The battle for supremacy in Tercera División RFEF - Group 14 intensifies as Azuaga hosts Badajoz on January 18, 2026, at the Estadio CD Azuaga. Just a single point separates these two rivals, with Badajoz clinging to sixth place (27 points) and Azuaga closely pursuing them in seventh (26 points). This clash is not just about the standings; it's a litmus test of resilience for Azuaga, who are reeling from a patchy run of form, against a Badajoz side that has hit its stride.
Recent performances tell a stark story. Azuaga's last five outings reveal an alarming trend: four losses and one solitary win have cast doubt over their ability to compete. While they scraped past Atlético Pueblonuevo with a narrow 1-0 victory last week, prior defeats at the hands of Montijo and Moralo have exposed vulnerabilities in both defense and attack. Tactical adjustments are sorely needed; they've conceded six goals over those four defeats, reflecting an alarming lack of defensive solidity. For Azuaga to succeed on home turf, they'll need to tighten up at the back and find more fluidity going forward-something that has been glaringly absent.
In stark contrast, Badajoz has surged ahead with a formidable recent record that features three wins from their last five matches and an impressive three-goal outing against Gévora just last week. Their attacking prowess cannot be overlooked; they have netted eight times across their last five games while maintaining an admirable defensive posture. The consistent pairing of their forwards could be crucial-Badajoz's effective counter-attacking strategy capitalizes on quick transitions and aggressive pressing high up the pitch.
Digging deeper into match statistics reveals vital tactical patterns. Azuaga has struggled in terms of possession control lately, averaging only 47% possession across their last five matches-far too low for any team aiming to dominate at home. Their shots per game average is also concerning at merely 10 attempts-indicative of indecisive play in final third situations where they must capitalize on chances created.
On the flip side, Badajoz, with 55% average possession in recent games, clearly commands more ball control. They've averaged an impressive 16 shots per match during this stretch-this indicates confidence and coherence in their offensive strategies. Their ability to string passes together in tight spaces will put pressure on Azuaga's defense-a line that has looked shaky when pressed.
Key players will undoubtedly shape this encounter's outcome. Watch for Álvaro Pizarro, who is critical for Azuaga if they're to strike early; he scored the winning goal against Atlético Pueblonuevo and can provide a spark whenever he gets into scoring positions. Meanwhile, for Badajoz, keep an eye on striker Rubén Cruz, who not only contributes goals but also facilitates dynamic movement that can draw defenders out of position-creating gaps for his teammates.
Ultimately, the head-to-head history tilts slightly toward Badajoz; however, every matchup brings fresh narratives influenced by form and stakes. In this context, expect Azuaga to come out firing-they know how crucial this match is to claw back ground lost in recent weeks-and could exploit any hint of complacency from Badajoz coming off their recent victories.
But let's get real: what it boils down to is whether Azuaga can step up under pressure or will they crumble further under expectations? My take? With momentum firmly behind them and tactical cohesion evident throughout their recent performances, I'm calling for a decisive win for Badajoz here-predicting a solid 2-1 victory bolstered by goals from Cruz alongside an added touch from midfield dynamo Javier Luque. They possess the tools necessary not just to survive but to thrive on enemy soil as they push toward securing playoff positions!