The echoes of a Europa League triumph still fresh, Emiliano Buendía traded the grand stages for the intimate setting of the Polideportivo El Pradillo. Just days after being named MVP of the final against Freiburg, the Aston Villa midfielder stood among a modest crowd in Pozuelo de Alarcón, cheering on his friends as their club fought for promotion to the Tercera RFEF.
Cala Pozuelo needed a victory against Robledo to secure an immediate return to Spain's national fourth tier, and they delivered with a hard-fought 2-1 win. The result sparked wild celebrations, not only for the rapid bounce back from last season's relegation but also for the emotional farewells to two stalwarts: captain Víctor Merchán and Javier Crespo, both playing their final home match for the club.
The afternoon carried deep personal meaning for several members of the squad. Merchán, who captained the side to both of their promotions in the past three campaigns, bid an emotional goodbye. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Alvar Herrero celebrated his fourth career promotion, adding to previous successes with Burgos CF, Trival Valderas, and Internacional de Madrid. These individual storylines underscored the collective effort required in the regional divisions.
Then came the star turn. Buendía, wearing the blue shirt of Cala Pozuelo, reflected on a tense encounter: "It was a very tough and scrappy game, and luckily they got the win and promotion to Tercera." He made the trip specifically to support Raúl and Acho, two longtime friends within the team. The Argentine international's presence provided a surreal layer to an already joyous day.
Buendía's path to the Premier League and European honors began in these very surroundings. As a teenager, he cut his teeth with Getafe's B team, learning the rigors of Spanish football before moving to England. Now a key figure under Unai Emery at Villa Park, he has not forgotten the grassroots that shaped him. His appearance at El Pradillo was a testament to the bonds forged in those early years.
For Cala Pozuelo, the promotion carries significant weight. Relegated just 12 months ago, the club immediately regains its place in the Tercera RFEF, setting up a historic derby against cross-town rivals Pozuelo de Alarcón next season. It will be the first time the two clubs meet in a national division, adding a new chapter to local footballing lore. The quick return also validates the work of manager Miguel Perrote and a squad that held its nerve when it mattered most.
The league's promotion picture is now almost complete. Cala Pozuelo and Rayo Alcobendas emerge as the top two from Group 1 of the Primera Autonómica Madrileña, while Parla Escuela secured the automatic spot from Group 2. The final berth will be decided in a winner-takes-all clash between Aranjuez and Vicálvaro on the last matchday, ensuring late drama across the region.
Buendía's cameo in this narrative adds a layer of inspiration rarely seen at this level. A Europa League winner, fresh from lifting a European trophy, chose to spend his limited downtime immersed in the passion of grassroots football. It bridges the gap between the elite and the aficionado, reminding everyone that the sport's heart beats strongest in these small, emotional triumphs.
The day encapsulated everything the lower leagues represent: loyalty, community, and the unvarnished joy of achievement. Merchán and Crespo's exits, Herrero's veteran resolve, and a global star's humility converged on one sun-soaked afternoon. For Cala Pozuelo, the challenge now is to build on this momentum as they prepare for life back in Tercera RFEF, carrying with them the memory of a promotion that attracted unlikely but unforgettable attention.
Based on reporting from Marca.