The match began with Eldense pushing forward, aiming to stamp their authority early as Numancia faced a stubborn test from the home side. Eldense pressed high, trying to disrupt the visitors and create openings, while Numancia sat back, absorbing pressure and looking for quick counters.
Although Eldense held possession for long stretches, their first promising chance stayed elusive. Rubén Mesa, a standout in the squad, was denied by a superb save from Guille Vallejo, keeping the scoreboard untouched in a tense opening phase.
Azulgrana’s assault threatened Numancia’s defensive line, and a slight misfortune added to the drama when Pajarero picked up an injury, making way for Carlos Hernández. As the game wore on, Numancia steadied their shape and, on a set piece near the edge of the penalty area, the free kick rebounded off the barrier and the header missed its target, leaving the crowd hungry for a breakthrough.
On the flanks, Eldense tried to stretch play through Alex Martínez and Toni Aba, while Fernando Estévez’s side kept pressing during corner plays. Yet Soria’s defense remained disciplined, repelling the attempts and keeping the scoreline level as the first half drew to a close.
After the break, Numancia gained momentum and immediately made the local defense uneasy. A couple of forays into Guille Vallejo’s box produced pressure and required quick reflexes from the goalkeeper to avert danger.
Nieto tested the hosts with a sharp, close-range effort that defenders deflected, and the resulting corner forced Azulgrana to improvise again. Isma Gil produced a remarkable stop, clawing away another potential goal and preserving the stalemate as the stands roared with anticipation.
The visitors leaned on their quick breaks, using Ruben Mesa to spearhead counterattacks and unleash pressure on the defenders. A clever run opened space, and a late decision to cut inside created a dangerous moment for the Eldense defense, though the shot found the hands of the goalkeeper or drifted wide on each occasion.
No one relented as the match grew more physical. Eldense continued searching for space in the final third, but Numancia’s back line held firm, blocking attempts and denying clean shots. The tempo remained high, and both sides traded intense challenges as the clock ticked down toward the final quarter of the game.
With around 15 minutes left, the tempo intensified. Fernando Estévez’s team ramped up the pressure, while Eldense remained compact and organized, determined to secure a result in front of their home crowd. Juanto Ortuno came close with a powerful strike that required a fingertip save from Isma Gil, and the melee at the near post was mercifully cleared away by the visitors’ defense.
The endgame delivered a tense conclusion as both sides pushed for a decisive breakthrough. Eldense demonstrated resilience by pressing the ball and hunting for second balls, while Numancia looked to exploit gaps on the break. Fran Carnicer provided meaningful movement in the attacking third, and the ball found its way to Juanto Ortuno on several occasions, only for the last touch to fail or a defender to intervene in time.
In the dying minutes, the game opened up a touch as fatigue crept in. Eldense pressed with renewed urgency, seeking the winning goal that would complete a hard-fought performance in a match that demanded focus and grit from both teams. Numancia’s defense held, and the final whistle confirmed a hard-earned point for the hosts in a division where each point carries significant weight.
DATA SHEET:
ELDENSE: Guille Vallejo, Toni Abad, Alex Martínez, Pajarero (Carlos Hernández, m.19), Ortuno (Fran Carnicer, m.75), Soberon (Juanto Ortuno, m.75), Nieto, Nuñez, Diego González, Clemente and Cristian López (Luke, m.62).
NUMANCIA: Isma Gil, Simic, Cotán (Bonaldo, m.84), Carrillo (Mancebo, m.84), Moha (Mario Barco, m.62), Ruben Mesa (Mahicas, m.74), Gorka, Valin, David González (Jaume Pol, m.74), Jordi Tur and Dani Sánchez.
REFEREE: Brull Acerete (Catalan committee). TAs for Clemente, Manu Nieto, Fran Carnicer and Gorka and Carlos Hernández for locals.
COUNTRYSIDE: The nuevo Pepico Amat. 800 spectators.