Estepona had a solid league opener but was unable to break the deadlock against Xerez CD (0-0)

Manolo Sánchez’s team and Xavi Molist’s team split the points in an intense match with scoring chances in both penalty areas, in the first matchday of Group 4 of Segunda RFEF
CD Estepona and Xerez CD kicked off the season with a scoreless draw at the Francisco Muñoz Pérez Stadium, in a match that had everything except the finishing touch needed to break the deadlock. Both teams had clear chances, the woodwork played a key role, and the result—despite the draw—left mixed feelings: the home team created more scoring opportunities, while the visitors came closest to taking all three points in the final stretch.
An intense start

Estepona came out determined to dictate the pace from the opening whistle. With high pressure and an advanced defensive line, Manolo Sánchez’s team put Xerez CD on the back foot; true to their game plan, Xerez CD preferred to sit deep as a unit and look for opportunities on the counterattack.

Julen Jon was a standout in the home team’s midfield, distributing the ball and showing good judgment during a stretch in which the red-and-whites clearly controlled the pace of the game. However, Xerez CD didn’t take long to respond: a steal by Isuskiza allowed Óscar Lorenzo to break down the wing and send a cross into the box that Rubén Mesa was unable to capitalize on (14’).

Chances came thick and fast at both ends. Ale Contreras forced Carlos Pantoja into a save with a header, and the ensuing corner kick once again put the blue-and-white defense under pressure, as they struggled particularly with set pieces. Meanwhile, Rubén Mesa had a one-on-one chance ruled out for offside (21').

Set pieces were, in fact, Estepona’s most dangerous weapon for much of the match. In the 34th minute, a free kick found Caro’s head, and he headed the ball just wide of the goal. Xerez CD, for its part, created chances down the wings, with attempts by Óscar Lorenzo and Guille Campos before halftime, which arrived with the score still tied at zero.

Substitutions and a Nerve-Wracking Finish

After the break, both coaches made substitutions in search of fresh options. Manolo Sánchez brought on Jorge Álvarez and Samu Expósito to add depth to the home team’s attack, while Xavi Molist sent in Julito and Zelu, who would prove decisive in the closing stages.

The match picked up intensity past the midway point of the second half. Xerez CD found its best offensive form in several consecutive plays: Zelu struck a ball just wide of the post from a direct free kick (71'), and, barely three minutes later, Moi hit the crossbar on another set piece (74'), the visitors’ clearest chance of the match.

Estepona, far from losing their composure, kept pressing until the end. Pantoja had to work hard to prevent the home team from scoring on several occasions, and in the 83rd minute, the Rojillos appealed for a possible penalty for a handball inside the box, which the referee did not deem worthy of a call. Xerez CD, in turn, appealed for another penalty in the 89th minute after Julito went down, but that call was also not made.

With stoppage time over, the score remained 0-0—a result that both coaches could view as fair, though unsatisfying given their aspirations.

Molist’s Comments

At the end of the match, Xavi Molist assessed his team’s game plan, which focused on avoiding short passing and exploiting long balls to Rubén Mesa to take advantage of his wingers’ speed against the opposing center backs. The Catalan coach acknowledged that he would have liked to take home the three points, but he highlighted the collective effort of a squad he described as “very well-rounded,” emphasizing that the team’s level of play remains consistent regardless of who fills each position. Regarding the possible penalty play, he admitted he didn’t have a clear view of the action.

Match Report

CD Estepona: Fran Martínez; Candelas, Heber Pena, Julen Jon, Ariel Herrero (Jorge Álvarez, 56'), Ale Contreras (Samu Expósito, 68'), Ballarín (Nacho Ramón, 56'), Sandji Baradij, Maxi B., Marín, and Caro.

Xerez CD: Carlos Pantoja; Guille Campos, Manu Galán (Josete, 87'), Moi, Chacartegui, Raúl López, Isuskiza, Jaime López (Julito, 61'), Óscar Lorenzo (Zelu, 61'), Zequi Díaz (Jaime Fernández, 73') and Rubén Mesa (Fali, 73').

Referee: Víctor García Acosta (Murcia Referees’ Association). He issued yellow cards to Maxi, Ariel Herrero, Caro, and Sandji for the home team, and to Moi and Raúl López for the visiting team.

Notes: This match, part of the first round of Group 4 in Segunda RFEF, was played at the Francisco Muñoz Pérez Stadium in front of approximately 2,500 spectators, including more than 200 fans who traveled from Jerez.

The schedule now gives Estepona the opportunity to secure its first league victory next Saturday at 9:00 p.m. at the same venue against Linares Deportivo.