The stakes couldn't be higher as Avance Ezcabarte prepares to face off against San Juan on January 18, 2026. With both teams striving for a significant lift in the Tercera División RFEF - Group 15 standings, this match at Campo Igueldea promises more than just three points; it's about pride, momentum, and crucial positioning as the season hits its halfway mark.
Currently sitting ninth with 23 points from 17 matches, Avance Ezcabarte is reeling from a rollercoaster of form. They've garnered only two wins in their last five games (two draws and one stunning defeat where they conceded six goals), exposing defensive frailties that could be exploited by San Juan. Meanwhile, San Juan stands solidly in sixth place with 29 points and a record bolstered by consistency-a blend of seven wins and eight draws. Their ability to grind out results has kept them relevant in the playoff picture, but recent performances reveal a wobbly side struggling to convert opportunities into victories.
What does this clash mean for each team? For Avance Ezcabarte, it's an opportunity to claw back up the table against a direct rival while leveraging home advantage. For San Juan, maintaining momentum is critical; they can't afford another lackluster outing after managing only one win in their last five matches. This match will ultimately pivot on which side can impose its game plan-will Avance Ezcabarte find offensive flow despite defensive leaks, or will San Juan continue their slow crawl toward the upper echelons of the table?
Delving deeper into both teams' recent form reveals patterns that should dictate how this encounter unfolds tactically. Avance Ezcabarte has scored seven goals in their last five outings but has been porous defensively, conceding an alarming total of 14 goals during that span. Their approach has become increasingly frantic under pressure; they tend to overcommit offensively only to be left vulnerable on counterattacks-a tactic likely to draw out the best from San Juan's well-organized back line.
In contrast, San Juan's latest results display a meticulous build-up play grounded in their ability to control possession (averaging around 55% in recent games). However, they've also been guilty of misfiring opportunities-a stark warning sign when facing an opponent that thrives on chaotic transitions like Avance Ezcabarte. The attacking unit for San Juan needs to sharpen its finishing abilities if they're going to take full advantage of any slip-ups made by their hosts.
Key players will undoubtedly shape the outcome of this fixture: keep an eye on Oier Aguirre from San Juan who's been instrumental as a playmaker with his vision and passing accuracy contributing significantly during set pieces-a potential danger against a set-piece fragile Avance Ezcabarte defense that struggles with height and organization during corners and free kicks. On the flip side, look for Unai Perez, whose scoring prowess gives Avance hope amid tumultuous times; his performance can ignite their attack if he finds pockets of space away from San Juan's midfield patrol.
Historically speaking, recent encounters have shown that even slight margins determine outcomes at this level-last September's narrow victory for San Juan (1-0) is evidence enough that these sides know each other intimately but haven't found definitive answers when confronted head-to-head.
As kickoff approaches, every tactical nuance becomes amplified: Avance must balance between being adventurous while ensuring they don't leave themselves exposed defensively. For San Juan, finding clinicality in front of goal will determine if they'll emerge victorious once again or watch helplessly as they squander yet another chance to solidify their standing.
My hot take? Expect a tightly contested affair with plenty of fireworks where tactical ingenuity meets desperate necessity. I see Avance Ezcabarte sneaking past San Juan with a late winner-perhaps through Unai Perez harnessing some home crowd energy to carve through what may otherwise be another dull stalemate but tinged with urgency on both sides' part.
Final prediction: Avance Ezcabarte 2 - 1 San Juan.