Olot captain Oriol Ayala has emphasized the importance of winning their upcoming match against Reus to mathematically guarantee survival in Spain’s Segunda Federación, rather than relying on results elsewhere on the final matchday.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s noon kickoff at the Municipal Stadium in Reus, Ayala stated that securing three points would eliminate any dependence on other outcomes and provide certainty for the Garrotxins as they close out the regular season.
“We are in good spirits and confident that throughout the season we have maintained a good level,” Ayala said, as reported by Diari de Girona. “in these matches is when Olot takes a step forward, brings out the heart and an emotional part that is a plus. We are sure it will go well.”
The draw against Barça Atlètic last weekend — a 1-1 result confirmed by multiple sources including Mundo Deportivo and FC Barcelona’s official website — has left Olot in a position where a win over Reus would guarantee their survival regardless of other results.
According to Ayala, the reasoning is clear: even if only three points remain available after the Reus match, the head-to-head record between Barbastre and Castelló B prevents either team from earning six points in their direct encounter, meaning Olot cannot be overtaken due to their superior goal average in those matches.
“Winning at Reus’ stadium would be done,” Ayala explained. “Because even if three points remain in play, the direct confrontation between Barbastre and Castelló B means neither can earn six points, so Olot, who holds the particular goal average advantage, would be safe.”
A victory would avoid any need to rely on playoff scenarios or direct relegation battles, streamlining their path to staying in the fourth tier of Spanish football.
Should the match complete in a draw, Olot could still survive mathematically if Eivissa Illes Pitiüses fails to win their final fixture, though Ayala’s preference is clear: win and remove all uncertainty.
Conversely, a loss to Reus would prolong the survival battle into the final matchday, where Olot would host Valencia Mestalla and depend on both their own result and favorable outcomes elsewhere.
The Municipal Stadium in Reus will host the encounter, which carries significant weight for both sides as the Segunda Federación Group Three season nears its conclusion.
Olot’s campaign has been defined by resilience, and Ayala pointed to the experience of veterans like himself, Mas, and Del Campo as assets in high-pressure moments, referencing their role in last season’s survival effort against Terrassa.
“I already lived through the survival of last season against Terrassa,” Ayala noted. “In this sense, the experience of players like me, Mas, or Del Campo can be important.”
The challenge of securing survival this Sunday is not easy, Ayala admitted, but the team’s mindset remains focused, and unified.
“We are sure it will go well,” he reiterated, reflecting the collective belief in the squad’s ability to perform when it matters most.
With just two matches remaining in the regular season, Olot controls its own destiny — a position earned through consistency and reinforced by the point secured against Barça Atlètic.
The outcome of Sunday’s match will determine whether Olot can begin planning for next season with certainty or face another tense finale in their quest to remain in Spain’s fourth division.
As the team prepares to travel to Reus, the message from the captain is clear: victory is not just preferred — it is the path to peace of mind.
Follow Archysport for continued coverage of Olot’s push for survival and all developments from the Segunda Federación as the season reaches its climax.
