CD Estepona defeats San Fernando and enters the promotion race

A double in the final minutes secures three points for the Costa del Sol team, which now depends on itself to reach the playoff in the final two matchdays.

CD Estepona achieved a crucial 2-0 victory over San Fernando at the Estadio Muñoz Pérez, a key match for their promotion hopes. Two goals in the last minutes (77' and 81') unlocked a difficult game and temporarily put the local team in the playoff spot, with the possibility of securing their qualification in the last two rounds of the season.

CD Estepona continues its fight for promotion to a higher division after securing a vital win against San Fernando. In a high-stakes match, which saw both teams battling to stay in the race for promotion, it was the locals who managed to solve the game in the final minutes.

The match took place at the Estadio Muñoz Pérez and was attended by a good crowd despite the unconventional time and day. The supporters of San Fernando were present, showing their encouragement for their team in a decisive moment of the season. The atmosphere, full of tension, was reflected on the pitch from the very first minute.

First half: a battle with no goals

The start of the match was marked by intensity, with both teams seeking to impose their rhythm. Although San Fernando showed a better tactical setup in the early stages, it was Estepona who had to react after an early scare in the 7th minute, when a cross from Julio Iglesias was nearly converted by Vanderson, narrowly missing Alfonso Liceras’ goal.

Despite this chance, CD Estepona failed to generate clear opportunities in the first 45 minutes. The Costa del Sol team fought hard in midfield, but the attacks were few and lacked clarity. San Fernando, on the other hand, looked more organized and controlled possession but could not break through the local defense.

The match took a setback for the visitors in the 28th minute when Omar Santana had to leave the field due to injury, with Chato replacing him. Despite both teams' efforts, the first half ended goalless, and the home fans voiced their frustration with Estepona's lack of attacking penetration.

Second half: a turning point

The second half saw a change in strategy from Estepona coach Carlos Cura, who decided to bring on Dago instead of Mati Castillo to add more attacking depth. This substitution quickly paid off, with the locals improving their offensive presence.

In the 50th minute, goalkeeper Ángel de la Calzada had to make a great save to deny San Fernando, but soon after, the visitors created more danger to the goal defended by Alfonso Liceras. The situation didn’t change much, and the crowd grew increasingly frustrated, as a draw was not enough for Estepona’s promotion ambitions.

The final twist: goals in crucial minutes

Then, in the 77th minute, the turning point of the game arrived. The referee awarded Estepona a penalty after a foul in the box. Jorge García stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to give Estepona a 1-0 lead, igniting the home fans' celebration. With little time for San Fernando to react, just four minutes later, in the 81st minute, a well-timed pass from Eric found Dago, who netted a second goal for Estepona, making it 2-0.

The shift in the scoreline left San Fernando demoralized, both mentally and tactically, and although they tried to recover, Estepona's defense held firm, preventing any further chances. The victory stayed with the home side, strengthening their position in the promotion race.

With this win, CD Estepona temporarily moves into the playoff zone, now relying on their own results in the final two matchdays to secure qualification. After a challenging and tense match, the locals remain firmly focused on their goal of promotion, with Estepona's fans hopeful that the team will secure the long-awaited ascent in the coming weeks.

For San Fernando, the defeat complicates their promotion hopes, as their position in the standings becomes more difficult. Both teams will have to fight until the end to achieve their goals.