UD Santa Marta 1-1 CD Guijuelo | SPA TRFEF PO (Tercera Federación Play‑Off) | 16 May 2026

UD Santa Marta and CD Guijuelo played out a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Tercera Federación promotion play‑off tie. With everything to play for in the return fixture, both sides will feel they could have done more in this closely fought contest at the Estadio Juan Carlos Higuero.

First Leg Overview

As expected in a play‑off encounter, the game was cautious and tactical in the opening stages. Santa Marta, playing at home, tried to impose themselves with early possession, but Guijuelo's well‑organised defence made it difficult to create clear‑cut chances. The first half was largely a midfield battle, with both teams cancelling each other out.

The deadlock was broken in the 39th minute. Guijuelo won a free‑kick 30 yards from goal. The delivery was dangerous, and after a scramble in the box, the ball fell to a Guijuelo forward who smashed it into the roof of the net. 1‑0 to the visitors, a crucial away goal that put them in the driving seat.

Santa Marta's Response

Santa Marta came out for the second half with renewed energy. They pushed higher and began to create more opportunities. The equaliser came in the 64th minute when a cross from the right was met with a powerful header that flew past the Guijuelo goalkeeper. 1‑1, and the home crowd roared their approval.

Both teams had chances to win it. Santa Marta hit the post from a corner in the 73rd minute, while Guijuelo missed a one‑on‑one in the 86th minute after a rare defensive slip. The match finished all square, leaving everything undecided for the second leg.

Play‑Off Context

The SPA TRFEF PO (Tercera Federación promotion play‑off) features teams from various groups competing for a place in the higher division. UD Santa Marta finished the regular season in third place of their group, while CD Guijuelo came fourth. The draw in the first leg means that Guijuelo will be slight favourites with home advantage in the return, but Santa Marta's away goal gives them hope.

What to Expect in the Second Leg

Tensions will be high when the two sides meet again at the Estadio Municipal de Guijuelo. With the aggregate score locked at 1‑1, any score draw with goals would favour Santa Marta on away goals. Guijuelo, however, will trust their defensive organisation and the support of their home fans to see them through. The second leg promises to be another cagey but compelling encounter.