CD Estepona went head-to-head with Antequera CF and lost by the narrowest of margins in another preseason friendly

CD Estepona lost 2-3 to Antequera CF this Wednesday, August 19, at the Estepona Football Center, in another preseason friendly match. The Antequera team, which plays in the Primera Federación, secured the victory thanks to a late goal, although the Estepona squad put on a strong performance and managed to tie the score after coming back from a 0-2 deficit.
The match began with CD Estepona trying to establish a presence in the opponent’s half. Alfonso Candelas led the first dangerous attack after sending in a cross from the wing in the opening minutes, though Antequera CF responded quickly.
The first goal of the match came in the 13th minute. A quick transition by the visiting team ended with Adri Gené receiving the ball following a great play by Carlos Mangada. The Catalan forward crossed the ball and put the score at 0-1.
The Antequera team maintained pressure in the opponent’s half for much of the first half and had several chances to extend their lead. Moi Parra tested Héctor Oliva, who made several impressive saves. The Estepona goalkeeper also stopped a header by Alberto Quintana, preventing Antequera from going into halftime with a larger lead.
For CD Estepona, Ariel Herrero had one of the best chances of the first half with a header off a cross from Candelas that went just over the crossbar. The home team also looked to create danger through the efforts of Samuel Expósito and Jorge Álvarez.
After halftime, Antequera once again threatened Héctor Oliva’s goal. Adri Gené had a clear chance to score the second goal, but his shot sailed over the crossbar. Shortly afterward, the Estepona goalkeeper made another great save to keep his team in the game.
However, in the 55th minute, the score became 0-2. Moi Parra sent in a cross from the right, and Raúl Alarcón rose to head the ball into the back of the net.
CD Estepona’s response was immediate. In the 57th minute, Ale Contreras cut the lead after receiving a pass from Jorge Álvarez and beating the Antequera goalkeeper with a shot across the goal. It was Ale Contreras’s first goal of the 2026/27 preseason.
The Estepona team continued to push for the equalizer and were rewarded in the 70th minute. Ballarín received a through ball from Ale Contreras and finished with a low, angled shot to make it 2-2.
With the score tied, both teams sought the winning goal. CD Estepona had several chances in the closing stages, and Ballarín came close to scoring again with a shot that flew just over the crossbar.
Finally, in the 85th minute, Antequera CF regained the lead. Drake Hadeed, making his debut for the Antequera side, capitalized on a cross from Antonio Zarzana to score the decisive 2-3 goal.
CD Estepona had one last chance to tie the game. In the 92nd minute, Ballarín took a free kick from the edge of the box that was deflected by the visiting goalkeeper toward the far post and resulted in a corner kick. The corner was taken and cleared by Antequera’s defense, leading to a second corner kick. However, after that second corner, the referee blew the final whistle without allowing the kick to be taken, a decision that sparked protests from the home team’s players.

CD Estepona Put in a Strong Performance Against a Higher-Division Opponent
Despite the loss, CD Estepona made a strong impression against Antequera CF, which plays in a higher division. The Estepona squad was able to bounce back after falling 0-2 behind, tie the game, and compete right up until the final minutes**.
After the match, David Ballarín highlighted the value of the friendly in helping the team continue to gain playing time and build momentum against a higher-division opponent. The player noted that, in his view, CD Estepona was the better team overall and created more scoring chances, though he acknowledged that the team was vulnerable on the counterattack and that Antequera capitalized on the opportunities it had.
Ballarín also highlighted the team’s progress during the preseason and assured that the squad continues to build on the concepts from last season and integrate the new players. The goal is to be ready for the start of the competition and the league opener against Xerez CD.
CD Estepona thus continues its preparations for the start of the 2026/27 season, gaining playing time and experience against tough opponents.

Match Details
CD Estepona: Héctor Oliva; Jorge Álvarez, Alfonso Candelas, Ariel Herrero, Claverías, Samuel Expósito, Sandji Baradji, Marín, Caro (C), Alberto G., and David Pomares.
Antequera CF: Fer Pérez; Raúl Alarcón, Alberto Quintana, Sebas Lauture, Julio Martínez, Juan Aspra, Carlos Mangada, Agüero, Moi Parra, Adri Gené, and Destiny.
CD Estepona substitutions: Ale Contreras replaced Claverías (55'). Later, Titi, Álvaro Díaz, Maxi, Ballarín, Roi Tato, Julen Jon, Heber Pena, and Nacho Ramón entered the game in the 61st minute, while Pomares, Héctor Oliva, and Ale Contreras remained on the field. In the 78', Pablo Aguilar replaced David Pomares.
Antequera CF substitutions: Isra replaced Destiny (56'), Óscar Sáez came on for Sebas Lauture (66'), and Drake Hadeed replaced Agüero (68'). In the 78', three substitutions were made: Luismi came on for Carlos Mangada, Bassèle for Moi Parra, and Antonio Zarzana for Adri Gené.
Goals: 0-1, Adri Gené (13'); 0-2, Raúl Alarcón (55'/56'); 1-2, Ale Contreras (57'); 2-2, Ballarín (70'); 2-3, Drake Hadeed (85').