The essence of CE Sabadell is often summed up by its capacity to endure hardship, a characteristic that has defined many of its outcomes in decisive matches. This year, the 'arlequinats' are once again fighting for promotion to the Second Division after six years, and they do so in their preferred territory: the play-offs. Since the start of the 21st century, the club has participated in seven promotion play-offs, five of them to reach the Second Division and two to return to the Second B tier, the most recent being last season.
The first precedent of the 21st century was in 2001. After finishing third in Group 3 of Segunda B, the team led by Pere Valentí Mora qualified for the promotion league. Despite accumulating six points, they finished third, behind AD Ceuta and Burgos CF, who achieved promotion without losing any play-off matches. A controversial victory for Burgos at La Nova Creu Alta ended Sabadell's mathematical chances.
Eight years later, in 2007, the Centre d'Esports once again had options for professional football. Under the management of Ramon Moya, they were promoted to Segunda B from Tercera División. They eliminated Mallorca B in the play-offs, with a notable performance by David de Navas in the penalty shootout, and clearly defeated Caudal Deportivo in the final with an aggregate score of 5-0.
2009 was a year remembered for a controversial 'ghost goal' at Stadium Gal. With Moya still on the bench, Sabadell eliminated Cultural Leonesa but fell to Real Unión due to a disallowed goal by Joel Álvarez that would have meant qualification. That same year, in a different promotion, Marc Fernández's goal at Ipurua was key to achieving promotion to the Second Division against Eibar, culminating an extraordinary season for Lluís Carreras's team.
After four seasons in the Second Division and a stint in Segunda B, in 2020, with Antonio Hidalgo at the helm, the club experienced an express play-off marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. They eliminated Atlético Madrileño and Cultural Leonesa on penalties, and in the final, they came from behind against Barça B with goals from Aleix Coch and Néstor Querol to secure promotion in an unusual context.
Sabadell's most recent play-off was last season, 24-25. After being relegated to Segunda Federación, they finished fourth and achieved promotion to Primera Federación. They overcame Eibar B at Ipurua with a goal from Peque Polo, and in the final, they defeated UCAM at home and held on at La Condomina with a 0-0 draw to complete their return.
Now, CE Sabadell, under the management of Ferran Costa, has a new opportunity to ascend to professional football. After fighting through the direct route, they now face the longer path, a format they know well and hope will bring them new joys. The first obstacle will be Real Madrid Castilla in a tie that promises excitement.
