Portugalete’s Late Rally Tops Lagun Onak in Thrilling Basque Derby, Extends Lead at the Tercera Summit

Estadio Garmendipe—Under slate-gray Basque skies, Portugalete etched another statement into their Tercera División RFEF campaign, clawing back from behind twice to sink Lagun Onak, 3-2, in a match that crackled with the tension of a regional derby and the high stakes of a table-topping tussle. With this victory, Portugalete tightened their grip on Group 4’s summit, now four points clear at the top, while Lagun Onak’s spirited challenge left them disappointed, but still in the playoff picture.

From the first whistle, the match bore the hallmarks of a true Basque scrap—physical, direct, and never lacking in drama. Lagun Onak, buoyed by home support, struck first in the 14th minute, an opportunistic finish capitalizing on early pressure. Yet, Portugalete, unbeaten in five and top of the league for a reason, responded with the composure of champions-in-waiting. Their equalizer came on the half-hour, a swift counter punctuated by clinical finishing, silencing the home crowd and setting the stage for a seesaw contest.

The second half elevated the intensity. Lagun Onak, desperate to rebound from last week’s narrow loss at San Ignacio, reclaimed the lead just after the hour mark, a reward for their renewed pressing and ambition. But Portugalete’s response was merciless. Three minutes later, they leveled again—a blistering move down the flank, a cross fizzed across the face of goal, and a predatory finish. The visitors’ belief never wavered, and in the 71st minute, they completed the turnaround with a third, a moment of individual brilliance that left the home defense grasping at shadows.

Turning Points & Tactical Nuance

The match pivoted on Portugalete’s midfield control and their ruthless efficiency in transition. Lagun Onak, for all their endeavor, found themselves overrun in central areas as the game wore on, their early high press fading under the relentless pressure of a team that knows how to win tight matches. Portugalete’s third goal, in particular, was a microcosm of their season so far—a moment of composure when chaos reigned, a reminder that this is a side with both the grit and guile to go the distance.

Neither side shied from the physical battle, but it was Portugalete’s substitutes who made the difference, injecting fresh legs and ideas just as the hosts began to tire. Lagun Onak’s resolve was admirable, but their inability to hold onto a lead—twice—will haunt their post-match review. No red cards marred the contest, but the yellow count reflected the ferocity of a derby where every yard was contested.

Context & Consequences

Today’s result throws the Group 4 table into sharp relief. Portugalete (13 points) remain perfect on the road, their only blemish a draw at San Ignacio, and have now taken maximum points from five of their last six outings. Their goal difference (+12) is the division’s best, a testament to both their attacking verve and defensive solidity. For Lagun Onak (9 points), a third win in five would have kept them in touch with the leaders; instead, they remain mid-table, their promising start checked by back-to-back losses in October.

Recent form offers a window into the mindsets of both clubs. Lagun Onak’s three-game winning streak in September suggested a team on the rise, but the last fortnight has exposed vulnerabilities against the division’s elite. Portugalete, by contrast, have been ruthlessly consistent, racking up four straight wins, including a 6-0 demolition of Zarautz that announced their title credentials.

The head-to-head history between these sides is limited in recent seasons, but today’s result will resonate. Portugalete have laid down a marker; Lagun Onak must now regroup, knowing their playoff ambitions are still within reach, but that dropped points at home against direct rivals could prove costly come May.

What Lies Ahead

For Portugalete, the path is clear: maintain momentum, defend their summit, and turn early-season promise into a sustained title challenge. With a four-point cushion and a goal difference that reads like a statement, they have the look of a team that could run away with Group 4.

Lagun Onak, meanwhile, face a test of character. Their next fixtures—against mid-table outfits—offer a chance to steady the ship, but the margin for error has narrowed. The gap to the top is not insurmountable, but only if they can rediscover the clinical edge that marked their September surge.

On a day when the Basque rain threatened to dampen spirits, Portugalete’s late rally illuminated the division’s narrative: in a league where every point is precious, the best teams find a way, even when the odds—and the crowd—are against them. For Lagun Onak, the lesson is equally clear: in the Tercera División RFEF, the line between triumph and disappointment is measured in moments, not miles.