27 points and a league that is still undecided

Soccer has a short memory. A defeat can change the mood of fans in a matter of hours. And after what happened in Puente Genil, the feeling among some of the Rojillo fans is clear: it was a hard blow. However, the overall standings tell a different story. There are nine games left to play.
There are 27 points up for grabs. And the fight for survival is far from over. Image: CD Estepona | Santiago Díaz ## The current table The bottom of Group IV now looks like this: 10th – Yeclano Deportivo – 33 pts
11th – FC La Unión Atlético – 33 pts (one game less) 12th – Atlético Antoniano – 32 pts 13th – Salerm Puente Genil – 32 pts 14th – Xerez Deportivo – 28 pts 15th – UD Melilla – 25 pts (one game less)
16th – CD Estepona – 23 pts The playout is now nine points away. It's a significant gap. But it's also a gap that, in a league as unpredictable as the Second Division, could still change if different dynamics emerge in the final stretch.

A schedule where everyone has pitfalls If we analyze the nine remaining matchdays, one thing is clear: no one has a clear path. Xerez Deportivo still has to face rivals such as Lorca, Águilas, Recreativo, and Linares.

Melilla has difficult away games and direct clashes that could affect its margin. Salerm, which has just beaten Estepona, will also have to face teams at the top of the table such as Águilas, Linares, Jaén, and Deportiva Minera.

Atlético Antoniano faces a schedule that includes Águilas, Minera, Linares, and Recreativo. And La Unión Atlético, which still has one game in hand, will also have to face teams at the top of the table such as Jaén, Recreativo, and UCAM. In other words, points will not come easily for anyone.

Estepona's schedule The final stretch of Manolo's team is also demanding, but it has one distinguishing feature: several direct confrontations. These are the nine remaining games: • CD Estepona – La Unión Atlético • Lorca Deportiva – CD Estepona

• CD Estepona – CD Extremadura • Xerez Deportivo – CD Estepona • CD Estepona – UD Melilla • Almería B – CD Estepona • Linares Deportivo – CD Estepona • CD Estepona – Águilas FC
• Yeclano Deportivo – CD Estepona Three of those matches are against direct rivals in the lower part of the table. And four will be played at **Muñoz Pérez**. In a season finale where context weighs as heavily as soccer, the home field advantage could be decisive.

Survival is never decided in March The defeat in Puente Genil has widened the gap. That much is clear. But it is also true that leagues of this type are usually decided by final dynamics, not by a single matchday.

When the calendar enters its final stretch, the following factors come into play: • direct confrontations • rivals without clear objectives • teams that fall behind • unexpected streaks And that is where many seasons change direction. ## A Sunday that marks the starting point The next game could be one of those moments.

On Sunday at 12:00 p.m., Estepona hosts FC La Unión Atlético, one of the teams currently marking the safety zone. It's an important game. But it's not the last one. There are nine left. And in that final stretch, every matchday can change the scenario.

Muñoz Pérez back in the game In addition, the club has activated a special season ticket for the last four home games. During this last week, it can still be purchased at the club's offices: • €40 Grandstand • €25 Preferential seating • €15 Goal

Four games that could define the season. Because if this category proves anything every year, it's that staying up isn't decided in February or March. It's decided in April. And often... in May. And until then, the league remains open.