Sestao River prepares to host Gimnástica de Torrelavega at Las Llanas on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. local time (16:30 UTC), entering the fixture in fourth place in Grupo 1 de Segunda Federación with 12 points from their opening five league matches. Héctor Urquía’s squad has climbed the early season standings following a 1–2 away victory against Gernika at Urbieta, where Ander Castillo leveled in the 86th minute before Jon Rojo secured the points in the 93rd minute.
The strong start puts the Verdinegro side just one point behind league leaders Bergantiños and level on 12 points with Eibar B and Alavés B. Beyond their domestic campaign, Sestao River advanced in the Copa Federación by eliminating CF Badalona on penalties, defeating Comillas 1–2, and routing Terrassa 4–1 at Las Llanas. That quarterfinal win earned them a semifinal berth against Salamanca UDS on October 14, alongside a guaranteed home tie against a Primera División club—later confirmed as RCD Espanyol—in the first round of the Copa del Rey on October 27 at 7:00 p.m. local time (17:00 UTC).
League Momentum and Home Dominance at Las Llanas
Sestao River’s sole defeat in league play came against Compostela, a 2–0 loss on the road. Since then, the team has established an unblemished record at home in Segunda Federación, defeating Oviedo Vetusta 2–0 and Atlético Astorga 2–0 while keeping clean sheets in both fixtures. The only goal conceded at Las Llanas in league play came during the Copa Federación triumph over Terrassa.
The club’s recent history adds texture to their current run. Inaugurated in 1923 with a 4,367-capacity ground, Las Llanas witnessed the birth of the modern Sestao River in 1996 following the dissolution of the historic Sestao Sport, which spent 17 seasons in Segunda División. The current squad seeks to maintain its pressure at the top of the table against opponents struggling for early form.
Gimnástica de Torrelavega Seeks Revival in the Drop Zone
Saturday’s visitors arrive at Las Llanas mired in the relegation places after a winless run spanning four matches. Gimnástica opened their season with a 2–1 victory over Llanera, but subsequent results derailed their momentum: a 1–0 defeat to Eibar B, a 0–3 home loss against Bergantiños, a 3–3 draw with Oviedo Vetusta, and a 1–2 defeat against Marino Luanco.
The visiting side faces a formidable defensive barrier in Sestao, whose backline has successfully protected goalkeeper Hugo and limited opponents’ chances on home soil. Manager Héctor Urquía has relied on a core of contributors, including goalscorers Gonzalo Zorrilla and Ander Castillo, to maintain attacking output while balancing domestic league duties and federation cup commitments.
Sestao River Prepares for Cup Ties Against Salamanca and Espanyol
While league points remain the primary objective for Sestao River, the horizon features high-profile cup fixtures. Following the Copa Federación semifinal scheduled for October 14 against Salamanca UDS at Las Llanas, the club will welcome La Liga side RCD Espanyol for a single-elimination Copa del Rey tie on October 27.
Sestao River Faces Gimnástica De Torrelavega on Saturday
- Fixture: Sestao River vs. Gimnástica de Torrelavega
- Competition: Segunda Federación (Group 1)
- Venue: Estadio Las Llanas, Sestao, Spain
- Date: Saturday
- Kickoff Time: 18:30 local time (16:30 UTC)
Worth a look
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