate promotion in 2003.[20]In late May 2006, Agapito Iglesias purchased Alfonso Solans' shares and took control of the club, promising to build one of the strongest teams in Spain and Europe. In his first year in charge, he purchasedPablo AimarfromValenciafor€11 million,[21]and former manager Víctor Fernández also returned to the club.[22]
Mainly due toDiego Milito's 23 goals in2006–07(he finished third toRoma'sFrancesco Tottiand Real Madrid'sRuud van Nistelrooy– 26 and 25 goals, respectively – in theEuropean Golden Shoerace), Real Zaragoza finished in sixth position, thusqualifyingto theUEFA Cup.However,the following seasonended in relegation (18th position among 20 teams with only 10 wins in 38 matches, among them only 1 away win in 19 games)[23]– for the second time in the decade – with the side also being eliminated in the first round inEuropean competition.Legendary club coach Víctor Fernández returned for a second spell, although he was sacked in January 2008,[24]as the club had four managers during the campaign. On the last matchday, a brace fromRicardo Oliveiraproved insufficient in a 2–3 away loss againstMallorca,with the team totalling 42 points toOsasuna's 43.
Zaragoza achieved promotion from the second divisionat the first attempt.On the last matchday, on 20 June 2009, the team drew 2–2 atRayo Vallecanowith goals from youth graduateDavid Genereloand ex-Real MadriddefenderFrancisco Pavón,only trailing championsXerezin the table. Nevertheless, that season Zaragoza was the best team at home, gained 50 from their 81 points in home games.[25]However, after four seasons mainly spent in the bottom half of the table, Zaragoza was relegated following the2012–13 Liga seasonafter finishing last.[26]
In April 2022, the purchase of 51% of the shares of the SAD by an international investment fund led byJorge Maswas disclosed.[27]
Víctor Fernández
(in Spanish)
