Nuevo Pepico Amat will host a decisive clash this Saturday at 19:00 as Eldense prepares to take on Celta B in the second leg of the promotion play-offs. The winner will advance to the second division, sealing a year that has seen intense competition and high stakes across the league. The atmosphere around the stadium is electric as fans wait for a dramatic conclusion to the season, with Barça and Amorebieta already shaping the final day narrative. Supporters are counting on their team to deliver a winning performance in front of home crowds, hoping for a memorable afternoon in Elda.
Eldense intends to demonstrate their strength at their home stadium, aiming to eliminate Celta B in the semi-finals of the LaLiga SmartBank promotion series. The first leg had ended with a tight 3-2 result in favor of the Galician team at Balaídos, giving them a slight advantage. They now travel to Elda knowing that a favorable result here could set up a meeting with the winner of the Barcelona Atlètic-Real Madrid Castilla tie, which finished 4-2.
As the campaign progressed, Eldense solidified their promotion bid by remaining undefeated at home for the full league schedule, posting twelve wins and seven draws across nineteen home fixtures at Nuevo Pepico Amat. The home form stands out as a key pillar of their resilience, reinforcing the belief that the venue could become a decisive factor on Saturday. This setting could push Eldense toward the final hurdle and a shot at direct promotion, especially if the tie remains tight late on.
Pedro Rojas provides a candid view of the situation, noting the emotional weight of the moment as the team seeks a breakthrough in front of its fans. The coach, Fernando Estévez, remains confident that Eldense can secure the win, even if it comes by the narrowest possible margin. The focus is on maintaining composure and maximizing opportunities when they arise, with the goal of reaching the final and facing either Barcelona’s affiliate or Real Madrid Castilla in pursuit of promotion. Eldense’s regular-season performance, including a 3-2 loss to Vigo that still left them in a strong position, demonstrates their ability to compete under pressure.
In addition to their strong home record, Eldense benefits from a temporary dip in form for Celta B at home, where they have not tasted a win in three months. Nevertheless, the tie will be decided in a stadium packed with supporters, starting at 19:00 next Saturday in Elda. The environment could be a deciding factor in how the match unfolds, with both sides aware that a place in the next round hangs in the balance.
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Claudio Giráldez, head coach of Celta B, will be visiting Eldense ahead of the match. He praises Eldense as a strong unit and acknowledges their ability to rebound after their 3-2 defeat in the first leg. Giráldez remains optimistic about surprising their hosts during the rematch at Nuevo Pepico Amat, a venue where only Athletic Club has defeated Eldense earlier in the Copa del Rey sequence. The philosophy remains simple: take the match to the opposition, avoid mistakes, and capitalize on chances when they arise.
Giráldez stresses that the team has nothing to lose and everything to gain, emphasizing the long-term objective for which this squad was assembled. He describes the upcoming encounter as very different from Balaídos, noting that Eldense holds a narrow advantage on aggregate if the match ends level. Temperature and tactical nuances could tilt the balance, he explains, but the focus is on executing their plan and keeping the game within reach until the final whistle.
The Celta B coach confirms that defender Carlos Domínguez and forward Miguel Rodríguez, who featured prominently in the recent league clash against Barcelona, are prepared to contribute again if selected. He highlights the challenge of facing a well-resourced opponent capable of changing the course of the game. The message to his players is clear: show courage, stay compact, and chase a positive result that would extend their campaign into the next round.
As the countdown begins, both teams know what is at stake. Eldense looks to build upon its home dominance, while Celta B aims to overturn the deficit and continue their pursuit of promotion. The arena in Elda will be buzzing, offering a platform where every pass, save, and strike could tilt the tie and determine which club earns a place in the higher division next season. The match is not just a contest of skill but a test of nerve, with the players aware that history could be written in this single, decisive encounter.