In a thrilling match that will be etched in the memories of Pontevedra fans, the Pontevedra CF secured their promotion to Primera RFEF with a decisive 4-2 victory over Laredo on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. The atmosphere at the Estadio Municipal de Pasarón was electric, with nearly a full house cheering on their team as they celebrated this significant achievement.
The match started with an immediate impact as Álex González, the captain of Pontevedra, struck first in the 5th minute. Receiving a well-placed pass from Brais Abelenda, González found the back of the net, igniting wild celebrations among the home crowd. However, the joy was short-lived as Laredo's Jon Arruabarrena equalized just four minutes later, catching the Pontevedra defense off guard with a precise shot that left the goalkeeper, Edu Sousa, with no chance.
Despite the setback, Pontevedra remained undeterred. They quickly regained their composure and pushed forward, creating several scoring opportunities. Yelko Pino was pivotal in restoring the lead for his team in the 29th minute. After receiving the ball in the box, Pino skillfully maneuvered to create space and fired a shot that found its target, making it 2-1.
As the first half progressed, the home side continued to dominate. In the 35th minute, a dangerous cross from Héctor Hernández was inadvertently turned into his own net by Laredo's Álex Alonso, extending Pontevedra's lead to 3-1. The home fans erupted in jubilation, sensing that promotion was within their grasp.
However, Laredo, despite being relegated, showed resilience and fought back. Arruabarrena once again found the net in the 59th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and injecting a sense of tension into the match. The atmosphere in Pasarón became tense as the home fans held their breath, fearing a potential equalizer.
In the closing stages of the match, Pontevedra's coach, Yago Iglesias, made crucial substitutions, bringing on Rufo and Iago Novo to bolster the attack. Their fresh legs provided the necessary energy to push for a decisive goal, and it came in the 84th minute. Following a corner, Igor Irazu rose above the Laredo defense and headed the ball into the net, sealing the victory at 4-2.
This victory not only confirmed Pontevedra's promotion but also highlighted their impressive season overall. With 69 points accumulated from 32 matches, the team recorded 21 wins and only 5 losses, boasting a goal difference of +24. Their home form was particularly outstanding, with 13 victories in 15 matches at Pasarón, showcasing their dominance on familiar turf.
Moreover, the 2024-2025 season will be remembered for Pontevedra’s remarkable run in the Copa del Rey. They eliminated several top-tier teams, including a stunning 4-1 victory over Levante and a 3-0 win against Mallorca, before narrowly losing to Getafe in the Round of 16. This performance solidified their reputation as a giant-killer in the tournament.
Behind this success is Lupe Murillo, the club president, who has been instrumental in navigating the team through challenging times. After a disappointing relegation two seasons ago, Murillo remained steadfast in her support for coach Yago Iglesias and retained key players like Dalisson and Yelko Pino, ensuring continuity and stability within the squad.
The connection between the team and its supporters has been palpable throughout the season. The passionate fans of Pontevedra, often referred to as the team’s twelfth player, have been a driving force behind the team’s success. Their unwavering support created an intimidating atmosphere at Pasarón, making it a fortress where opponents struggled to compete.
With their promotion to Primera RFEF secured, Pontevedra CF is now looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in the 2025-2026 season. The club aims to build on this success and continue to grow, striving for further achievements in Spanish football.
The city of Pontevedra is set to celebrate this monumental achievement, with festivities expected to last for days. The players, management, and fans have all played a crucial role in this journey back to the third tier of Spanish football, and they are now ready to embrace the next chapter with optimism and ambition.
