Strategy decides
Eldense entered the match with intent after traveling to the fiefdom of a recently relegated side, Real Sociedad B, during a season loaded with pressure from a well-rounded Alicante squad. The visitors controlled possession early, anchoring the game in front of their bench behind a compact Sanse block. Estévez’s team aimed to trouble Unai Marrero on the right flank as Toni Abad sought early crosses from that wing.
The locals kept the line tight and executed quick exchanges with players from Alicante who wandered around the Guille Vallejo area. In the opening minutes Eldense pressed to displace the home side before they could threaten in their own territory. Real Sociedad B carved out the first real chance when a cross from Kortajarena clipped Guille Vallejo and nearly opened the scoring for the hosts.
Moments later Eldense answered with a near certain free kick. Alex Martínez struck cleanly but Unai Marrero produced a spectacular save, though the ball had clearly crossed the line before the goalkeeper touched it, a claim López Parra would not concede at the moment of truth.
Both teams showed composure as the half wore on. The closing minutes of the first period saw Gabilondo move the ball through the defense without a finishing touch, and Eldense left the tunnel with the impression of having dominated possession without finding a decisive finish.
Tactical turning points
After the break Eldense came out aggressive and did not need long to threaten Marrero’s goal. An early foray from the left saw Nieto force a sprawling intervention that forced a save, and the threat from set pieces became apparent. A long free kick from González de Zarate found a productive line before Javi capitalized with a shot that required a reflex save to deny the hosts a breakthrough. Martón then found space inside the box to threaten again with a clever movement that pinned the defense and tested the goalkeeper.
The pressure intensified as Eldense kept testing the backline with more dead ball opportunities. Ander Martín delivered a precise set piece that flitted across the wall, caroming off the hands of Soberón and eluding Vallejo to widen the advantage for the home side.
With about twenty minutes left, Eldense sought a lifeline through a patient buildup and a sharp finish by Cristian López, who struck decisively before the goalkeeper could recover. Manu Nieto continued to deliver crosses from the right, keeping Marrero busy and stretching the defense. Although Eldense pressed to narrow the gap and mount a late comeback, the hosts’ defense held firm, and the Donostiarra reserve team sealed the result with disciplined play and effective counterpressure.
DATA SHEET
Real Sociedad CF B: Unai Marrero, Gabilondo, Jonathan Gómez, Arambarri, Ezkurdia, Urko González, Magunazelaia, Olasagasti, Javi Martón, Ander Martín, Kortajarena.
Eldense CD: Vallejo, Alex Martinez, Diego González, Pajarero, Toni Abad, Fran Carnicer, Nuñez, Ortuño, Clemente, Manu Nieto, Cris Montes.
Goals: Javi Martón 48th minute, Ander Martín 58th minute.
Referee: López Parra. Players cautioned: Kortajarena and Ortuño, Miguel Nuñez, Diego González, Fran Carnicer, Luque Jr and Cristian López.
Events: Zubieta.