This Sports Eldense Primera will meet in the semi-finals of the RFEF promotion play-off, a clash that unfolds with the usual unpredictability when a reserve team enters the fray. The match is scheduled for Sunday, May 22, just after 7:30 p.m., at the Benidorm Municipal ground named in honour of William Love. In this showdown, the Eldense side carries the weight of experience while Real Sociedad C relies on a youthful optimism from Donosti.
Azulgranas expect solid backing from their fans, and the majority of the home crowd will likely rally behind them. Meanwhile, the supporters of the visiting Donosti squad are not expected to fill the stands to the same extent. Eldense, having finished fourth in their group, faces a Real Sociedad C side that ended third in Group B, making the tie inherently valuable for both teams. The Txuri Urdin youngsters had an impressive season, capped by a dominant 0-6 win at Cayón de Cantabria Sports Club last Sunday. Real Sociedad C posted 15 wins, 14 draws, and four losses, scoring 55 goals and conceding 30. These numbers speak to the strength of the Basque program, which can only be surpassed by teams like Osasuna B and Sestao River on the climb within the standings.
There is a scenario worth noting: Real Sociedad C could meet Eldense on Saturday with the understanding that if Team B, led by Xabi Alonso, confirms relegation from the Segunda División, there would be little chance for promotion. To prevent that outcome, they would need to win at Huesca, as they sit five points away from safety with only two games remaining.
Eldense’s manager, José Juan Romero, spoke to EFE about the Donosti subsidiary, describing them as a “brave and brazen” opponent. The Andalusian coach, who also notes the Barça system’s influence on Real Sociedad C, highlights the presence of highly talented young players within one of Spain’s strongest academies. He added that his team would face a “very competitive draw” since both sides share a similar footballing philosophy and both managers expect a challenging contest filled with ambition.
Eldense enters promotion play with a steady current of positive results, having sealed three consecutive victories in the final stretch of the regular season, a run that propelled them into the First RFEF.
This matchup between Eldense and Real Sociedad C is set to be a showcase of youth and experience colliding in a high-stakes playoff. The Eldense camp emphasizes discipline and a clear game plan, aiming to exploit any openings created by a quick, aggressive pressing style from the Basque side. Real Sociedad C brings a vibrant, fearless approach, built on a strong technical foundation and the kind of long-term development that Spain’s top clubs prize. The tactical chess match promises to be intense, with both teams eager to prove their readiness for advancement and to demonstrate the depth of their club structures. As always in these games, the result will hinge on composure in front of goal, resilience in defence, and the ability to manage pressure during the late stages of the match. The narrative of the clash is not just about a single game but about the ongoing competition between two rising programs that value youth development as much as immediate results. The stage is set for a memorable contest that could shape the trajectories of both clubs in the months ahead. This encounter will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike, who will be looking for signs of continued growth, strategic clarity, and the capacity to translate potential into promotion.
These teams have built a story around ambition, perseverance, and a shared belief that a good day on the pitch can redefine a season. The outcome will be decided on the field, with both sides prepared to give everything to secure a place in the higher division and to reinforce the growing prestige of their respective academies and senior squads.