Elchea Eldense returns to victory at Nuevo Pepico Amat after a comeback against UD Logroñés, adding to the city of La Rioja’s own rally against Castellón. That sequence keeps Fernando Estévez’s squad up near the top of Group 2 in the First RFEF, and with a new win, the promotion race toward the silver category of national football remains open a week longer. The clash underscored Eldense’s resilience and determination to stay in the hunt for promotion as the season progresses.
Earlier, against Eldense La Nucía, the match saw the home side trailing early once more. The Catalan side posed the early warnings with two restrained efforts from Cristian López and Cris Montes, both easily covered by Gonzalo. The tone of the first half suggested a tight contest, with opportunities scarce and defenses prevailing. [Citation: Club records, match notes, attribution to local sources]
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A cross from the left found Doncel with a precise, well-timed header that skimmed the post and crossed the line near Guille Vallejo’s area, giving La Rioja the lead. A similar set-piece soon after threatened to double the advantage, with Menudo at the hub of the action. A save from the home keeper kept the score within reach for Eldense. Eldense’s response started to materialize as the visitors pressed higher and sought control of the game’s tempo.
Eldense leaned into the moment and gradually wrestled territory from UD Logroñés. The best answer to the deficit came through a bold cross that Álex Martínez met with a left-footed volley, and Soberón headed the ball into the net at close range to level the score. A late-angled shot by Soberón contained the momentum as the first half closed in, but the home defense held firm to keep the score at 1-1 heading into the break.
The home team’s late equalizer resembled classic counterpunch football—swift, decisive, and earned with a blend of luck and persistence. The goalkeeper of La Rioja faced growing pressure as Eldense sought to tilt the match in their favor before the whistle. A moment of chaos and a sharp reaction from Eldense’s attackers kept the match on a knife edge.
In the second half, Eldense leaned on structure and discipline to repel the visitors’ advances while defending the advantage they had regained early in the period. The team prioritized organization and efficiency over flash for the remainder of the game, a strategy that yielded tangible results through the final whistle.
The visitors had some moments but failed to translate them into clear chances: a well-aimed header from Doncel, a powerful strike from Mendes, and a one-on-one opportunity that required a reflex save, plus a late defensive withdrawal that kept Eldense ahead. The result confirmed Eldense’s return to the top of the table and reinforced their standing in the promotion race.
Post-match reflections highlighted the tactical balance: a blend of compact defense and measured counterattacks that exploited moments of imbalance in Logroñés’ setup. The scoring sequence illustrated how a single goal can shift pressure and momentum decisively in a league as tight as the First RFEF.
Match sheet
ELDENSE: Vallejo; Toni Abad, Álex Martínez, Pardo, Cris Montes (Estacio, 75′), Ortuño, Soberón (Capó, 75′), Núñez, Diego González, Clemente (Luque, 75′) and Cristian López (Juanto, 63′).
UD LOGROÑES: Gonzalo; Campins (Boniquet, 57′), David Fernández, Cristian, Iñaki, Markel (Schutte, 85′), Sierra, Keita (Exhibit, 57′), Menudo (Dani Pinchín, 85′), Doncel (Zourdine, 75′) and Mendes.
GOLAS: 0-1 (10′) Doncel. 1-1 (35′) Soberón. 2-1 (44′) Medio.
ÁRBITRO: Carlos Calderiña Pavón. Campins cauteló a Menudo y a Markel.
ESTADIO: Nuevo Pepico Amat.
In sum, Eldense remains in contention for the promotion phase, leaning on resilience and a disciplined approach that has defined their league campaign. The comeback against Logroñés reinforced the belief that the squad can compete with the strongest teams in the group, a narrative that continues to unfold as the season advances.