The 2012-13 campaign delivered a devastating end to an era for Real Zaragoza, as Los Maños, burdened by mounting financial debt, finished a crushing 20th in La Liga and were relegated to the Segunda División. The veteran manager Manolo Jiménez, who had orchestrated a miraculous escape the previous year, could not repeat the feat. Leading the desperate fight was Portuguese striker Hélder Postiga, whose 14 goals in the league provided a vital spark in a season built on on-pitch struggle and defensive woes, despite the best efforts of the permanent signing, midfielder Apoño. It was a turbulent and painful year that ended their top-flight stay and remains a defining chapter in the club's modern history.