CD Estepona's reserve team and youth team start preseason with good feelings

CD Estepona has already begun preparations for its youth teams with the first preseason friendlies for the reserve team and the U19 A team . Both sides played two matches last weekend, leaving mixed impressions, but accumulating valuable playing time ahead of the start of the official season.

The reserve team competes against two demanding rivals
The team led by Carlos Díaz began its preseason by facing UD San Pedro , a Third RFEF team and therefore two categories above the Estepona reserve team.
The match ended with a 3-1 victory for UD San Pedro , although CD Estepona put on a good performance and competed on equal terms against a rival with a larger budget and more experience.
The reserve team faced the match with numerous absences, due to players being with the first team, injuries, and other circumstances typical of these early weeks of preseason. Despite this, the team remained competitive for much of the game, and only in the final stages did UD San Pedro manage to tip the scales in their favor, particularly winning their individual duels.
CD Estepona's only goal was scored by Lautaro .
In their second match, the reserve team faced CP Mijas Las Lagunas B , a rival from the same division. On this occasion, Carlos Díaz's side managed to win 2-1 .
The absences once again affected the squad selection, to the point that the team had to include four youth players to complete the group, due to travel, injuries and the needs of the first team.
During the first half, CP Mijas Las Lagunas had more possession, although without creating much danger. CD Estepona took advantage of a set piece to go ahead through Cazorla . However, just five minutes later, the visitors managed to equalize.
After the break, the reserve team stepped up their game and took greater control of the ball, creating more danger in attack. They had a penalty to regain the lead, but Rayan failed to convert it.
Finally, Raúl Baldanza did succeed from the penalty spot and scored the goal that allowed CD Estepona to close the game with a 2-1 victory .

Carlos Díaz, satisfied with the initial impressions
The reserve team coach, Carlos Díaz , gave a positive assessment of the start of the preseason and highlighted the atmosphere within the dressing room.
"The truth is, I'm very happy. In the end, it's a group that I think has come together very well, with a bit of a mix, some new faces and some fresh faces, but the truth is, the feeling has been very good."
The coach also praised the willingness of his players during the first weeks of work:
"I've found a spectacular group, a group that wants to improve, that is super willing to try to learn, to grow, and that gives everything for the team every day."
Looking ahead to the season, Carlos Díaz expects the team to progress gradually: "I think we're going to improve as the season progresses. We're putting in a lot of work, with a lot of tactical training, which will take time, but I'm sure the team is going to have a good year."
The coach also made clear the commitment he expects from his squad: "We are all going to feel represented by this team, we are going to enjoy ourselves with this team and we are going to give our all for the team."

The Juvenil A team starts with two wins
The Juvenil A team of CD Estepona , managed by Carlos García , also played two friendlies over the weekend and closed this first phase of preparation with a perfect record of victories.
The first match pitted the Estepona team against CD Guadiaro , in a game that ended with a resounding 4-0 victory .
Despite CD Estepona's clear superiority, the team approached the match with the intensity, respect, and seriousness that this type of game demands. Even so, Carlos García's side showed flashes of quality in attack and were able to capitalize on the chances they created.
The goalscorers were Josito , who scored a brace, Cáceres and Tocón .
In the second friendly, Juvenil A offered a more solid and serious version against UD San Pedro B , a senior team made up of older footballers than the Estepona players.
CD Estepona dominated the match for almost the entire game, although during the first half they lacked clarity in the final meters to turn their dominance into clear chances.
After the break, the team improved their attacking accuracy and found the back of the net. Guido and Simón were responsible for scoring the two goals that allowed Juvenil A to win 2-0 .

Four friendly matches to continue growing
The four matches played over the weekend have allowed the reserve team and the Juvenil A team to start acquiring competitive rhythm and continue with their preparation.
The reserve team has one defeat against a Third Division RFEF opponent and one victory against a team of the same category, while the Juvenil A team has started with two wins, against CD Guadiaro and UD San Pedro B.
Beyond the results, these first friendlies serve both coaching staffs to test players, distribute playing time, correct errors, and advance in the assimilation of the tactical concepts that will mark the work during the next weeks of preseason.
The goal now is to continue accumulating training sessions and matches to arrive in the best possible condition for the start of the official competition.