Tensions will run high at Estadio El Florán as San Martín looks to secure their place in the playoff positions while Ceares fights to escape the bottom of the table. With only six points separating these two teams, the stakes couldn't be higher in this Tercera División RFEF clash on November 23, 2025. While San Martín aims to build momentum from their recent attacking fireworks, Ceares is desperate for points after faltering under pressure and struggling with consistency.
San Martín enters this match riding a wave of offensive confidence, having racked up eight goals in their last two outings-a remarkable feat that showcases their attacking prowess. The standout performance came against Siero when they blasted five past their opponents. But a shaky defensive display that allowed three goals against Caudal should set alarm bells ringing. Coach's tactical setup has often leaned on a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing width and rapid transitions, utilizing players like their top scorer who has emerged as a crucial focal point in attack.
Conversely, Ceares' form tells a tale of woe with just one win in their last five matches, marred by four draws and an inability to convert opportunities into tangible results. Their latest effort was particularly disheartening-a narrow loss to Covadonga where they led at one point but crumbled under pressure. A 4-2-3-1 formation could potentially allow them some much-needed control in midfield, but without cohesive linking play between defense and attack, they risk becoming predictable.
Let's dig deeper into the tactical frameworks and what they mean for this encounter:
Possession and Shot Statistics In recent matches, San Martín has averaged around 55% possession across their last five games with a staggering rate of nearly 15 shots per game; they're not just creating chances-they're generating them from multiple angles thanks to overlapping runs from fullbacks pushing high up the pitch. This exploits gaps left by opposing defenses who may get stretched thin trying to contain San Martín's front three.
On the other hand, Ceares finds themselves cornered in ball retention battles, possessing only about 48% on average. What stands out is their conversion rate: while they may generate fewer chances (averaging just nine shots per game), their defense has been resilient-though frequently breached-allowing only marginally over ten shots faced per match.
Player Matchups Key battles are likely to unfold between San Martín's wing players and Ceares' fullbacks. Watch how San Martín's dynamic wingers try to exploit mismatches against Ceares' potentially fatigued backline given their struggle for consistent performances. If San Martín's leading scorer can capitalize on those flanks effectively while penetrating into central areas unmarked, it could spell disaster for Ceares.
At the same time, keep an eye on Ceares' goalkeeper who needs to channel every ounce of his skill to mitigate San Martín's barrage; he's proven capable of big saves despite the team's overall inconsistency.
Equally important will be Ceares' attempts to unleash counterattacks through quick transition play-something that can trouble any overcommitted team if executed properly. If they manage swift forward passes towards strikers running onto loose balls behind defenders or exploiting aerial duels off set pieces, then there could be surprise success waiting for them.
As we approach kickoff, it's clear that San Martín enters as favorites thanks primarily to form and tactical advantages derived from coaching strategies aimed at breaking down opposition shapes efficiently. However, if Ceares can muster even a semblance of cohesiveness in midfield-creating link-up play-we might witness an unpredictable spectacle driven by desperation versus ambition.
Expect goals; expect drama as both squads battle not just for points but pride-especially given how tightly packed the standings remain in Group 2 of Tercera División RFEF.
Prediction? San Martín, emboldened by scoring flair yet wary of defensive frailties under pressure will emerge victorious here-but don't count out a gritty effort from Ceares, whose hunger may prove more than enough for at least a solitary goal in this tense affair. Final score: San Martín 3 - 1 Ceares.