On 26 April 1964, Deportivo Eldense played its last Second Division match against Hércules at home. The club now returns to the spotlight as it prepares for a Sunday showdown at 19:30 on LaLiga TV Hypermotion. The generations linked to Gil, Emilio, Albert, Miguel, Domènech, Bartolo, Barberà, Carballo, Asterio, Lizani and Leardi will write a new chapter in Cartagena, sixty years after that historic season, adding another page to what is often described as the hundred-year story of the Barça club.
Eldense aims to establish itself in professional football after nearly six decades away
The dream that sports fans have chased for years will come to life at the Cartagonova stadium, with a sense of celebration for those who helped Eldense rise again. A few hundred supporters will make the trip to Murcia, while many more will follow from home, remembering the long path that led the club back to the top level during its most storied era. The return party will also be a tribute to those who lived through the club’s earlier peaks and those who never saw Eldense compete at the highest level again.
With a spirit of comeback, the squad led by Estévez is determined to secure the first three points of a campaign whose target is the famous 50 points as soon as possible. The preseason gave reasons to believe the club can stay in the Second Division for another year, as the Catalan team finished undefeated in midweek play with two wins against Sheffield (0-4) and Albacete (2-3) and two draws against Tenerife and Intercity. So far, there have been no major injury problems surrounding the squad.
Base and signings
Estévez has assembled a roster of players who rose to prominence in recent weeks, a group that could raise Eldense’s competitiveness for the challenge of anchoring itself in professional football. At the forefront is a Romanian striker, Florin Andone, the most notable signing among the reinforcements for the Nuevo Pepico Amat team. One notable absence for the gala is Bosnian defender Dario Dumic, who was delayed due to international transfer issues.
Estévez: “The Cartagena match is a celebration for Elda”
INFORMATION
In his first league appearance as coach, the Eldense mentor expressed that the Cartagena match will feel like a party for Elda, the surrounding region, and the club itself. He noted that many Eldense supporters are traveling to Cartagena, and emphasized the team’s commitment to showing its character and competing with intensity to fulfill the mission.
Possible Eldense lineup
Guille Vallejo; Toni Abad, Carlos Fernández, Íñigo Piña, Capó, David Timor, Sergio Ortuño, Cris Montes, Iván Chapela, Andone and Marc Mateu.
A stubborn foe
Opposing Eldense is a side that has spent the better part of the last four seasons in the second tier, bringing six new players to the squad, including Elche captain Gonzalo Verdú. Victor Sanchez del Amo will replace Luis Carrión on the bench. Like the previous campaigns, the challenger is set to attack with intent, making the field a proving ground for Eldense’s resolve.
In the home meeting, Sanchez del Amo will rely on Verdú and central defender Pedro Alcalá, both currently dealing with fitness concerns. “We are very clear about Eldense’s style of play. We won’t reveal everything we practice, but we have a clear game plan and we’ve spent the week preparing to counter it,” he stated.