A remarkable year, the standout in Deportivo’s centenary, deserves a proper sendoff. Eldense signs off 2023 at Carlos Belmonte Stadium by stepping into a high-stakes duel to stay in professional football. After six decades of striving for elite status, the club cannot let this milestone slip away at the first chance. Fernando Estévez’s squad ends the first half of the season six points clear of danger and one point ahead of its direct rival, making a victory in Albacete doubly valuable for points and goal difference.
The Blaugranas arrive with momentum from a 3-0 home win over Racing Santander and carry the belief that they can seal a comfortable finish for the Christmas break. A steady crowd of six hundred Eldense supporters confirmed attendance at Carlos Belmonte after all available Deportivo tickets sold out, despite the 21st matchday falling on a weekday. The brief travel time encouraged fans to commit to a sizable trip.
After a dramatic draw with Racing, Estévez stressed that the team cannot concede so many goals, noting that allowing three goals per game will not keep them safe. The coach emphasized the need to tighten the defense to close the first round on a high note. He also noted medical issues and injuries that will leave key players unavailable, including Alex Martinez, while David Timor is suspended due to disciplinary charges.
Who will feature for Eldense at Carlos Belmonte
The club’s official social channels teased the event with a hopeful post as a preview to the clash.
Ruben Albes, meanwhile, remained cautious about the lineup while Álvaro Rodríguez and midfielder Shashua recover, and Escriche remains doubtful with a muscle issue. Eldense’s coach praised his team as a compact unit that defends well, attacks with purpose, and presses aggressively in midfield. With only a one-point gap between the sides, both managers place enormous importance on the upcoming confrontation.
Estévez on the eve of the match: the aim is clear
Winning in Albacete would be the best possible sendoff to a historic 2023 for Eldense. A victory would not only build distance from relegation contenders but also leave the rival even further behind in the battle for survival. Estévez stated that the team should play a good game, remain competitive, and minimize the concessions seen earlier after taking the lead in Leganés without building on it. The message was simple: go for the win with discipline and heart.
Albes echoed the sentiment, stressing that Eldense must be ready for a tough test. The coach highlighted the opponent’s vertical play and the quality of their attackers, underscoring the need for a strong performance in all phases of the match. The Granada coach noted that the team has responded well when challenged and believes the same resilience will show in Albacete despite mounting pressure. The upcoming clash promises a demanding battle on the field’s final third, where individual moments will matter.
Winter arrives at Belmonte
The atmosphere around Belmonte is charged as weather and timing align for a clash that could tilt the table in Eldense’s favor. The club’s social feeds captured the mood, underscoring the anticipation for a decisive Tuesday night showdown. The coach warned that the match is pivotal because it offers a chance to extend distance from direct rivals, while the season’s closing acts could define the group’s fortunes for 2024.
Pre-match notes and possible lineups
Possible squads:
► Albacete: Bernabé, Julio Alonso, Djetei, Glauder, Jonathan Silva, Juanma, Riki, Olaetxea, Pacheco, Fuster, Quiles.
► If from hand: Álvaro Acebes, Toni Abad, Carlos Hernández, Iñigo Piña, Marc Mateu, Pedro Capó, Sergio Ortuño, Cris Montes, Iván Chapela, Mario Soberón, Juanto Ortuño.
► Referee: German Cid Camacho.
► Stadium: Carlos Belmonte.
► Time: 19:00.
► Broadcasters: Movistar Plus and LaLiga Hypermotion.
Notes from the players and coaches reflect a pragmatic approach to the test ahead. Eldense’s defense remains the cornerstone, with swift transitions and coordinated pressing designed to disrupt the home side’s rhythm. The match is framed as not just another 90 minutes but a potential turning point in the season, a chance to end 2023 on a high note and carry momentum into the new year. The two teams know what’s at stake and communicate that urgency to their squads and supporters alike.
In the stands and on social media, fans cast their hopes with a shared belief that this clash could become a defining moment for both clubs. The road map is simple: defend compactly, press with intent, and convert the chances when they arise. As the night deepens, the field at Carlos Belmonte will become a stage where perseverance and collective effort could finally tilt the balance in Eldense’s favor.
Endgame aspirations for 2023 and a bold statement for 2024 are on the line as Eldense eyes a hard-earned point or more in a match that promises intensity, pace, and a genuine test of character. The outcome will set the tone for the rest of the campaign and leave a lasting imprint on a club that has fought its way through a challenging season with resilience and resolve.