Real Zaragoza 1997-1999 Third Match-issued #2 Belsué
In the summer, during Alfonso Solans' sixth season as President, the squad was reinforced with several new players, including midfielders Nordin Wooter from AFC Ajax, Jose Ignacio from Valencia CF, and Roberto Acuña; defender Gary Sundgren; and forwards Yordi and Pier. Meanwhile, Gus Poyet was transferred to Chelsea FC after seven years with the club, and young forwards Fernando Morientes and Dani were sold to Real Madrid. Additionally, forwards Higuera and Miguel Pardeza, along with Nayim, left the club after several seasons.
In his second season as head coach, Luis Costa strengthened the defense with decent performances from Sundgren. However, Dutch midfielder Nordin Wooter was a disappointment, being replaced as a starter by Jose Ignacio on the right wing. Conversely, midfielders Kily Gonzalez, Santiago Aragon, and Roberto Acuña adequately filled the gaps left by Gus Poyet and Nayim. Costa faced challenges with the offensive line, as new arrivals Yordi and Pier underperformed, leading to the winter signing of Paulo Jamelli. The team finished in 13th place, missing out on qualifying for the 1998 UEFA Intertoto Cup. The season is notably remembered for the 2-0 victory against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, marking only the second league win there in the club's history.
In the Copa del Rey, the squad advanced to the semifinals but was ultimately defeated by FC Barcelona.
In the summer, during Alfonso Solans' sixth season as President, the squad was reinforced with several new players, including midfielders Nordin Wooter from AFC Ajax, Jose Ignacio from Valencia CF, and Roberto Acuña; defender Gary Sundgren; and forwards Yordi and Pier. Meanwhile, Gus Poyet was transferred to Chelsea FC after seven years with the club, and young forwards Fernando Morientes and Dani were sold to Real Madrid. Additionally, forwards Higuera and Miguel Pardeza, along with Nayim, left the club after several seasons.
In his second season as head coach, Luis Costa strengthened the defense with decent performances from Sundgren. However, Dutch midfielder Nordin Wooter was a disappointment, being replaced as a starter by Jose Ignacio on the right wing. Conversely, midfielders Kily Gonzalez, Santiago Aragon, and Roberto Acuña adequately filled the gaps left by Gus Poyet and Nayim. Costa faced challenges with the offensive line, as new arrivals Yordi and Pier underperformed, leading to the winter signing of Paulo Jamelli. The team finished in 13th place, missing out on qualifying for the 1998 UEFA Intertoto Cup. The season is notably remembered for the 2-0 victory against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, marking only the second league win there in the club's history.
In the Copa del Rey, the squad advanced to the semifinals but was ultimately defeated by FC Barcelona.