SD Nueva Montaña set as UD Almería Women’s play-off opponents
The Rojiblancas to host second leg at Emilio Campra youth stadium after draw pairs them with Cantabria-based runners-up
SD Nueva Montaña from Cantabria will be UD Almería Women's opponents in the promotion play-offs to Segunda RFEF women's tier, following Monday afternoon’s draw held at the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The Rojiblancas’ tie was the last to be confirmed, adding tension and anticipation in the conference room at the UD Almería Stadium, where players and coaching staff gathered to follow the draw.
There was a sense of relief, albeit with caution, as the Indálicas avoided 'B' sides from FC Barcelona and Valencia CF. Crucially, the second leg will be played at home at the Emilio Campra youth stadium and their opponents finished second in their group. With Real Racing Club de Santander 'B' unable to be promoted due to their first team already competing in Segunda RFEF, Nueva Montaña took the runners-up spot. This means that, in the event of an aggregate draw, UD Almería Women would advance without the need for penalties, having finished top of their group.
The first leg is scheduled for next weekend in Santander, pending confirmation of the exact date and kick-off time by both clubs. The long trip will be a challenge, with the return leg set to take place in Almería 7 days later. The winner of the tie will secure automatic promotion.
The two sides’ records during the regular season highlight contrasting paths. SD Nueva Montaña finished second in Group III, made up of 10 teams, recording 12 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats, with 60 goals scored and 23 conceded.
UD Almería Women, meanwhile, dominated Group IX and even outperformed Group X in western Andalusia, finishing as champs with 19 wins, 1 draw and just 1 defeat. Their attacking strength was evident, scoring 95 goals while conceding only 11.
Now the focus turns to analysing the opposition in detail, with full respect for the challenge ahead. Head coach Pedro López told the Club’s official media after the draw: 'We’ll play the second leg at home, which is what we wanted. Another important factor is that they finished second, so we avoid penalties in the event of a draw.'