Pasaia K.E. Continued their impressive run of form with a decisive victory over Zarautz KE, a result that ultimately cost Joseba Roteta his position as manager of the home side. The win marked Pasaia’s fifth consecutive match without a loss, fueled by a strong second-half performance under the guidance of Igor Quindós.
The Basque derby, played on March 19, 2026, was a tightly contested affair initially. Both teams engaged in a physical battle for midfield control, with limited clear-cut chances in the opening stages. Zarautz enjoyed a period of territorial dominance, but failed to capitalize, with Alfageme striking the woodwork from a corner. Pasaia responded with a near miss from Olasagasti, his attempt narrowly missing the post.
The complexion of the match shifted dramatically after the interval. Both sides adopted a more attacking approach, opening up the game and creating more opportunities. Zarautz continued to press, but saw another effort thwarted by the goalframe, this time through Perea. It was Pasaia who broke the deadlock, with Chávez providing a pinpoint pass to Olasagasti, who skillfully evaded a defender and chipped the goalkeeper Pereira with an exquisite finish.
That opening goal proved decisive. Within a 13-minute span, Arrizabalaga and Chávez added further goals, effectively sealing the victory for Pasaia and, as it transpired, Roteta’s fate. The loss prompted immediate action from Zarautz’s leadership, relieving Roteta of his duties.
Igor Quindós, who previously managed Pasaia between 2013 and 2015, appears to have instilled a renewed sense of confidence and tactical flexibility within the team. His leadership has coincided with a significant upturn in results, positioning Pasaia as a competitive force in the 3ª G.4 division of the Spanish football system. Quindós’s technical profile highlights his experience and commitment to the club.
Currently, Pasaia K.E. Occupies the 13th position in the league standings with 31 points from 27 matches, having secured 8 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses. They have scored 21 goals and conceded 31, resulting in a goal difference of -10. Detailed team statistics show Oihan Chavez leading the scoring charts with 6 goals, followed by Harriet Goñi and Beñat Mancisidor with 3 goals each.
The victory over Zarautz is particularly significant given the competitive nature of the league. Pasaia’s upcoming schedule presents a challenging run of fixtures, including matches against Real Sociedad de Fútbol SAD “C” on March 29th and CD Santurtzi on April 5th. These games will be crucial in determining Pasaia’s final league position and potential playoff aspirations. The team will then face SD Zamudio on April 12th, followed by Aretxabaleta KE on April 19th, and concluding with a match against Cultural Deportiva Durango on April 26th.
For Zarautz, the search for a novel manager begins immediately. The club will be looking for a coach who can stabilize the team and restore their competitive edge. The derby defeat exposed vulnerabilities in their squad, and addressing these issues will be a priority for the incoming manager. The team currently sits 21st in the league with 21 points.
Igor Quindós, speaking after the match, emphasized the importance of securing consistent results. He stated that the team is focused on winning games and accumulating points, particularly against direct rivals. He acknowledged that the remaining matches will be like “finals,” highlighting the high stakes involved.
The change in management at Zarautz underscores the pressure faced by managers in competitive leagues. Roteta’s departure serves as a reminder of the demanding nature of the profession and the importance of delivering consistent results. Pasaia, meanwhile, will look to build on their recent success and continue their climb up the league table under the leadership of Igor Quindós.
Pasaia’s next challenge comes against Real Sociedad de Fútbol SAD “C” on March 29th. Fans can follow updates on the club’s official website and social media channels for the latest news and information.
