This Saturday, Alcoyano wrapped up preparations for next season in the First RFEF with the discussion of its final friendly, a 1-1 draw with Alzira at El Collao. The result left the team without a win against an opponent from the lower tier.
The Indians climbed to the top of the table with a late first-half goal from Imanol García. Yet the team could not extend that lead, despite Raúl Alcaina creating several clear opportunities, including a shot against the post. With about a quarter of an hour remaining, Iago Beceiro found the net to equalize for Alzira.
On the other hand, Alcoyano watched the Atzeneta vs. Orihuela match, which coincided with the final day of the RFEF Cup group stage. That encounter finished in a goalless draw, a result that favored Parras, who needed Orihuela to deliver the favor. The outcome kept alive Alcoyano’s chance to participate in this year’s Copa del Rey edition, as one of the tournament’s most storied hosts in recent years continues to chase a seat at the table.
Alcoyano had earlier drawn with Atzeneta (1-1) on the opening day and was defeated in a penalty shootout in the rematch. They then beat Orihuela (1-2), so their results against those two rivals set the stage for the RFEF Cup regional final on Wednesday, where an opponent is yet to be determined. A victory in this match would have secured a ticket to the King’s Cup for Alcoyano.
Signing a stopper
In transfer market news, Alcoyano is weighing the addition of an under-23 center-back to reinforce the defense after the sale of Javi Antón, a right-wing midfielder, earlier in the week. The move comes with the league opener looming against SD Logroñés at Las Gaunas. The club in Castello is exploring options to fill the void left by that departure as the season approaches.
Specifically, the plan is to secure a young, capable central defender to bolster the squad and add depth to the back line after Antón’s sale to Castellón for 50,000 euros plus add-ons. The responsible parties anticipate bringing in a replacement in the near term to ensure balance in the squad as the campaign starts, with coaches and scouts actively reviewing available talent on the market.
Complicating matters, a serious injury to young squad member Carles Peris, who underwent surgery midweek and will be sidelined for several months after a friendly against Torrellano, has forced the football management to reassess the roster and look for additional options to close the template. The injury elevated the importance of finding depth in defense to cover the vacant central position, the area where Peris had shown promise and where the team needed capable cover.
As the central defensive position becomes the focal point, attention turns to the last homegrown star from Alcoyano’s academy, a young player who now requires support after Peris’s injury thins the ranks. The incident was described by José Luis González, Alcoyano’s sporting director, as a genuine misfortune, noting that the youngster had been improving and had plenty of chances to stay with the first team. The club will monitor the market, yet the priority remains clear: add a defender who can contribute immediately. innovation and prudence guide the search as the market yields potential players who fit the profile.
At present, Alcoyano fields Raúl González and Pimi Férriz in the central defensive spots, while the squad continues to benefit from the summer addition of Álvaro Vega from Majadahonda. A fourth player, fullback Lillo Castellano, could also be deployed in central defense if necessary, reflecting the team’s flexibility and readiness to adapt to injuries or tactical shifts as the new season begins.