That club is Europa, a historic name in Spanish football. The team founded Spain’s first regular football competition and competed in it for three years. By the time the current Real Zaragoza was established in 1932, the side from Barcelona’s Gracia district had already played in the top flight.
In the inaugural edition of Spain’s First Division, in 1929, Real Zaragoza’s next opponent achieved historic results. Without doubt, the most notable was the 5-2 win over Real Madrid on matchday 10 of the championship. Bestit, who later played for Barcelona, scored a hat-trick.
Europa’s founding charter
They achieved the same result against Arenas de Guecho. Against Athletic de Madrid, now Atlético de Madrid, they recorded a 4-1 victory. The club, founded by a group of young Biscayans living in the capital, had already ceased to be a branch —and even a reserve side— of Athletic Bilbao and had established its own identity in every respect. Europa also beat Racing de Santander by the same score.
TWO MORE YEARS IN THE TOP FLIGHT
After finishing eighth in the First Division, Real Zaragoza’s next opponent remained in the top flight for the 1929/30 season. It did so again in a year when Athletic de Madrid were relegated and Athletic Bilbao won the competition. Europa, however, finished second from bottom.
Its relegation to the second tier came a year later, in 1930/31. Despite managing to beat the champions, Athletic Bilbao, as well as Barcelona, it finished last and left the top flight. It never returned and thus ended its spell among the elite.
OFFICIAL MEETINGS
Real Zaragoza and Europa have faced each other in the Copa del Generalísimo, now known as the Copa del Rey. In 1967, the Blanquillo side won at Sardenya, while the Catalans prevailed 0-1 at La Romareda. There was a replay, which Europa won 2-0 against a Zaragoza side featuring Reija, Violeta, Santos, Marcelino, Villa and Lapetra. It was another remarkable achievement.
Real Zaragoza were not complacent a year later, when they played two more cup matches against Europa. This time, the Blanquillo side won 3-0 at home and 0-1 in Barcelona. They did their job after learning from their previous elimination.
Real Zaragoza stand as one of the great clubs in Spanish and European football, with a historic record built on their achievements and nine titles, including two European championships. They must return to the top flight as soon as possible after this embarrassing spell in the third tier. Europa also deserves that status, having played a fundamental role in the beginnings of professional football in Spain and being one of its founding clubs.
THE MATCH
Now, in 2026, Real Zaragoza are clear favorites. They will try to return to the top of the table against Europa, now exiled to Can Dragó. They visit this forgotten historic club in the second group of Primera RFEF, where they must return to winning ways.
