Atlético Pulpileño vs Santomera Match Recap - Nov 22, 2025

Cristo's Brilliance Leads Atlético Pulpileño to Vital Victory Over Santomera

Cristo's two goals propelled Atlético Pulpileño to a crucial 3-2 victory against Santomera, solidifying their position in the playoff race. This match showcased the resilience of Pulpileño, who bounced back from a disappointing loss against UD Caravaca just days prior. With this win, they now sit in 6th place with 17 points, a stark contrast to Santomera's struggles at 17th with only 8 points.

Cristo's performance stands out as a beacon of hope for Pulpileño. After scoring the opener in the 5th minute and adding another shortly after halftime, he demonstrated his ability to seize critical moments. His consistency is becoming a defining feature of Pulpileño's attack, especially after his recent form included a goal against Cieza. This match marks a continuation of his upward trajectory, providing the team with much-needed momentum.

Santomera's Leon, who scored twice in this match, remains a bright spot amid their ongoing struggles. Despite the defeat, his ability to find the net reflects a glimmer of potential for a team that has been unable to convert draws into wins. Leon's contributions are vital as Santomera seeks to escape the relegation zone, but they need more than individual brilliance to turn their fortunes around.

Pulpileño's recent form has been a rollercoaster ride, with only two wins in their last five matches. The narrow victory against Santomera is a much-needed boost after a series of mixed results, including two draws and a loss. Their defensive vulnerabilities were evident, allowing Santomera to equalize twice, but the late goal from Hernandez in the 89th minute sealed the deal and showcased Pulpileño's determination to secure all three points.

Santomera's inability to close out matches continues to haunt them. They have now gone winless in their last six outings, with five draws and one loss. The psychological toll of conceding late goals has become apparent, as they struggle to maintain composure under pressure. Their recent matches have shown promise in attack, but defensive frailties remain a significant concern.

The midfield battle was pivotal in this encounter. Pulpileño managed to control possession effectively, leveraging their playmakers to create scoring opportunities. The tactical approach of establishing dominance through midfield control paid off, allowing them to dictate the pace of the game. In contrast, Santomera's midfield struggled to provide adequate support defensively, leading to gaps that Pulpileño exploited.

Looking ahead, Pulpileño will face Santa Cruz next, where they will aim to build on this victory and solidify their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, Santomera must regroup before their clash against SFC Minerva, where they desperately need to convert chances into points if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone.

This match encapsulated the contrasting trajectories of both teams. Pulpileño's resurgence is marked by Cristo's standout performances and Hernandez's late-game heroics, while Santomera continues to grapple with inconsistency and defensive lapses. The stakes remain high as both teams navigate the challenges of the Tercera División RFEF - Group 13, with each match serving as a critical chapter in their respective narratives.