AS.com

Real Zaragoza handed out a thrashing to Deportivo de La Coruña after coming back from a 2-0 deficit.

Depor had the misfortune of playing most of the second half with ten men after Pizzi was sent off and gifted three goals to the hosts from set pieces.

The scoreline did not reflect the merits of both sides but the three points move Zaragoza far away from the relegation zone but put Depor in a precarious position at the wrong end of the table.

Both of Depor's goals in the first half were the result of errors from the home side. Franco Zuculini, to his misfortune, played a part in both goals, the first of which was scored by Bruno Gama, but goalkeeper Roberto also contributed to the calamity which allowed Riki to slot into an open net for the second.

Zaragoza coach Manolo Jiménez wasted no time in responding to his side being behind, and threw on Carlos Aranda to play alongside the two forwards, in place of the hapless Zucilini. The change meant Zaragoza were more successful going forward but also left a gap in midfield and left them exposed at the back, making for a very open game.

Tiago Pinto's blatant handball allowed the hosts with the perfect chance to get back into the game, which Opoño scored by the skin of his teeth. Depor exploited Zaragoza's openness and created three goalscoring chances before the break, but were unable to make any of them count.

Pizzi was given his marching orders early on in the second half for a second yellow card, a punishment for trying to win a penalty by diving. However, Depor refused to sit back in response to losing a man and continued to attack and play the ball.

But Paco Montañes equalised for Zaragoza on 61 minutes and five minutes later Alvaro completed the comeback. But it was not over yet, with Alex Bergantiños wasting a chance for Depor to tie the game, before Helder Postiga netted twice in five minutes to put the game out of José Luis Oltra's side, who grabbed a late consolation goal through Rodolfo Bodipo.