Estévez after elimination in Málaga: “The same players who kept us seven points away from relegation”
December shows Leganés perched higher in the standings, a sign of resilience as they head into a clash that could tighten their grip on a promotion bid. The performance from the club points to a steady, pragmatic approach: win at home, protect a margin, and press toward the goal of a top finish. On Sunday, the pressing challenge comes from Deportivo La Coruña’s camp, a team eager to disrupt the home side’s rhythm at Butarque and claw back into the mix.
Nothing more and nothing less than extracting a positive result from Leganés’ stadium remains the mission as the team eyes advancement straight into the higher tier. The Madrid squad currently sits four points clear of its closest pursuers, a cushion that lends confidence as the campaign unfolds.
Both Leganés and Eldense arrive at this juncture having exited the Copa del Rey and carrying a few lingering doubts. Pepinero’s squad, in particular, has not tasted victory in four official matches and has endured back-to-back losses, a stretch that raises questions about form and consistency.
Three of those four fixtures were away from home, underscoring how much the home venue at Butarque can influence outcomes. Leganés has suffered only one domestic defeat this season, a setback to Andorra back in August. Their head coach will otherwise be able to field a near full-strength group, with only left back Abzi unavailable. Nyom remains a priority for the squad as a substitute option.
Rather than hand, carefree
Eldense, meanwhile, arrives after securing just one point from the last nine at home and after an exit from the Copa del Rey following a defeat at Malaga in La Rosaleda last Wednesday, crossing from cup disappointment to league duty with a renewed focus.
Lack of goals punishes Eldense heavily
The head coach laid out the plan: Leganés visits a difficult field at Butarque with the aim of competing at a high level in front of their own supporters. The coach stressed that while the team’s goal tally may be modest, the priority is avoiding defeats. He also highlighted the cushion against relegation as a platform to approach the challenge with less desperation, seven points to spare.
In addition, it was noted that one key starter would be a doubt until the last moment due to injury, while Lachhab will not feature in the lineup. The squad will look to others to contribute decisive moments in the final third.
First duel in the league
This afternoon’s encounter marks a historic moment for both clubs in league play, as Eldense and Leganés meet for the first time in the league in their long histories. The two clubs previously met only in the Copa del Rey during the 1977/78 season, with Eldense securing wins in both legs. That earlier chapter stands as a reminder of the unpredictability of cup ties versus league encounters.
Leganes-Eldense squads
Possible Leganés lineup: Conde; Miramón, Arambarri, Jorge Sáenz, Sergio González, Franquesa; Undabarrena, Neyou, Portillo; Raba and Miguel de la Fuente.
Possible Eldense lineup: Zubiaurre; Toni Abad, Carlos Hernández, Dumic, Poloni; Timor, Sergio Ortuño, Marc Mateu or Clemente, Iván Chapela; Soberón and Andone.
Stadium: Butarque
TV: LaLiga Hypermotion TV
Time: 18:30
Referee: José Luis Guzmán Mansilla