On April 20, 2025, Pontevedra Club de Fútbol celebrated a monumental achievement by securing promotion to Primera Federación with a resounding 4-1 victory over Laredo at Estadio Municipal de Pasarón. This victory not only solidified their position at the top of Group 1 in Segunda Federación but also marked a triumphant return to the third tier of Spanish football after two seasons of striving for this goal.
The match kicked off with an electric atmosphere, as nearly full stands roared in anticipation of the home team's performance. Pontevedra wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Álex González opening the scoring just five minutes into the match. Brais Abelenda delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, allowing González to crash the ball into the net, igniting jubilation among the home fans.
However, Laredo responded quickly, equalizing in the ninth minute through a goal from Arruabarrena, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball home. The visitors' confidence surged, and they pressed forward, but Pontevedra's resolve remained unshaken. Shortly after, Brais Abelenda almost restored the lead with a powerful shot that went just wide, showcasing the attacking intent of the home side.
The match continued to ebb and flow, with Laredo attempting to capitalize on counterattacks. Samu Mayo came close to giving Laredo the lead with a spectacular shot, but it was ultimately Pontevedra who regained control. Their persistence paid off in the 29th minute when Yelko scored, assisted by a clever play from Dalisson and Brais Abelenda, making it 2-1.
As the first half progressed, Pontevedra's momentum grew. In the 36th minute, the home team extended their lead to 3-1 when an unfortunate own goal by Laredo's Álex Alonso deflected into the net following a cross from Héctor Hernández. This blunder compounded Laredo's woes and left them trailing as the halftime whistle approached.
Despite a strong start for Pontevedra, the second half brought renewed hope for Laredo. Arruabarrena struck again in the 60th minute, heading the ball past Edu Sousa to narrow the deficit to 3-2. The goal momentarily silenced the home crowd, as Laredo sensed an opportunity to mount a comeback.
In response, Pontevedra's coach Yago Iglesias made tactical changes, bringing on Rufo for Héctor Hernández, and later substituting Iago Novo and Miguel Cuesta for Chiqui and Dalisson, respectively. These changes aimed to bolster the attack and regain control of the match.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted. Pontevedra struggled to find the finishing touch despite controlling possession. However, with just minutes left in the match, Igor emerged as the hero. In the 85th minute, he scored the fourth goal for Pontevedra, sealing the victory and confirming their promotion to Primera Federación. The goal was a fitting conclusion to a season filled with hard work and determination.
The final whistle blew, and the celebrations erupted at Pasarón. Pontevedra not only secured the three points but also clinched the champion trophy, a testament to their outstanding season. They finished with a total of 69 points, firmly establishing themselves as leaders in the league with two matches remaining.
Post-match, Yago Iglesias expressed his pride in the team's performance, highlighting their consistent effort throughout the season. "We have worked tirelessly for this moment, and the players deserve all the credit for their dedication," he stated. The atmosphere was electric as fans celebrated their team's return to the third tier of Spanish football, a goal that had been pursued diligently over the past two seasons.
Pontevedra's victory not only marks a significant achievement for the club but also reinforces their status as a formidable force in Spanish football. With their eyes set on the future, the team is now preparing for their next challenge against Gimnástica Torrelavega, while Laredo will look to regroup as they face Deportivo Fabril in their upcoming match.
The journey back to Primera Federación is a testament to the resilience and spirit of Pontevedra Club de Fútbol, and the fans can look forward to what lies ahead in this new chapter of their storied history.
