Beyond the win and qualification to the next round of the Copa del Rey, coach Fernando Estévez has earned positive notes from many players while his rotation kept minutes lower for several key figures this season. The starting eleven against the Jaén side featured multiple changes, with Aceves in goal and a moment early on when he scolded Guille Vallejo as the national goalkeeper struggled with the U-21s in the opening minutes.
Aceves himself, Miguel Marí and Joel Jorquera were the only players yet to start a match this campaign. Poloni, Miguelón, Arnau Ortíz and Youness also earned minutes due to the absence of other regulars. The Moroccan midfielder had to request a substitution after half an hour because of discomfort, one of the notable negatives of the match.
A painful comeback in Jaén ensured Eldense’s survival in the Cup (2-3)
Everyone is important and there are players who stepped forward, the coach noted after the victory in Jaén. Estévez highlighted three names for their resolve: Miguel Marí, who opened the scoring, Derick Poloni, who netted the second, and Joel Jorquera, who delivered the first assist and earned the penalty that sealed Eldense’s win.
Yet competition for those roles remains intense, especially in Poloni’s position where Marc Mateu is a dominant presence on the left flank. Still, the Brazilian full-back saw minutes in the last two league games against Ferrol and Amorebieta in the second half. The Granada coach stressed that the changes made after the match raised the team’s level on the field once more: the tendency is to refresh the squad and push a bit more, and today they gave more, as in other matches. Juanto, Toni Abad and Iván Chapela played decisive roles in the comeback.
One notable positive trend this season is the breadth of talent in the squad. Many players perform well, and Estévez has repeatedly emphasized that the competition level in every position remains very high.
The hero of Eldense’s promotion sees the door again and is determined after 60 days
The clearest example of this was Jorquera, who looked dangerous on the right wing even though it was his first start. He produced a key moment with a fine run that culminated in a scoring play against Espanyol in Cornellá a few weeks back. Not every less-used player had their best game, though, with Arnau Ortiz, Miguelón and Aceves missing opportunities to prove their case for more minutes in the league.
In the second half, Arnau and Miguelón were replaced by Juanto and Toni Abad, respectively, who appeared to earn Estévez’s trust. The young goalkeeper then faced two shots that found the back of the net, questioning the solution in those moments on the goal.
Despite that, Eldense advanced to the next round in a competition that has been long and at times grueling, a platform where new opportunities could arise. The second round draws are set to take place in Las Rozas on Tuesday, November 7, with matches scheduled between December 5 and 7.