The club maintains its top position after a tough run. A setback with a disputed penalty nine days earlier did not derail the squad that edged Sabadell in a hard-fought Sunday match. The Catalan coach stirred controversy after the game, arguing that refereeing influenced the result. Miki Lladó, after a 1-0 loss and a ten-point deduction stemming from Fernández’s dismissal, claimed Eldense benefited from favorable officiating. He appreciated the way the game was officiated and suggested the arbitration helped Eldense while his own team slipped. The remark followed praise for the club founded by the leader of the Barça organization earlier in the season.
The young coach of Sant Cugat del Vallès did not shy away from explaining the factors he believed contributed to the home win. He described the arbitration as a cherry pick and questioned how the federation operates, hinting at commercial ties with Finetwork as a sponsor. He noted that Eldense remains in the lead while his team faces a period of decline, reflecting on the final result with clear frustration.
“The expulsion of my player was the most evident example of arbitration bias. Finetwork sponsors the RFEF, so the message is visible here: Eldense leads while we decline.”
The suspicions about preferential treatment for the Baix Vinalopó team were quickly put to rest. Fernando Estevez stated that Eldense is pursuing legal action against the Catalan coach for making serious accusations, asserting that the connection between the Alicante tech company and the RFEF had already ended months ago, reinforcing the case for taking legal steps.
Eldense, the leader without an iron fist
Pedro Rojas
Moments later, the Barcelona-born coach attempted to clarify his remarks during a radio interview. He admitted that the leader has achieved its position on merit and that discussing non-overlapping topics would only fuel controversy. He acknowledged the moment was regrettable, recognizing that he could face repercussions for his comments. In a candid tone, he said there was no need to connect the club with any sponsor and that he was taking responsibility, offering a public apology.
Eldense eyes an 18,000-seat stadium ahead of a potential Second Division promotion
Caesar Hernandez
With the focus firmly on league performance and maintaining the lead to secure promotion, Eldense has not disclosed any plans to sue Sabadell’s coach. The club is simultaneously exploring the idea of a larger stadium to accommodate a possible climb to the Second Division, signaling ambition beyond the current campaign.
Deportivo faced Sabadell in a match that carried high stakes. The Castellón side briefly disrupted the prevailing power dynamic in the second tier of the Primera RFEF, but Estévez’s squad held firm and collected three points through a disputed penalty that was converted after a handball call that sparked protests from the visiting team. The contact appeared deliberate and the call controversial, yet the result stood as the team celebrated.
With this victory, Eldense added another two months at the top of the standings after overturning Castellón on December 18, just before the Christmas break. The year closed with Eldense leading the table and earning the honorary title of winter champion at the end of the first round of the competition.