Tolosala has been knocked out of the Copa del Rey contention after a 3-2 defeat against Kukuyaga Etxebarri in the semifinals, thus ending their chances for next season's tournament. Similar to last season, the Biscayan team once again stood in the way of the Tolosala's Copa del Rey aspirations, as coach Javi Múgica had predicted. The match proved to be tight and challenging, with the home team ultimately winning despite Tolosala scoring first, due to some errors and a lack of finishing.
The visitors began the game by employing a goalkeeper-player strategy, which surprised the opposing team but did not lead to dangerous situations. In the first minute, Xabier Arranz scored the opening goal, only for Etxebarri to equalize two minutes later. Midway through the first half, the home side took the lead again, capitalizing on an error. They went into halftime with a 2-1 advantage. In the second half, maintaining the game's parity, Arranz scored his second goal, completing his brace and making it 2-2.
However, another minor mistake provided Kukuyaga Etxebarri with the opportunity to regain the lead, which they seized to establish the final 3-2 scoreline. Tolosala attempted to turn the tide by bringing on their goalkeeper-player, and they had chances to change the outcome, but the result was defeat and elimination from this playoff for a spot in the Copa del Rey.
“"We played a good game, and even though we were better than them, we couldn't secure the win. It was due to our errors, our lack of accuracy in front of goal, and not knowing how to finish plays well. In the end, that cost us."
The final feeling is bittersweet, especially as it marks the last match for him and his coaching staff colleague, Jon Kortajarena, as well as for Iker Lacunza and Alex Ibáñez. Tolosala had a slight advantage heading into the match, knowing that a win would lead them to play the final at home in Usabal against Afantxo. "I would have liked it to happen, and it's a shame to end the season with a loss. We could have bid farewell to the season in a good way, and it wasn't possible," reflects the coach, who has just concluded a three-year tenure leading Tolosala.
Furthermore, it's noteworthy that at the end of last season, it was also Kukuyaga Etxebarri who eliminated the Tolosala team. In that match, also played at the municipal sports center in Etxebarri, Tolosala fell behind early and, despite equalizing twice, ultimately lost 4-3. The goals in that game were scored by Unai Alustiza and Iker Gabarain (twice).
With this result, the club concludes a season in which they secured fourth place in their group in the Third Division, boasting the second-best defense with the fewest goals conceded and ranking as the fourth-highest scoring team. Following a vacation period, the squad will return to training under a new technical staff, led by a coach whose name has yet to be revealed. The objective will once again be to compete for promotion to Segunda B and to qualify for the Copa del Rey, goals that they came close to achieving this year.
