CD Estepona's reserve team and Juvenil A squad are kicking off their preseason on a positive note

CD Estepona has already begun preseason training for its youth teams with the first preseason friendlies for the reserve team and the Juvenil A squad. Both teams played two matches over the weekend, with mixed results, but racking up valuable playing time ahead of the start of the official season.

The reserve team faces two tough opponents
The team coached by Carlos Díaz began its preseason by facing UD San Pedro, a Third Division RFEF team—and thus two divisions above Estepona’s reserve team.
The match ended with a 3-1 victory for UD San Pedro, although CD Estepona put on a good showing and competed toe-to-toe against an opponent with a larger budget and more experience.
The reserve team entered the match with numerous absences, due to players who were with the first team, injured players, and other circumstances typical of these early weeks of preseason training. Despite this, the team remained competitive for much of the match, and it was only in the final stretch that UD San Pedro managed to tip the scales in their favor, particularly dominating in one-on-one situations.
CD Estepona’s only goal was scored by Lautaro.
In their second match, the reserve team faced CP Mijas Las Lagunas B, an opponent from the same division. On this occasion, Carlos Díaz’s squad managed to secure a 2-1 victory.
Injuries once again affected the roster, to the point that the team had to call upon four youth players to fill out the squad, due to travel commitments, injuries, and the first team’s needs.
During the first half, CP Mijas Las Lagunas had more possession, though without creating much danger. CD Estepona capitalized on a set piece to take the lead through Cazorla. However, just five minutes later, the visiting team managed to tie the game.
After the break, the reserve team stepped up and took greater control of possession, also creating more danger on offense. The team was awarded a penalty kick to regain the lead, but Rayan failed to convert it.
Finally, Raúl Baldanza did find the back of the net from the penalty spot, scoring the goal that allowed CD Estepona to close out the match with a 2-1 victory.

Carlos Díaz, Satisfied with Early Impressions
The reserve team’s coach, Carlos Díaz, gave a positive assessment of the start of the preseason and highlighted the atmosphere in the locker room.
“The truth is, I’m very happy. Ultimately, I think we’ve put together a very good group—a mix of returning players and new faces—but honestly, things are looking very promising.”
The coach also praised his players’ attitude during the first few weeks of training:
“I’ve found a spectacular group—one that wants to improve, is eager to learn and grow, and gives it their all for the team every single day.”
Looking ahead to the season, Carlos Díaz expects the team to improve gradually: “I think we’ll go from strength to strength. We’re putting in a lot of work, with a heavy focus on tactics, which will take time, but I’m confident the team is going to have a great year.”
The coach also made clear the commitment he expects from his squad: “Everyone who comes here will feel represented; we’re going to enjoy playing with this team, and we’re going to give it our all for the team.”

The Juvenil A Team Starts with Two Wins
The CD Estepona Youth A team, led by Carlos García, also played two friendly matches over the weekend and wrapped up this first phase of preseason with a perfect record.
The first match pitted the Estepona squad 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 squad showed flashes of quality on offense and was able to capitalize on the chances it created.
The goal scorers were Josito, who scored twice, Melero, and Cáceres.
In the second friendly, the Juvenil A team put forth a more solid and focused performance against UD San Pedro B, a senior team made up of players older than the Estepona squad.
CD Estepona dominated the match for practically the entire game, though in the first half they lacked precision in the final third to convert their dominance into clear scoring chances.
After the break, the team improved its finishing and managed to find the back of the net. Guido and Josito scored the two goals that gave the Juvenil A team a 2-0 victory.

Four friendlies to keep improving
The four matches played over the weekend have allowed the reserve team and the Juvenil A squad to start building competitive rhythm and continue their preparation.
The reserve team suffered a loss against a Third Division RFEF opponent and secured a victory against a team in the same division, while the Juvenil A team has started with two wins, against CD Guadiaro and UD San Pedro B.
Beyond the results, these early friendlies allow both coaching staffs to test players, distribute playing time, correct mistakes, and advance in the assimilation of tactical concepts that will shape their work during the coming weeks of preseason.
The goal now is to continue building up training sessions and matches to be in the best possible shape by the start of the official season.