In a tight race for the top of the table, Eldense did not capitalize on the chance to tighten its grip on first place after the defeat of second-placed Castellón and Amorebieta. The club will still lead the standings by four points with seven games left if they manage to win next week against La Nucía, a result that would recalibrate the final sprint of the campaign.
The Tuesday evening clash at the Medio Vinalopó stadium stood out as one of Eldense’s most demanding home tests in recent memory. Despite their affiliation with the Lions of Castile, the match official conditioned the flow from the early whistle, with the referee signaling approval to a Bilbao-origin call that sparked debate among fans and bench staff alike. Fernando Estévez’s squad approached the affair with a clear intention: to secure a positive result that would fuel momentum heading into the closing rounds and keep the prize within sight. Early on, Eldense struck when Carlos Hernández finished decisively after a set-piece setup, while Nieto followed with a precise strike near the visitors’ goal to extend the lead in the second phase of the opener.
The action rapidly settled into a physical battle as both sides sought to set the tempo. Amorebieta pressed high, testing Eldense’s resolve and keeping the home defense honest. The Biscaian outfit found a fleeting window at around the quarter-hour mark, when a potential opener from Ewan was ruled offside, a decision that briefly shifted the mood on the pitch. Midway through the first period, a setback for Eldense emerged as Guille Vallejo picked up an injury, forcing Stamatakis into a role at the Alicante goal. The reshuffle did not derail the visitors, who looked to impose themselves and push for a second before the break. Nieto remained a constant menace, attempting to catch Magunagoitia off balance after a clever run and shot that tested the goalkeeper’s reflexes. Yriarte unleashed a header that clattered against the crossbar, and a late first-half moment featured a remarkable stretch by Greek stopper Urritxe, who somehow kept his goal intact amid a chaotic sequence in the stands and on the field.
After the break, Amorebieta carried the momentum forward with renewed intensity. The tempo remained high as the Biscayans pressed in numbers, seeking to control the middle of the park and create clear chances. Rayco, a prominent threat from the Canary Islands, opened the scoring nine minutes after the restart by finishing from close range, a strike that sent a message to Eldense about the necessity of a rapid reply. Eldense attempted a reply through quick combinations and set-piece opportunities, but the visiting goalkeeper was alert on several occasions to deny the hosts and keep the scoreboard tilted in favor of the Biscayans. The home side produced moments of danger, yet they could not breach the Amorebieta defense that often reset the rhythm with disciplined pressing and well-timed interceptions.
With the game drifting toward the later stages, Amorebieta demonstrated patience and clarity in possession, forcing Eldense to chase the result. The visitors seized control when Eldense’s pressing left gaps at the back, allowing quick transitions that repeatedly tested Magunagoitia. As the clock ticked down, Amorebieta remained compact and purposeful, knowing each point would matter in the fight for the top spots. The visitors showed resilience on the road, and they extended their lead with a concise counterattack that culminated in a final flourish from Yriarte, who sealed the contest in the closing moments. The final whistle confirmed Amorebieta’s advantage and left Eldense to absorb the outcome as they prepare for the next challenge in the league schedule.
In the broader context of the campaign, the result adds another chapter to Eldense’s season narrative. The side continues to contend with the pressure of maintaining a position at or near the summit, balancing ambition with the practical demands of a long league run. Meanwhile, Amorebieta’s victory reinforces their bid for a high seed, underscoring the competition’s volatility and the depth of quality on display in the division. As both teams look ahead to upcoming fixtures, the focus remains on consistency, smart game management, and the ability to convert chances into goals when the moments arrive. For the fans, the afternoon offered a vivid reminder of why football at this level remains as thrilling as ever, with every pass, block, and finish contributing to the evolving narrative of the season.