Portugalete Completes Historic Rise to Segunda Federación
Portugalete is celebrating a monumental achievement, securing promotion to the Segunda Federación after a dominant season in Tercera Federación. The culmination came on Wednesday evening with a 1-0 victory over Cultural de Durango, coupled with a crucial result for their rivals, Leioa, who fell 2-1 to Touring in Rentería. The win sparked jubilant scenes at La Florida, confirming the club’s return to the fourth tier of Spanish football.
The ascent marks a significant turning point for the club, which was relegated from the Segunda B (now defunct) following a restructuring of the Spanish football pyramid in 2021. Since then, Portugalete has spent five years building towards this moment, overcoming setbacks and demonstrating consistent progress. The club’s president, Eduardo Rivacoba, described the journey as one “polished through blows,” referencing a particularly painful penalty shootout defeat to Yaiza two years ago as a key learning experience. “It was a feeling of frustration, the greatest injustice that sport can give you,” Rivacoba told El Correo.
This season, Portugalete’s dominance has been undeniable. They finished the campaign with only two defeats in 29 matches, and embarked on an eight-game winning streak after a December loss to Leioa. Their performance places them as the clear leader not only within their group but also among the top five tiers of Spanish football, boasting an 18-point lead over their nearest competitor in the Basque region. For context, Tenerife in Primera Federación and Real Unión de Irún in Segunda Federación hold leads of 10 points over their respective rivals – a testament to Portugalete’s commanding form.
The decisive goal against Cultural de Durango came early in the match, courtesy of Yeray Cuello. The goal stemmed from a cross by Iñaki Recio, initially cleared by the defense, but ultimately finding Cuello, who slotted the ball home. This single goal proved to be enough, as the result in Rentería simultaneously went in Portugalete’s favor. The scenes at La Florida were described as a full-scale celebration, complete with fireworks and jubilant fans surrounding the team.
Rivacoba credited the success to a successful blend of sporting direction, coaching staff, and a talented squad. Notably, the team features a young core, with an average age of just 23 – a departure from the traditional approach of relying on experienced players. “The change in strategy began three years ago,” Rivacoba explained, “and when people are young, they necessitate to establish their game with experience in critical matches. It has been refined over time.”
The club’s success extends beyond the league, having enjoyed a memorable Copa del Rey run this year, defeating Valladolid and earning a home tie against Primera División side Alavés. “We are enjoying it immensely, and we want to continue doing so. I don’t think we will find a season with so many joys,” Rivacoba added.
Looking ahead, Rivacoba emphasized the importance of establishing themselves in the Segunda Federación. “It will take some time to learn, and I hope it will be as little as possible. We have the structure to enjoy the Segunda Federación and from there, we’ll see how far we can go. I won’t be the one to limit the team.” A potential local derby against Sestao River is also on the horizon, should they reach the play-offs. “Well, it doesn’t depend on us. They are close to the play-off, but if it happens, we will remember ancient derbies and it will be very attractive.”
The club’s long-term vision, under the leadership of the current board since 2014 (and recently re-elected for another four years), includes increasing the club’s fanbase and continuing to invest in its youth academy, which has seen a significant expansion from 275 to 575 young players. The financial health of the club has also allowed for incentives to be offered to the players, with a potential bonus if they achieve the best points ratio in Spanish football this season.
Portugalete’s journey is a testament to sustained effort and strategic planning. The club’s ascent to the Segunda Federación is not just a sporting success, but a source of immense pride for the community. The team’s next challenge will be to build on this momentum and establish themselves as a competitive force in the fourth tier of Spanish football.
The club has not yet announced its schedule for the 2026-27 Segunda Federación season. Further updates will be available on the club’s official website and social media channels.
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