Eldense showed positive signs and defeated Sheffield United with a 0-4 result in their first pre-season match at the Pinatar Arena in San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia.
The game served as the opening test for Fernando Estévez’s squad after their promotion to the Hypermotion League on June 25. The result was satisfying, as Eldense took control from the start and did so with authority. Goals by Arnau Ortiz and Juanto Ortuño in the first half gave the visitors a 0-2 lead, while Joel Jorquera and Iván Chapela extended the advantage in the second period, sealing a comprehensive 0-4 win for Eldense over the English side.
The team’s two new arrivals, Arnau Ortiz and Iván Chapela, alongside goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre, defender Iñigo Piña, and midfielders David Timor, Youness Lachab, Miguel Marí, Marc Olivier Doue and Mario da Costa, stood out in the match against Sheffield.
The lineup featured Fernando Estévez, Guille Vallejo, Toni Abad, Iñigo Piña, Carlos Hernández, Sergio Ortuño, Mario Soberón, Cris Montes, Miguel Núñez, Ángel Sánchez, David Timor and Arnau Ortiz, with Zubiaurre, Joel Jorquera, Juanto Ortuño, Clemente, Capó, Chapela, Bernal, Marco, Marí, Da Costa and Youness also appearing in the second period.
Eldense faces their first test against Sheffield
Caesar Hernandez
After the break, the match remained comfortably in Eldense’s hands, even as Sheffield pressed to turn the tide. Eldense continued to control the pace, finding space and forcing the visitors to overextend defensively. The home side repeatedly pressed high, chasing errors and creating shooting opportunities, while Zubiaurre secured the goal with timely interventions. Three minutes after the interval, Eldense sealed the game when a quick counter attack, driven by high pressure, led to a precise long ball upfield and a well-timed header that Chapela converted to make it 0-3, leaving the Sheffield keeper with little chance as the ball hit the post and crossed the line.
Eldense builds strong expectations
Caesar Hernandez
In the post-match remarks, Eldense’s coach Fernando Estévez spoke with optimism: “The emotions are very positive. The squad showed a solid level against a highly competitive opponent.” He recalled the run of play since the victory over Sheffield on Wednesday, noting that the team is still in a phase of construction with several new players due to strengthen internal competition and deepen the squad.