The city of Elda has seen a beacon of hope with José Luis Oltra at the helm of CD Eldense. This turn of events has come after a significant reaction from the team, which had been on a downhill slope. It all started when the club’s management decided to make a change, bringing in Oltra after a dismal 1-4 loss to Pepico Amat. That particular match marked a turning point, as the team’s fortunes seemed to nosedive, making salvation appear like a distant dream.
Before Oltra’s arrival, the team had hit rock bottom, with the match against Cádiz, where they signed Dani Ponz, being a stark reminder of their dire situation. However, Oltra’s introduction has brought about a notable shift in dynamics. His debut against one of his former teams, Tenerife, resulted in a 0-1 win, which was a crucial breakthrough. Although the subsequent match against Granada ended in a 0-3 loss, the team has since shown significant improvement, managing to go three consecutive matches without conceding a goal and securing seven out of nine possible points. The draws against Oviedo and the wins against Deportivo and in Carlos Belmonte have been instrumental in closing the gap with other teams. Currently, Eldense is neck and neck with Burgos, Albacete, and Eibar, and they’ve also put pressure on Zaragoza, Castellón, and Deportivo.
The team’s transformation under Oltra is evident, with a newfound defensive solidity being a key factor. The arrival of Barzic has provided a significant boost to the team’s reliability. On the offensive front, players like Punta Masca, Javi Llabres, and Diego Méndez have contributed to the team’s ability to find the back of the net, offering more variants in attack. This cohesion and support have been the hallmarks of the team’s resurgence.
As the season progresses, LaLiga Hypermotion’s prognosis for the bottom four teams doesn’t look promising, with Cartagena, Tenerife, Racing de Ferrol, and Eldense facing an uphill battle. While the first three teams seem almost certain to face relegation, Eldense, under Oltra’s guidance, is determined to fight on. They’ve managed to catch up with the last locomotive that could potentially save them from falling to First RFEF. Oltra has found the key to unlocking the team’s potential, although he’s well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Every point counts, and the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their fate. The duel against Levante on Sunday, followed by a visit to Real Zaragoza’s Romareda, will be pivotal in their quest for survival.
Dani Martín, Just a Scare
Dani Martín’s injury during the celebration at Carlos Belmonte raised concerns, as he was replaced by Álvaro Aceves due to intense pain in the side area. Fortunately, medical tests have confirmed that he doesn’t have any fractures or bone fissures. In fact, he might even be available to play against Levante, which would be a significant boost to the team’s morale and their fight for survival.
