A historic rise for the city
HE old dream became reality as Eldense carved a path into professional football. A season of unstoppable momentum saw the club leave the First Federation behind and surge forward. The fan base, loyal and hopeful, carried a shared dream: to return to the silver division, the SmartBank League. The last time Estévez’s squad stood in the Second Division was 59 years ago, in the 63-64 season.
Season after season, captain Ivan Forte steered the ship for CD Eldense, guiding the club he adores through three consecutive promotions. Amid the pandemic, the Barça team battled to secure a place in the Third Division in 2020-2021. The following year brought more success, reaching the First RFEF. Club president Pascual Pérez and coach Fernando Estévez played pivotal roles in this triumph. Pérez’s perseverance and drive for progress infused the players with unity, friendship, and hard work, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the Barça dressing room.
The club has been promoted three times in a row, a feat highlighted in the club’s enduring identity. A cohesive squad and a calm, winning spirit helped keep harmony amid changing transfers, preserving the club’s values and essence as new players arrived.
This year, Eldense proved they are more than a town team. In 2022-2023 they competed at a high level, showing the club’s growth and ambition. Estévez’s team carries the hunger to keep turning dreams into reality, even after early setbacks like losses to Real Sociedad and a draw with Numancia. Those moments sparked a turning point that saw Eldense climb toward second place, closing the gap with leaders Amorebieta.
The playoff journey against Celta B delivered a tense, heart stopping match. Eldense pressed on and earned a home victory in the second leg, part of a year full of strong results that established Eldense as a solid, solvent group in the region.
Support from Eldense fans has been unwavering, fueling a shared dream of reaching the professional ranks. The club’s performances featured players such as Manu Nieto, on loan from Andorra FC, who stifled opponents with timely pressure and kept the Catalans in the silver category challenge in four decisive games.
A memorable playoff saw Eldense face Real Madrid Castilla. The match tested both teams as it carried the weight of promotion hopes. Eldense managed to secure a draw and position themselves for promotion, leveraging their standings advantages to push through. Álex Bernal delivered key moments, assisting Carlos Hernández and keeping the scoreline dynamic as the game intensified. In extra time, the team showed resilience, and Arribas’ late strike kept the Madrid side at bay. The late pressure from Eldense culminated in a 3-3 draw that secured the promotion and marked a major achievement for the town and its club.
The promotion was sealed in a dramatic finale. Eldense stood firm, with supporters rallying behind the players as they sealed a place in the Second Division. It was a moment that reflected years of dedication and a community ready to celebrate a new chapter in the club’s history.
Centuries of football tradition tie Eldense to Barcelona roots. The club began as Club Deportivo Eldense and has a history spanning the late 1950s and early 1960s, including several seasons in the Second Division. Founded in 1921 by supporters of the Barcelona Football Club, Eldense shares a long connection with the sport in the region. The Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium bears the name of Pepico Amat, a local hero who played in the top division for Hércules and Español in the 1940s and later contributed as a coach. The club’s ascent in 1956-57 remains a landmark moment, echoing the recent promotion arc. Eldense and Elche CF stand as two of the oldest clubs in the Alicante area, with a history that mirrors the town’s passion for football.
The club’s rise is not just a sporting result but a symbol of community pride. The path from a small municipality to professional football is paved with effort from all sides. It reflects a belief that dreams can become reality with perseverance, strategy, and the support of fans who live every match with heart and voice.
As Eldense prepares for the next chapter, the focus remains on maintaining the elevated standard. The town’s excitement is matched by a sense of responsibility to uphold the club’s culture of unity, hard work, and fair play. The journey will continue with the aim of sustaining a position among Spain’s top divisions, a testament to the club’s enduring spirit and the dreams of the people who stand behind it.