From 7 points down to 29: the comeback that has CD Estepona believing again

Some seasons fall apart. And some seasons are rebuilt. CD Estepona’s season came very close to the former in December. Today, it’s starting to look like the latter.

On December 14, in Manolo Sánchez’s first game in charge, Estepona lost to Salerm Puente Genil and ended Matchday 15 in 17th place with 7 points. Three months later, following the victory in Lorca, the team is 15th with 29 points.

Twenty-two more points. Two spots climbed. And, above all, a completely different feeling. Because when it seemed impossible… this team decided to believe. Image: CD Estepona | Santiago Díaz ## December: A Team on the Brink

Estepona’s situation in mid-December was critical. The standings reflected a complicated scenario: 17th – CD Estepona – 7 points (15 matches) With two wins and one draw all season, and a downward trend, the team found itself in a position where avoiding relegation was starting to seem out of reach.

That’s when the change came. On December 13, the club announced the arrival of Manolo Sánchez. A day later, the coach made his debut on the bench. The context wasn’t easy. But the starting point was clear. ## A change that goes beyond the results

Since then, the team has played 13 matches, with a record of: • 6 wins • 4 draws • 3 losses These numbers reflect the team’s growth, but they don’t tell the whole story. Because the change hasn’t been limited to the standings.

It has been in the team’s identity. In the way they compete. In the sense of team spirit. Estepona has gone from merely holding on in matches to playing them with purpose. From waiting for mistakes to forcing them. From surviving… to competing. ## March: the standings begin to shift

Following the victory in Lorca, the standings now paint a different picture: 15th – CD Estepona – 29 points (27 matches) The team has climbed out of the second-to-last position and now sits: • 4 points from the relegation playout (Salerm – 33)
• 5 points from direct survival (Yeclano – 34) With 7 matchdays remaining and 21 points up for grabs. A demanding margin. But no longer impossible. ## From disbelief… to believing again

There’s something that doesn’t show up in the standings. But it also changes seasons. Perception. Just a few months ago, relegation seemed inevitable to many. Today, the feeling is different. The team is competing. It’s picking up points. And, above all, it’s inspiring.

From these pages, we never stopped believing. Not even in December, when it seemed impossible. Not even when many had written the team off as relegated. Because soccer is also about that. About holding onto a vision when the results aren’t there. And about recognizing the hard work when it starts to pay off. ## A project taking shape

The team’s transformation also has an explanation off the field. The arrival of Julen Guerrero has been a major step in the professionalization of the club, bringing structure, organization, and a more defined identity. Alongside him, the work of Manolo Sánchez and his coaching staff has been key to building a competitive team.

A group that today exudes something that seemed very distant in December: confidence. ## Seven matchdays to finish the story There are now 7 matches remaining. There are 21 points up for grabs. And safety remains a distant goal.

It’s not an easy road. But it is a real one. Because what seemed impossible in December… is now starting to look achievable. And in a league like this, where everything can change in a matter of weeks, that changes everything. CD Estepona has already proven it can bounce back. Now it’s time for the final step.