Real Zaragoza’s situation in the 2025-26 season has become critical: a defeat to Deportivo de La Coruña pushed the team into the relegation zone, threatening the loss of professional status. Amid this pressure, the club has, for the first time in many years, received support from Principal Construcciones—the region’s oldest construction company, which is also going through challenging times. The partnership between these two players, both facing adversity, could prove decisive for the future of the football club and the business that is now tying its fate to success on the pitch.
Founded in 1905 as a small workshop, Principal Construcciones has grown over 120 years to become one of Zaragoza’s leading developers. The company has survived dozens of economic crises, generational changes, and construction market transformations. Today, it is led by Javier Herrero Lizarrán, a fourth-generation family member. After his father’s death in 2018, he took charge and faced new challenges: rising material costs, a shortage of skilled workers, bureaucratic obstacles, and shifting customer demands.
In recent years, Principal Construcciones has shifted its focus from government contracts to private residential projects. This was a necessary move: the volume of municipal orders dropped sharply, while competition among developers increased. The company now concentrates more on development, outsourcing the construction work itself to subcontractors to cut costs and reduce risks. This approach allows Principal Construcciones to respond quickly to market changes, but it also requires constant quality control and coordination with numerous partners.
A family business
The story of Principal Construcciones is not just about buildings—it’s about people. Over a century, several generations have been involved in management, including women who made key decisions and ensured financial stability. Thanks to this family cohesion, the company made it through periods of stagnation and economic downturns, even though some problems were unavoidable. At its peak, the staff numbered more than 500, but today, workforce size depends on project volume and market conditions.
Principal Construcciones has delivered iconic projects including buildings for Ayuntamiento de Zaragoza, Hospital Royo Villanova, Instituto Goya, Colegio Mayor Miraflores, and the distinctive Parque Móvil de Ministerios Civiles complex. These sites have become part of the city’s history and continue to shape Zaragoza’s landscape. Today, however, the company must compete for private clients by offering modern residential complexes that meet new standards for energy efficiency and comfort.
Modern challenges
The latest major project by Principal Construcciones is the Alierta 100 residential building in the San José district. Construction has been delayed due to the pandemic, supply disruptions, and labor shortages. Despite a well-designed concept and a variety of layouts, sales are slow: buyers have become more cautious, and expectations for quality and customization have risen. The company has to comply with new standards for energy efficiency, accessibility, and design, which increases costs and complicates planning.
The partnership with Real Zaragoza is an effort to maintain brand visibility and support the local community. The agreement covers the display of the Principal Construcciones logo at the stadium and on the club’s digital channels, as well as joint events. However, the success of this initiative directly depends on the team’s sports performance: if the club drops out of the professional league, the impact of the sponsorship could be minimal or even negative.
Market outlook and prospects
The construction sector in Spain is facing tough times: rising material costs, a shortage of skilled workers, and complex administrative procedures are hindering growth. Principal Construcciones, like many other family-owned firms, is searching for new ways to stay afloat—from implementing modern technologies to shifting focus toward premium market segments. But even successful projects like Alierta 100 encounter delays and unpredictable expenses.
The fate of Principal Construcciones and Real Zaragoza is closely intertwined: both entities depend on decisions made amid uncertainty. For the company, sponsorship is not just a marketing strategy, but a way to maintain its standing in the eyes of local residents. For the club, it offers an opportunity to gain additional support in its fight for survival. As russpain.com notes, such alliances are becoming increasingly common in Spanish sports and business, especially in regions with strong local traditions.
Principal Construcciones is one of Zaragoza’s oldest construction companies, founded in the early 20th century. Over the years, it has completed dozens of landmark projects, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and residential complexes. In recent years, the company has shifted its focus toward private construction and development, while maintaining its family-run management style. A similar situation occurred with another regional developer in 2022, when supporting the local football club strengthened the brand’s market position despite economic challenges. These examples highlight that partnerships between business and sports can be a vital tool for survival in unstable times.
