He Estepona He already has his miracle. The Costa del Sol team, which a few months ago seemed doomed to relegation, completed one of those comebacks that left its mark by winning 3-1 against Real Madrid C, a result that certified the fall of the white subsidiary to the Third Federation and confirmed the resurrection of a team that was penultimate, with just seven points and eleven points remaining.
The arrival of Julen Guerrero as general manager and Manolo Sánchez on the bench completely changed the course of a club that has José Hidalgo on the board. Where there were doubts before, results appeared. Where there seemed to be resignation, a faith was born that ended up engaging a fan who has lived the last few weeks like a roller coaster. Estepona was growing, believing and adding until it got out of relegation and also left the playout spot behind.
Before him Real Madrid C, The team once again demonstrated that mixture of fang, craftsmanship and punch that has allowed it to survive in a very tough category. Heber Pena He opened the way with a great goal after eight minutes, a left-footed shot that was impossible to stop. Javi Navarro. The Madrid reserve team, far from giving up, took control of the ball at times and found the equalizer in the second half through Mesonero, after some good collective action.
But this Estepona is no longer falling. Just four minutes later, Ballarín put the toe on a pass from Candelas to make it 2-1 and return the psychological blow to the Madrid C. Later, Samu Exposito He closed the victory with a 3-1 score and unleashed the party in a club that not so long ago looked at the table with anguish and that now celebrates a permanence with the aroma of a feat.
The outcome also has an emotional component. Julen Guerrero, Personally hit in recent months by the death of his wife, he received the affection of the Estepona fans, who had already chanted his name in previous days. Manolo Sánchez did not forget him either in the midst of the comeback: “I want to thank Julen for everything we are achieving. I hope this relieves him with what is happening,” the coach even said.
Lights and shadows
He Real Madrid Cfor his part, died standing. He competed, played good minutes and held on to the game with Mesonero’s goal, but he paid for his lack of punch against a much more forceful opponent in the areas. The whites of Victor Cea They will play next season in the Third Federation.
Estepona, on the other hand, closes an improbable story. From being practically hopeless to celebrating a salvation that seemed impossible. An 11-point comeback, a locker room that never stopped believing and a fan that ended up pushing until the end.
