*AFFILIATE TEAM DRAWS WITH BENAMIEL*

A well-earned point for our reserve team, who managed to draw 2-2 against Atl Benamiel. The first half was dominated by one color: Benamiel’s yellow. Our team didn’t start as we’re used to seeing them, playing very erratically and showing a lot of weakness. Benamiel, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. With a bold approach, playing a high line, and outplaying us in every duel, they managed to dominate the match. As a result, they had several chances to take the lead, but a very confident Raúl prevented it with several impressive saves. The home team looked very comfortable, and the game was going exactly as they wanted. We, on the other hand, remained disorganized, with many mistakes, and barely creating any plays. They took advantage of this to steal the ball and break quickly on the counter, constantly creating danger for us. Fortunately for our team, we went into halftime tied 0-0.

The second half was the complete opposite of the first. We came out with the attitude and grit that defines us, and the team was a completely different one. Nando and Luis Felipe had two clear chances, which the home goalkeeper denied with two spectacular saves. But curiously, just when we were playing our best, Benamiel scored. On a cross from the wing, Angel, unmarked, put his team ahead. But our response was immediate, and Sulaiman scored the equalizer after pouncing on a rebound from a shot by Pomares. This spurred on Antonio Sánchez’s men, who, as always, never give up until the very end. And thanks to that drive and, of course, our strong team play, the comeback was complete: David Cornejo, the smartest player on the field, picked up a rebound in the opponent’s box—which they failed to clear—and put us ahead (1-2).

But we knew it wasn’t going to be easy, because Benamiel—a team with plenty of veteran players and those with experience in higher divisions—was going to make us pay dearly for the loss. And so it was: Jesús Burgo showed the class he possesses, despite his age, and scored a stunning goal, controlling the ball inside the box and slotting it into the top corner.

From there, both teams played some excellent minutes, each seeking the 3 points in a back-and-forth battle. Raúl once again took center stage with some decisive saves. On offense, we also had our chances through Pomares and Sulaiman, but we couldn’t find the net. In the end, it was a fair draw. With this draw, we take another small step toward qualifying for the promotion playoffs to the Division of Honor. Next week we host CD Mijas, before the Easter break. WE ARE ESTEPONA! 💪🏻❤️💙