*RESERVE TEAM DRAWS WITH THE CHAMPION, KEEPING ITS PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE*

Our reserve team will have to rely on its own performance to qualify for the promotion playoffs to the División de Honor, after earning a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Málaga 1903.

The match began with a solemn moment of silence in memory of Elsa Landabaso, the wife of our Sports Director, Julen Guerrero. Our boys wanted to dedicate the victory to her, and they came out highly focused, fully aware of what was at stake, and with a clear plan to prevent the best team in the division from playing their game.

Soon, the Málaga side began to demonstrate their status as League Champions, taking control of the ball and displaying the skill of a team from a higher division.

But that dominance didn’t translate into clear scoring chances, as our defense played at an extremely high level for almost the entire match.

Antonio Sánchez’s boys read the game perfectly, demonstrating that they had thoroughly studied the opponent, completely neutralizing their creative play, and leaving them almost no space—where they are usually very dangerous.

In the final 15 minutes, we had a couple of chances to take the lead through Rayan and Miguel Montesinos. Ultimately, the score remained unchanged, and we went into halftime tied 0-0.

In the second half, we maintained the same intensity and game plan, showing great resilience and going toe-to-toe with the league champions. We knew the match would come down to small details, that the chance would come, and that we wouldn’t miss it.

And no sooner said than done. A nice combination on the edge of the box between Víctor and Luis Felipe ended with a fine curling shot by the latter, beating Álvaro and putting the Estepona side ahead.

The goal spurred on the Malaga side, who immediately went in search of the equalizer. And on our defense’s only mistake, they showed no mercy, leveling the score through Adrián, who capitalized on a rebound inside the box to beat Albert.

The goal was a bucket of cold water for our boys, who saw their joy cut short. Even so, they never gave up on the match and kept fighting to try to secure the 3 points that would guarantee their promotion.

But it wasn’t to be, despite having our chances—a clear one from Rodney, a header from Víctor, and a direct free kick from Miguel. Unfortunately, the ball just wouldn’t go in, leaving everything to be decided on the final matchday.

A tremendous performance by our reserve team, who gave it their all on the field and held their own against a top-tier side built to compete in higher divisions. And the achievement is even greater, since despite all the setbacks they’ve faced—with players out (injuries, illnesses, players called up to the first team, etc.)—they stood up to the mighty CD Málaga 1903 and even came close to winning.

With this draw, Antonio Sánchez’s team heads into the final matchday with their playoff fate in their own hands. They’ll play away against Lagunas Mijas, and a single point will be enough. Even a loss could see them through, depending on other results.

We’re confident we’ll make it, and that this incredible season these guys have had will be rewarded. WE ARE SURE OF IT! LET’S GO, ESTEPONA! ❤️💙💪🏻