El Beasain Holds Playoff Contender to Draw, Keeps Relegation Battle Alive
El Beasain earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a direct playoff rival on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Campo de Fútbol de Elgoibar in the Basque Country, a result that keeps their slim hopes of avoiding relegation from Spain’s Tercera Federación alive. The point, secured through a late equalizer, leaves the club just three points from safety with four matches remaining in the season.
The match against CD Lagun Onak, currently occupying the fourth and final playoff spot in Group 4, was a tense affair from the opening whistle. Both teams entered the game knowing the stakes: a win for Lagun Onak would all but seal their postseason berth, while El Beasain needed points to keep their survival mathematically possible. The Basque derby atmosphere was palpable, with over 800 fans filling the compact Elgoibar ground, many waving the red-and-white colors of the home side.
Lagun Onak struck first in the 32nd minute when midfielder Aitor Sánchez capitalized on a defensive lapse, firing a low drive past goalkeeper Unai Etxebarria after a quick counterattack. The goal came against the run of play, as El Beasain had enjoyed more possession and created the better chances in the opening half-hour. Despite the setback, the home side responded with renewed urgency, pressing high and forcing Lagun Onak into errors in their own third.
The equalizer arrived in the 78th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from substitute forward Jon Ander López. Receiving the ball just outside the box, López turned his marker and curled a left-footed shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Markel Zubiaurre with no chance. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the El Beasain players and supporters, who had endured a frustrating second half of chances wasted and defensive scares.
Post-match, El Beasain head coach Iñaki Martínez praised his team’s resilience. “We showed character today,” Martínez said in his press conference. “Going behind against a team fighting for promotion could have broken us, but the players kept believing. That goal wasn’t just luck — it was the reward for our effort.” Martínez, in his second season at the club, has become a stabilizing presence amid ongoing off-field challenges.
For Lagun Onak, the draw was a disappointing setback in their playoff push. Coach Ander Izagirre acknowledged the missed opportunity. “We had the game under control until that moment,” Izagirre said. “We necessitate to be sharper in the final third and more compact defensively when we’re protecting a lead. Two points dropped here could cost us dearly in the final stretch.” Lagun Onak now sit one point behind third-place SD Eibar B, with the playoff race tightening as the season enters its climax.
The result leaves El Beasain in 18th place out of 20 teams in Group 4, three points behind 17th-place CD Aurrerá de Vitoria, who hold the first spot outside the relegation zone. With four games remaining, El Beasain must win at least two of their final matches — and likely rely on results elsewhere — to avoid the drop to regional leagues. Their upcoming fixtures include home games against mid-table sides and a difficult away trip to league leaders UD Logroñés B.
Key to El Beasain’s survival bid will be the fitness of captain and central defender Mikel García, who missed the Lagun Onak match with a hamstring strain. García returned to light training on Tuesday and is expected to be available for the next fixture against SD Deusto on April 26. His leadership and organizational skills at the back have been vital throughout the season, particularly in tight games.
Off the pitch, the club continues to navigate financial constraints that have limited squad depth and transfer activity. Despite these challenges, fan engagement remains strong, with local businesses and community groups organizing support initiatives to help the team through the final stretch. The phrase “siempre adelante” (always forward) has become a rallying cry among supporters, appearing on banners and social media posts across the Basque region.
As the Tercera Federación season nears its conclusion, every point becomes critical in the battle to avoid relegation. El Beasain’s draw against Lagun Onak may not have moved them significantly up the table, but it preserved a glimmer of hope — and in a fight for survival, that can be enough to keep a team going. Their next match against SD Deusto presents another opportunity to gather points, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 PM local time (15:00 UTC) at Campo de Fútbol de Elgoibar.
For now, El Beasain continues to dream of salvation — one game, one point, one moment at a time.
