CE Sabadell aims for second place to face play-offs with confidence

The 'arlequinats' team fights for position against Tarazona after losing direct promotion, with fans being key.

Generic image of an empty football stadium in Catalonia.
IA

Generic image of an empty football stadium in Catalonia.

CE Sabadell faces the final regular season match at Tarazona's ground aiming to secure second place in the standings, crucial for approaching the promotion play-offs with greater guarantees.

Saturday's defeat against Antequera has closed the doors to direct promotion for CE Sabadell, a disappointment for the squad and fans. Despite the setback, one of the team's captains, Kaiser, calls for calm and emphasizes valuing the season's achievements: "It's a painful situation because we all wanted to fight until the end. However, now is a good time to appreciate what we've achieved this season. We mustn't lose our way. We've digested it quickly, each in our own way, and now we must look forward".
The match against the Malaga-based team was a milestone due to the large fan turnout at the Nova Creu Alta, a preview of what's expected for the play-offs. "I came to Sabadell to experience nights like these. All we can do is thank everyone for their support. I believe the club and the city are with us, and that's always felt", commented the centre-back. Nevertheless, inexperience in managing minutes with a disadvantageous score was highlighted as an area for improvement: "In the decisive moment, inexperience might have cost us. I always say that everything we've experienced must serve as a learning experience. We've been through it all, and that should toughen us up for what's to come".
Now, Sabadell will conclude the regular season away at Tarazona. The Aragonese team needs a win for survival, while the 'arlequinats' will compete for second place. "We'll also be fighting for our lives. We'll go to win and treat it like a final to approach the promotion with maximum guarantees. Finishing second or third significantly changes your play-off roadmap and can be decisive in the long run. It carries a lot of weight. We want to play a good game, get the points, and finish the regular phase with confidence. Above all, we must be united and trust the work we do", concluded Kaiser.
To secure second place, a victory for Sabadell would be sufficient. In case of a draw, attention will turn to the duel between Atlético Madrileño and Algeciras. If the match in Alcalá ends in a draw, Centre d'Esports will be second due to the head-to-head average against the Madrid reserve team. If the Madrid side loses, Sabadell will also secure its position.
Further down, Villarreal 'B' could finish third, two points behind Madrileño and three behind Sabadell, despite having lost the head-to-head against both. The 'groguets' play against an already relegated Atlético Sanluqueño. In a three-way tie between Villarreal, Madrileño, and CES, Sabadell would emerge victorious due to their direct encounters.