*THE AFFILIATE TEAM LOSES IN MIJAS LAS LAGUNAS AND IS ELIMINATED FROM THE PLAYOFFS*

It wasn't meant to be. Our reserve team is out of the running for promotion to the Division of Honor after losing 3-0 to CP Mijas Las Lagunas.

Going into the final matchday, our team had their fate in their own hands to secure a playoff spot. But it wasn't meant to be; despite not playing a bad game, their lack of finishing proved too costly.

We got off to a good start, well-organized and neutralizing their initial push—they needed a win at all costs to make the playoffs as well. But that’s soccer for you: on their only chance of the entire first half, a defensive error on a set piece was capitalized on by Alejandro, who scored unmarked to put the home team ahead.

The goal didn’t affect us at all—quite the opposite. We started gaining ground and taking control of the ball, and consequently, the chances began to come.

Dioni, with two headers, and Rayan, in a one-on-one situation alone against the goalkeeper, could have equalized. Mijas Las Lagunas ended up counting down the minutes, and the score remained 1-0 at halftime.

The second half was more of the same. Estepona came out determined to find the equalizer, but ran into the home team’s solid defense, which managed the game well and, above all, capitalized on its chances.

Antonio Sánchez made substitutions, looking for ways to change the momentum of the match. But it just wasn’t our day. Nothing was going our way, and Mijas Las Lagunas, with their solid defense, held off our attack.

And just like in the first half, they didn’t miss their only chance. Sergio scored the 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining, making it an uphill battle. In the final minutes, we wanted to but couldn’t, and in stoppage time, Sergio again scored from a penalty kick to make it 3-0.

Despite falling just short, we have nothing to reproach these guys for; they’ve competed brilliantly and had a tremendous season in a very tough division. They spent almost the entire year in promotion spots, and most importantly, they’ve contributed numerous players to the first team while simultaneously promoting players from the youth academy, the Junior team, and even the Cadet team.

We always focus on the positives, on the great work of everyone—players and coaching staff alike. But we also have the feeling that with just a little more effort from everyone, especially in this final and decisive stretch of the season, we could have achieved even more.

It’s time to start preparing for next season and to applaud these young players, who have taught us a lesson in competitiveness and commitment. Congratulations, guys! WE KEEP GOING. WE ARE ESTEPONA ❤️💙💪🏻