Almería B 1-2 CD Estepona: This time they didn't let it slip away

Some games just come and go.

And some games leave a lasting impression.

This was one of the latter.

CD Estepona knew it.

And this time, they didn’t falter.

They won.

And more importantly…

they took the leap.

Image: CD Estepona | Santiago Díaz

Striking… the way it should be done

The match began with a clear plan.

Go.

Without waiting.

Without hesitation.

Because it wasn’t a day for speculation.

It was a day for action.

31st minute.

Ale Contreras breaks down the left.

He looks up.

And slots it to the far post.

There comes Ramón Blázquez.

From behind.

Just as he should.

0-1.

A goal that’s no fluke.

It’s intentional.

A blow… and no doubt

That’s how soccer goes.

Just a few minutes later.

Tie.

A messy play.

Rebounds.

Chaos.

And 1-1.

One of those that annoy you.

One of those that come when they shouldn’t.

But this time was different.

Because the team didn’t hesitate.

Not for a second.

Keep going… without letting up

Estepona didn’t change.

They didn’t slow down.

They didn’t lose their composure.

They kept going.

With the ball.

With purpose.

With presence.

Feeling that the game was theirs.

Because it was.

Because they knew it.

Because they knew what was at stake.

The moment that defines seasons

82nd minute.

And that’s when the teams that make it show up.

Javi Duarte steals the ball.

Reading the play.

Anticipation.

Dribbling.

And a pass with the outside of his foot.

The kind that matters.

The kind that decide the game.

Ballarín controls it.

Finishes.

And scores.

1-2.

It’s not just a goal.

It’s a step forward.

This is a team

There are no individual stars.

Or rather…

everyone is there.

From Liceras making saves when needed.

To those who come on and change the game.

From Ramón.

To Ballarín.

From the first.

To the last.

One person doesn’t win this.

A team wins it.

Knowing how to suffer counts too

Almería pressed hard.

Especially on set pieces.

With physicality.

With persistence.

And forced us to compete differently.

But Estepona didn’t crack.

Because they know how to play these games now.

Because they know what it takes.

Now the picture has changed

The standings are no longer the same:
• 12th – FC La Unión Atlético – 39 pts
• 13th (playout) – Salerm Puente Genil – 37 pts
• 14th – CD Estepona – 37 pts
• 15th – Xerez Deportivo – 35 pts
• 16th – UD Melilla – 33 pts

Estepona climbs out of the direct relegation zone.

They tie for the playout spot.

And they look up.

For real.

It wasn’t easy… it was necessary

It wasn’t just another game.

It was that kind of game.

The one you can’t let slip away.

The one that defines you.

And the team played it as such.

From the very first minute.

Without holding back.

Without hesitation.

Back

Months later.

Many months.

Since September.

Since Matchday 2.

Estepona is back in the mix.

One step away.

Tied on points with the relegation play-off.

Brushing against it.

But not out of it yet.

Because goal difference still makes the difference.

And that changes one thing.

The standings.

But it doesn’t change what matters.

The journey.

It’s a journey.

This doesn’t end here

Three games left.

Nine points.

And everything’s still up for grabs.

But now it’s not the same anymore.

Now the team is in.

Really in.

And now… don’t stop

The hardest part is already done.

But it’s no use if we don’t finish it.

Because this team has made it this far for a reason.

And now…

it’s no longer about making it.

It’s about staying.