CD Estepona Draws 1-1 Against SD Logroñés in First Leg of Promotion Playoff to Primera RFEF
A 1-1 draw at Estadio Muñoz Pérez leaves the tie open, with everything to play for next Sunday at Las Gaunas.
CD Estepona drew 1-1 against SD Logroñés in the first-leg match of the promotion playoff to Primera RFEF, held this Saturday at Estadio Muñoz Pérez. The match, marked by tactical play and few clear chances, leaves the tie open, with the return leg set for next Sunday at Las Gaunas (6:00 PM).
CD Estepona failed to secure a victory in the first leg of the Primera RFEF promotion playoff, drawing 1-1 against SD Logroñés. The match, played this Saturday at Estadio Muñoz Pérez, ended with both teams level, setting up a decisive second leg next Sunday, May 18, at Las Gaunas in Logroño.
The match was attended by more than 3,200 spectators, one of the best crowds in recent years, including a notable presence of Logroñés supporters. The first half was characterized by a tactical battle in midfield, with both teams focused on controlling possession, resulting in a game with few attacking opportunities.
CD Estepona, coached by Carlos Caro, struggled to break down the opposition in the opening 45 minutes. Meanwhile, SD Logroñés was more threatening in some moments but couldn't generate any clear-cut chances. Local goalkeeper Alfonso Liceras played a key role, making several important saves, including two from long-range shots. The closest call for Estepona came in the 43rd minute, when Lama fired a shot that Liceras managed to send out for a corner. The score remained 0-0 as both teams headed into the break.
In the second half, Estepona came out with more urgency and took the lead early. Just 47 minutes into the match, Eric Gómez made a run down the left wing and delivered a low cross, which Nacho Goma slotted into the net to give Estepona a 1-0 advantage. The home crowd erupted in celebration, chanting "Sí se puede, sí se puede" ("Yes we can!").
However, SD Logroñés quickly responded, and despite Estepona's solid defensive efforts, the visitors equalized in the 70th minute. A cross from the wing found Raúl Rubio, who headed the ball past Liceras, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal was a blow to Estepona, who saw their lead slip away.
In the final minutes, SD Logroñés took control of the ball and dictated the pace of the game. On the other hand, Estepona, with the draw in place, couldn't create any further goal-scoring opportunities against the rival goalkeeper Oriol Martí. Despite some attempts by Cura, coach of SD Logroñés, to refresh his team with substitutions, the 1-1 scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.
The promotion playoff remains wide open. The draw leaves everything to play for in the return leg at Las Gaunas next Sunday, May 18, at 6:00 PM. CD Estepona, which showed strong defensive ability, will need to improve their attacking play to challenge a Logroñés side that also demonstrated resilience at Muñoz Pérez. The match promises to be a crucial decider for both teams' futures.