Bring back the 90-minute target at Nuevo Pepico Amat. That is Eldense’s mission moving forward. This Saturday, they will face Celta B in the first leg of the playoff semi-finals, aiming for promotion to the Second Division. The earlier 3-2 result in Vigo at Abanca-Balaídos was a tough moment for Fernando Estévez’s squad, especially thanks to a standout performance by goalkeeper Guille Vallejo, who made seven crucial stops in the opening period and helped prevent a bigger setback for the hosts in Vigo.
Guille seals Eldense’s ambition
Caesar Hernandez
Although Eldense began with solid pressure, the cerulean reserve team soon tested Vallejo repeatedly. The Barca goalkeeper stood tall seven times, denying the Galician visitors from taking the lead. In the end, Celta B managed to take control of the scoreboard.
Vallejo’s heroics began with a miscue by Raúl Blanco that nearly set off a nightmare for Eldense, a mistake that exposed the visiting side’s vulnerability with the ball and a surprising lack of cohesion. Yet Vallejo held firm, pulling off key saves as the clock ticked. He repeatedly denied attempts from Iker Losada after a deflection, Lautaro’s close-range shot, Hugo Álvarez following Núñez’s aerial pressure, and Domínguez from long range. A notable double stop by Vallejo prevented a goal that Domínguez initially thought he had scored.
Eldense pursues a third consecutive promotion
Caesar Hernandez
In the opening sequence, Eldense conceded early as Soberón launched a direct play from the left, with Montes finding the far post for Manu Nieto to finish. The Andalucian side briefly snuck ahead, only to see Lautaro’s two goals turn the tide in Eldense’s favor. The equalizer came from an intelligent inside pass by Iker Losada, followed by a second goal after a precise through ball from Medrano, who had recovered the ball after a deft moment from Raúl Blanco, earlier linked to Iago Aspas’ cousin for added flair.
a calmer second act
Returning to the locker room, Eldense steadied the ship and contained Celta B’s forward surge, reclaiming balance through calm, controlled build-ups and Montes’ support. The 2-2 draw pushed the Celtiñas to respond, turning the match into a tense, high-stakes chase with danger on both sides.
The introduction of Medrano in the left wing unsettled the visitor’s defense once more, helping Eldense seal a personal hat-trick through a fresh assist from Lautaro. The home side managed to avoid the instability seen in the first half, keeping the pace steady and pressing their advantage with disciplined play.
Although 3-2 is not ideal for Eldense, Vallejo’s performance in a tightened period at Nuevo Pepico Amat suggested that a more complete, 45-minute display could set the course for the decisive return leg.
match paper
CELTIC B: Rule; Carrique, Barcia, Javi Domínguez (Gael, 70′), Medrano, Damián (San Bartolomé, 61′), Hugo Sotelo (Beitia, 80′), Raúl Blanco (Durán, 61′), Iker Losada, Hugo Álvarez and Lautaro (Manu Garrido, 70′).
ELDENSE: Vallejo; Toni Abad, Carlos Hernández, Núñez (Jorquera, 70′), Diego González, Clemente, Ortuño, Capó (Pajarero, 83′), Cris Montes (Carnicer, 78′), Manu Nieto (Juanto, 70′), Soberón (Cristian) (83′).
GOALS: 0-1 (23′) Manu Nieto. 1-1 (32′) Lautaro. 2-1 (35′) Lautaro. 2-2 (52′) Sobering. 3-2 (59′) Lautaro.
REFEREE: Eder Mallo Fernandez. Toni cautioned Abad and Carrique.
STADIUM: Abanca Balaídos (Vigo).