It was a demanding debut for Cádiz CF eSports in eLaLiga Santander. Vicente Soler was representing Los Amarillos in the first two days of the national championships against Celta and Real Valladolid eSports.
The first test came against a strong rival in JRA, representing Celta eSports, who has international experience and is one of the favourites in the competition.
After a hesitant start, which saw the Sky Blues move ahead on the scoreboard, Soler reacted quickly by closing ranks and punishing his opponent on each counter. Precisely how he’d score his goals. The leveller came from Ronaldo, finishing as only he knows how. Shortly afterwards, Soler turned the score around in a brilliant team move finished with fine skills by Ronaldinho. Leo Messi then added to the party with a third goal, one that provided some breathing room between CCF and Celta eSports.
Just as it appeared that the job was done, JRA responded with two goals in the final moments of the match in the Ramon Carranza.
With the tie wide open, JRA was able to show all his experience in the second leg in Balaídos with a resounding 5-1 victory. Three points for the Sky Blues in a game that saw Cadiz CF eSports making life difficult for one of the firm favourites for eLaLiga Santander.
Far from falling apart, Soler recovered quickly, concentrating all his efforts on the second day’s match against Neat, the competition’s reigning champion. And despite a surprise early goal by his Real Valladolid side, the Cádiz CF eSports player reacted by showing his superiority in the second half, with a Cruyff brace added to by a goal from Zidane. A great match from Soler rewarded with victory in the Carranza.
The return match became a battle of wills. Messi, with a left-footed shot into the top corner, put Cádiz ahead. Valladolid’s response was immediate, though, turning the game on its head with two goals, keeping their play-off hopes alive. Soler endured a siege during the final few minutes, but emerged with a 4-3 aggregate victory that gave CCF eSports their first three points of the championship against Neat's Valladolid.
After this impressive result, Cádiz CF eSports are already preparing for their next two games against SD Ponferradina and SD Éibar, which will take place on Tuesday 19 January.
