A meteoric streak places the blues in the play-off positions for promotion to Second
From hell to heaven in a couple of months, a time in which Amorebieta has been one of the most solid and regular teams in a very competitive group 2 of the First Federation. Just one stumble in the last ten days, eight consecutive games without defeat and, above all, a defensive strength that has allowed them to finish off their immaculate goal in seven of those ten games. Without forgetting the ‘Urritxe factor’ either, where the zornotzarras have added 20 of the 26 points they have in their locker.
All this has helped Haritz Mujika’s men to go to the Christmas break in a well-deserved fifth place, within the zone they have the option to fight for promotion to the Second Division. The regularity shown in recent weeks is being absolutely key in a league that is showing that it does not give the slightest option to failure. Because yes, Amorebieta is five points behind the leader, Eldense, but the gap that separates them from Intercity, the first team in relegation, is only seven points.
With the profound restructuring of the squad experienced this summer, and after the lukewarm start to the championship that took Amorebieta to last place, only the most optimistic bet because the blues were going to be so high at this point. Time has given them reason. In fact, the zornotzarras have left some points along the way that could have practically lifted them to the top of the table.
They are still the milkmaid’s accounts, but when it comes to making this balance, there are many who remember the match in Las Gaunas, where Clau Mendes snatched the victory from Amorebieta in the final moments. Or the match against Eldense at the Pepico Amat, where former blue striker Mario Soberón scored the equalizer one minute from the end. The tables turned for once this past Saturday in Urritxe, with Jorge Mier dressed as a hero after scoring a great goal on the horn to leave the victory at home.
In the ‘progress adequately’ of Amorebieta in this first phase of the competition, there is a must to correct, and it is that inability to sentence the games when it has everything in its favor. Leaving his rival alive has cost him dearly, especially away from Urritxe. In other aspects, although there is always room for improvement, the level offered has gone ‘in crescendo’ over the weeks. The cohesion that the team has been gaining on the table has allowed them to stop the goalscoring bleeding that they suffered in the first days of competition. And from there it has grown in all other facets.
In the midst of a hard-working and battling block, some of its troops also stand out. Jorge Mier himself is amazing because of his ability to spread out all over the right lane. Attentive to the crossings and coverages in defense, he does not give up, much less having an offensive presence. Little can be said about Xabi Etxeita. The presence of him in the axis of the rear brings a serenity that is a luxury for the blues. Kwasi Sibo and Jorge Yriarte have established themselves as an immovable couple in midfield. Fully compatible, with very defined roles. The incombustible Iker Seguín, who has already accumulated a bunch of assists.
The team’s offensive players deserve a special section. Eneko Jauregi, although struggling with the goal in recent weeks, remains embedded among the top of the list of scorers in the category with his eight goals. With six, the brave Urko Izeta also appears. Rayco and Buján have also scored in pairs. Similarly, the fighter Mikel Pradera has a notch on his revolver.
«We are achieving this good dynamic with a great effort. We cannot relax and we must come back very plugged in from the break. We know very well what is there. Now it’s time to recover and return with the same enthusiasm. We will return to fight, “launched Haritz Mujika after finishing the duel on Saturday.
The zornotzarras cannot get too confused, as they will return to work next week to prepare for the two matches that will conclude this first round. Murcia and Real B, involved in the same fight as the Biscayans, will be the next two rivals.
