Who is Real Union?

I was all set to write a piece about a certain player in La Segunda Division, but the events of yesterday in the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu take precedence. Let's just go ahead and call it what it was - The greatest upset in the history of the Copa del Rey. So instead of our usual discussion about a team from La Segunda, we're gonna talk about a team from La Segunda B!

Yes I know, there have been surprises before such as the Barcelona meltdown against Figueres. But that was one of those quirky one game only knockout games. What transpired yesterday was a team from the third division of Spanish futbol eliminating the defending La Liga champion by netting three goals in the return leg match in Madrid.

Real Union surprised Madrid up in Irun in the first leg 3-2. A stunning result, no doubt, but there were few who didn't think Madrid would soundly hammer the modest Basque side on their home turf. Well, Madrid scored four goals, but Eneko Romo's header in the 90th minute secured the precious away goal for Real Union that gave them the tiebreaker and formally bounced Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey.

So exactly who is Real Union? Well, for a team so far in the depths of Spanish futbol, they have a rather illustrous past. Situated in the Basque town of Irun, right near the French border, Real Union was one of the trailblazers of Spanish futbol. In fact, the team holds the honor of being a charter member of La Liga back when it started in 1928. The Copa del Rey was played well before then and Real Union won the second of their four Copa del Rey titles against.... Real Madrid (of course!) back in 1918. Real Union has spent only four seasons in La Liga , the latest being 1932. As of late, Real Union has spent the last five season in the Segunda B finishing a respectable 5th or better each time. Perhaps this vitcory against Real Madrid is a springboard towards reaching La Segunda Division. In the meantime, the team will enjoy the wellwishes they receive from Real Madrid haters all over the world. Bien hecho tios!