In front of a demanding test, Eldense faces a unique challenge. The azulgranas have never defeated Villarreal B at home, and this Monday they will travel to the subsidiary team, known as the groguet, on the second day of LaLiga Hypermotion.
At Nuevo Pepico Amat, Eldense forced Deportivo to manage two away-from-home fixtures in a row. The first escape was narrowly avoided in Cartagena (0-1), thanks to a standout performance by Juanto Ortuno, the hero from the club’s latest promotion. The second clash will take place at La Cerámica this Monday at 8:00 PM local time (Movistar Plus).
Estévez: “There is only one plan A for Eldense, to reach 50 points”
Caesar Hernandez
Eldense has met Villarreal B six times in the history, all in Segunda B. In five of those encounters, the yellow cantera emerged victorious, making Eldense one of the Alicante club’s formidable challenges. The most recent meeting occurred on April 17, 2016, at Pepico Amat, when two Carlitos goals helped Eldense secure the win through an own goal by a Herculaneum defender, credited to Jose Selles.
Since 1988, Eldense has played six times in La Plana, with three meetings against the yellow team and three against the Villarreal B side. The visitors have won three times and Eldense has claimed only one victory in Segunda B, back in 1990. Eldense added three points thanks to a late auction by Small right before the break.
The numbers are not favorable for Fernando Estévez’s squad, yet the club has repeatedly proven its resilience, overcoming adversity with quick, decisive responses for several campaigns.
Around 700 supporters will accompany Estévez’s squad at the renovated yellow submarine stadium
Taking down Villarreal B on their own turf would place Eldense at the top of the standings, a notable milestone in this stage of the competition. Still, the immediate objective remains clear: defeat a direct rival in the battle for first place. The real aim for both teams this season is to secure permanence and solidify a strong position in the league table.
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Pink debut for Eldense (0-1)
david marin
El anticipo sees Dario Dumic answering the call, addressing Eldense’s defensive concerns. With the Bosnian defender fully integrated, the Granada coach will be able to field a reliable eleven at La Cerámica. Miguel Alvarez notes that Eldense appeared vulnerable after a 2-0 loss in Zaragoza, but the season often favors the team that starts with momentum. It is crucial to win three points at home against direct league rivals to keep up with the competition’s rhythm, according to Villarreal B’s coach.