The stakes couldn't be higher as La Solana prepares to take on Calvo Sotelo in a Tercera División clash at the Estadio La Moheda on January 11, 2026. With La Solana sitting precariously in ninth place with just 22 points from 16 matches, they're on the ropes and desperately in need of a lifeline. In stark contrast, Calvo Sotelo occupies a comfortable fourth position with 32 points-showing their attacking prowess and defensive resolve this season. Can La Solana rise from the ashes of recent poor form and disrupt the visitors' momentum, or will Calvo Sotelo cement their place in the promotion chase?
Recent performances tell a tale of two teams sharply diverging on form. La Solana is struggling for consistency, having only managed two wins in their last five outings-those victories were sandwiched by three lackluster results including a humiliating 1-4 loss against San Clemente. This indicates potential cracks in their defensive setup; they've shipped eight goals over those matches and failed to score more than once in any fixture during that stretch. Conversely, Calvo Sotelo has been flexing their muscles with four wins out of five. Their only setback came at home against Toledo-a match where they likely underestimated their opponents after an impressive streak of clean sheets.
Diving into match statistics reveals the contrasting tactical approaches that might shape this game. La Solana's possession stats have fluctuated wildly-one moment they're controlling play, only to concede when it counts. They sit eighth in expected goals (xG) within Group 18 but often fail to translate potential into actual goals; something that can't continue if they wish to salvage anything from this season. On the flip side, Calvo Sotelo boasts not just an effective attack but also an impressive defensive record with two clean sheets from their last five fixtures and only seven goals conceded overall-third best in the group.
Watch for critical matchups on both ends of the pitch. For La Solana, all eyes will be on forward Carlos Sánchez, whose performance has oscillated between brilliance and invisibility throughout the season; he has netted four goals thus far but needs support if he wants to unleash his full potential against a well-organized defense like Calvo Sotelo's. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Alejandro García from Calvo Sotelo-his flair and vision have made him one of the standout players this term, contributing significantly to their attacking numbers including six goals so far.
The midfield battle may define this contest as well. Pablo Ruiz for La Solana will need to stifle Calvo Sotelo's tempo while providing a link between defense and attack-a task made challenging by opponents who often enjoy robust possession stats themselves.
When it comes down to head-to-head encounters, history suggests tight contests. The last meeting ended in a narrow win for Calvo Sotelo; however, those fine margins could easily tip either way based on current trajectories. If La Solana's defense doesn't find its footing soon-and fast-they could find themselves overwhelmed by a confident opponent eager to capitalize on every opportunity.
So what's my prediction? Given everything we've unpacked-the contrasting forms, head-to-head stats, tactical battles at play-I'm inclined to back Calvo Sotelo for another victory here. A possible scoreline of 2-0 seems fitting; expect them to exploit La Solana's shaky defense while maintaining enough control through midfield not to let a desperate home side gain momentum.
As football fans around the world know too well: every kick can change fortunes dramatically-but if Calvo Sotelo turns up focused and hungry as we've seen recently? It's hard not to bet against them walking away with all three points once again!