From the 48th minute, Alcoyano could not defend the narrow advantage against a numerically reduced opponent. The visitors paid dearly for that lapse, slipping to a two-point defeat that kept them from climbing into promotion contention. At El Collao, Tarragona’s Gimnàstic de Tarragona moved ahead on the scoreboard and controlled portions of play, but a moment changed the script when Montes Arce received a red card just after the start of the second half. Even with the man advantage at home, Alcoyano could not force the result, and Lupu’s stoppage-time strike sealed a draw that favored the visitors.
In the opening minutes, Parras’ side signaled their intent with a corner that forced Manu García into a demanding save to deny an early goal.
Eldense betrays the lead for Christmas (4-0)
The warning became reality when a defensive error by the Catalan side opened the door for three local attackers to threaten the goal. Moyita seized on the opportunity in the 13th minute to beat Manu García, taking advantage of a keeper departure to open the scoring.
Alcoyano appeared stronger in the following phase, posing constant danger on the counterattack through the first half. The hosts frequently had unmarked attackers ready to pounce in dangerous positions around the area guarded by Manu García. Rubio and Moyita doubled the lead, even striking the post in the 20th minute. Yet the visitors failed to capitalize on their chances and went into the break with a slender deficit that would grow heavier in the final stretch.
Moments soon shifted in favor of Alcoyano in the second half when Montes Arce was sent off with a straight red. The Tucar rival faced an uphill battle as Tarragona pressed forward, seeking the equalizer with renewed vigor. The game remained open despite the numerical disadvantage, with attempts from both sides hitting the woodwork in the 63rd and 71st minutes.
The Catalans opened the scoring with Gorostidi, whose run and a decisive collision with the goalkeeper Bañuz set the stage for a sensational moment. Armental finished off the hosts’ efforts to extend the lead, but the late pressure from Alcoyano never translated into a winning goal.
final disappointment
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After enduring the one-man deficit, Nàstic sustained the siege and found consolation in the 91st minute of stoppage time when Lupu headed in Bonilla’s crossed ball. Ironically, both goals came after substitutes entered the fray in the 73rd minute, underscoring a match decided by late drama.
The elation of salvaging a single point with ten men contrasted starkly with Alcoyano’s regret at failing to protect an advantage, leaving them unable to convert chances and sustain the lead. The conclusion left little room for reaction, a harsh blow that closed the calendar on a difficult afternoon.
With this draw, Alcoyano finished 2022 and would not return to action until January 8, facing La Nucía away in a state derby that promised renewed tension.
Intercity remains vacant after conceding a goal at the end
INFORMATION
La Nucía bids farewell (1-1) without losing on the fifth day of the year
match report
ALCOYANO: Bañuz, Álvaro Vega, Raúl, Miranda, Soler, Juanan, Agüero, Moyita, Lillo, Armental, Rubio. Substitutes: Primi, Revert, Pedro, Conejero, etc.
JIMNÀSTIC: Manu García, Pol Domingo, Gorostidi, Aarón Rey, Andy, Montalvo, Quintanilla, Pablo Fernández, Guillermo, Joan Oriol, Montes Arce. Substitutes: Bonilla, Lupu, Marc Álvarez, Tirlea, etc.
GOALS: 1-0 Moyita (13′); 1-1 Lupu (91′). Referee: David Cambronero Gonzalez. Montes Arce received a direct red card (48′).
STADIUM: El Collao.