Everyone Against Everyone: The Schedule That Will Decide Who Stays Up

There are moments in the season when everything evens out.

When there are no more dynamics.

No excuses.

No margin for error.

And it all comes down to one thing.

Scoring more than the team next to you.

CD Estepona has reached exactly that point.

The point where they are no longer chasing.

It competes.

Image: CD Estepona | Santiago Díaz

The starting point is clear

With three matchdays remaining, the standings are tight:
• 11th – Atlético Antoniano – 40 pts
• 12th – FC La Unión Atlético – 39 pts
• 13th – Salerm Puente Genil – 37 pts
• 14th – CD Estepona – 37 pts
• 15th – Xerez Deportivo – 35 pts
• 16th – UD Melilla – 33 pts

Estepona is right there.

Tied for the relegation playoff spot.

Two points away from direct survival.

And with everything on the line.

CD Estepona’s schedule: demanding, but wide open

The team has three games remaining:
• Linares Deportivo (9th)
• Águilas FC (3rd)
• Yeclano Deportivo (10th)

There are no direct rivals.

There are no easy “trap” matches.

Every game demands maximum effort.

But there’s also a clear reality:

no one is going to give anything away.

And in that scenario, Estepona has already shown it knows how to handle itself.

Looking at the rest of the table matters too

Because this isn’t a solo game.

The rest of the standings matter as well.

La Unión: a tough stretch of schedule

The team currently in the relegation safety zone (39 pts) faces the toughest stretch:
• UCAM Murcia (2nd)
• Extremadura (1st)
• Salerm (direct)

Two top-tier teams.

And a final showdown.

They could fall… or hold on.

Salerm: everything to be decided at the end

Tied with Estepona (37 pts):
• Real Jaén (7th)
• At. Malagueño (18th)
• La Unión (direct promotion)

They have a must-win game.

And one that could decide everything.

Xerez Deportivo: a grueling schedule

With 35 points:
• Deportiva Minera (4th)
• Xerez CD (5th)
• Recreativo (6th)

Three playoff teams.

No room for error.

Melilla: Further Behind Than the Rest

With 33 points:
• Recreativo (6th)
• Linares (9th)
• At. Malagueño (18th)

It’s not impossible.

But it’s a very uphill battle.

Antoniano: an advantage… but not a definitive one

With 40 points:
• At. Malagueño (18th)
• Recreativo (6th)
• Real Jaén (7th)

It could be wrapped up soon.

Or it could get complicated.

What’s the key for Estepona?

Something very simple to say

And very difficult to do:

Don’t slip up.

Because looking at the other teams’ schedules:
• there are direct showdowns
• there are top-tier rivals
• there are points that will be dropped along the way

And that opens a door.

A very clear one.

The context favors whoever is in better form

And that’s where Estepona comes in.

Because they’re on a roll.

Because they compete.

Because they believe.

And because they’ve shown they know how to play these kinds of games.

While others are under pressure…

Estepona has momentum.

This is no longer about calculations

There’s no need to crunch the numbers.

There’s no need to overanalyze.

Because the situation is simple:

If Estepona picks up points…

they’ll be in the mix.

And if they’re in the mix…

anything can happen.

Three matches to decide it all

No more.

No less.

Three.

Nine points.

And a scenario where everyone is going to give it their all.

The difference will be in who makes fewer mistakes.

And now… the moment of truth

The schedule is set.

The cards are on the table.

The opponents are set.

And Estepona is in it.

For real.

Because after everything we’ve been through…

this isn’t about getting close anymore.

It’s about staying.