José Díez (León, March 26, 1967), one of Cultural’s legendary players, third player to have worn the León team jersey the most times with 250 official matches played, being surpassed only by Gerardo and Belarmino López, believes that “the derbies between Cultural and Ponferradina are generally very attractive; some are less spectacular, but they always exude intensity and passion on the pitch, especially because of the great rivalry that has always existed. I know this from experience, because I played for both teams.
The Cultural central defender recalls the provincial clashes in which he participated: “These types of matches are very competitive. It’s a very beautiful and anticipated clash for both teams. They are very special duels. I hope to see a good match and it will be a celebration of football in León.”
He continues to say: “I have played 14 derbies between Cultural and Ponferradina, and I know what the derby means. The week is lived with a very special excitement. Three points are at stake, like in any other match , but the winner of the derby comes out stronger. Cultural is in the lead, and no one eclipses them Ponferradina comes to Reino de León under more pressure and will try not to fall further behind Cultural in the standings.
“When you win against your provincial rival, it brings a certain serenity – a boost to approach the week differently. These are matches where the atmosphere, the supporters and the refereeing have an influence.”
Reflecting on his experiences in such duels, José Díez says: “I have many memories. I won in Ponferrada and I lost in León. The year we won in Fuentesnuevas with Carrete is particularly dear to him. my heart, because she gave us crucial support for the rest of the season.”
José Díez laments the lack of León players in this derby: “What I remember is that there were a lot of players on the pitch from León, both at Cultural and Ponferradina. We all knew each other , and the derby was lived with passion and intensity, because almost all of them were players from the province of León. Now there are very few players, both from León and from Ponferrada, in both teams. is just not the same. Before, we played this derby as if it were a real final. The derby was a different match from a normal match. It was a match where both teams came out to win from the first minute. Fight, quality and intensity until the final whistle. On the other hand, no water during the ninety minutes. in the end we all hugged each other tightly, and what happened on the field stayed there.
“Ponferradina had excellent squads. Legendary goalkeepers like Eduardo and Javi Delgado or stars like O’Donnell, Eulate, Paquito, Ramos… And we in León had top players like Fierro, Ángel Luis, Narciso, Ballesteros, Javi de Campo… All were footballers from Ponferrada and León”, he shares with emotion remembering these duels.
Regarding Sunday’s derby at 5:30 p.m. at the Reino de León, José Díez warns: “In these types of matches, what was done in the previous ones means nothing. Cultural arrives at a better time. It’s obvious, but in a derby against Ponferradina there is no clear prediction in advance.”
