On April 23, Tercera RFEF’s VI group crowned Orihuela CF as league champions, earning a direct promotion to Segunda RFEF and sealing a season of hard work and unyielding effort. The road to glory was not easy, and memories tend to blur the tougher moments, but the triumph remains a vivid testament to perseverance.
Celebrations for the entire city followed the end of a season marked by eight months of struggle, illuminated by efforts and moments of brilliance alike. The pre-season brought hopeful energy as a leadership change took place: a new board of directors, led by Eloy Moreno, stepped in after the departure of the previous president, Luis Terrés. They outlined a clear ten-point plan and began turning goals into action, with promotion to the Second RFEF a focal objective that fans discussed openly and with renewed excitement. The season opened with high expectations for the squad that would carry the big sporting aim forward.
But the opening day brought a setback. A 3-1 defeat at Acero dampened initial optimism, casting doubt on the season to come. Yet the team recovered, posting solid results that propelled Orihuela to the top by the fifth matchday. Nervous energy gradually faded as the Oriolanos established a lead, stretching it to eight points over the second-placed side. Still, the campaign would test their resolve many more times. A string of negative results emerged at various intervals, and Atzeneta pressed to snatch first place away from Orihuela in the weekly battle for supremacy.
Throughout the season, players such as Pedja, Enzo, and goalkeeper Simón endured injuries that prevented them from taking the field in official matches. The winter market brought notable changes as well, with arrivals and departures including goalkeeper Aitor Arias, Javi García, Xavi Pons, Booker, and forward Christian Perales. These shifts did not derail the squad; instead, they tested the depth and resilience of the group.
There were days when direct rivals played on Saturdays, won, and moved a step ahead of Orihuela, forcing the team to respond under the pressure of a must-win match on Sundays. Under coach Óscar Sánchez, the squad met each challenge with determination, and the team’s ability to stay focused under pressure became a recurring theme.
Weeks of intense tension followed as supporters, notably the Frente Eskorpión club, intensified their backing. They travelled in large numbers to away games, lifting the squad and creating a near-festival atmosphere at every venue. Their presence helped shape a new kind of final, where there was little room for error and every point mattered.
Orihuela suffers promotion to Second RFEF
As predicted months earlier by coach Óscar Sánchez, Orihuela carried a significant lead into the final days, but promotion was secured only on the last day. The final league match produced heartbreak for the home team when Atzeneta won their game, forcing Orihuela to endure a nervous finish. A heroic late surge, however, delivered the required result, and Orihuela CF was declared league champions, earning direct promotion to the Second RFEF and maintaining the lead for 25 straight days. The city erupted in celebration as the dream became reality.
From that moment, a new chapter opened in Oriolano sports history. The season marked the fourth promotion for the current Orihuela CF in the last four years, following the long stretch of promotions achieved by the former Orihuela Deportiva in earlier decades. This breakthrough solidified the club’s position among the region’s rising football powerhouses and added another memorable page to the local sports story.
Source attribution: Jesús Zerón