Alcoyano finds a fresh path to victory after six winless games, edging closer to promotion stakes by beating Calahorra 3-0. The match felt laborious, especially in the second half, when the home side rarely tested the visiting goalkeeper and showed a clinical efficiency that kept both teams from forcing many shots on goal. Control of the game remained with Alcoyano throughout, even as the tempo dipped and the chances dried up.
The match began with La Rioja pressing forward, sending waves of attacks and corners that unsettled the home side and created lingering tension at El Collao.
El Alcoyano saves one last spot at Zubieta (1-1)
Alcoyano – Eldense: derbies return with few goals (0-0)
Early in the contest, Alcoyano struck first blood when Alcaina found the net, shooting past Limones from close range. The goal came with just six minutes on the clock, and it briefly lifted the mood inside the stadium as the rojillos adjusted to the lead and looked to press the advantage.
That early strike loosened the home side’s grip on the game and gave Calahorra rare breathing space to reassert themselves, though the overall balance remained with Alcoyano. Possession outlined the control, with the home side managing most of the play and Calahorra countering when possible, while opportunities remained scarce for both teams.
The first-half scare came in the 27th minute when Bañuz had to rescue a Baselga shot on goal. After that moment, the half produced few sights of goal, yielding a cautious, low-scoring scoreboard that reflected the defensive battles being waged on the pitch. Still, Alcoyano held the edge as the interval arrived with a slim one-goal cushion.
The second half settled into a more even contest, though Alcoyano continued to carry more of the ball and sought to stretch the play from set pieces. The visitors posed threats at times, notably with a free kick by Iñaki in the 61st minute and a post-shot by Eduardo Luna that reminded Calahorra of the danger lurking just outside the goal mouth.
Vicente Parras’ team maintained possession for longer spells, yet finalizing a second goal proved elusive while Calahorra looked to nick an equalizer. In the 83rd minute a misfortune for the visitors reshaped the dynamic of the match; a misplayed clearance allowed Alcoyano to pressure again and create another goal-scoring moment.
Mistake shapes the late drama
The turning point arrived when a rebound fell to Alcaina as Alcoyano pressed for a second, and the goalkeeper’s clearance looped into the net in an accidental ricochet. The goal was credited as an own effort off a Calahorra touch as the ball crossed the line, ending Calahorra’s resistance and cementing a late victory for Alcoyano in front of their supporters.
As the final minutes ticked away, Alcoyano hunted a third goal to seal the win, taking advantage of gaps opened by Calahorra and pushing forward with urgency. A late cross from the right flank finished the move, giving Alcoyano a comfortable edge as the whistle neared.
Looking ahead, Alcoyano prepared to face Murcia, another direct challenger near the playoff places, shifting focus to maintaining momentum in the run-in and safeguarding a position that would keep them in contention for promotion.
END OF COLLAO!
We are returning to the path of victory with our fans
– CD Alcoyano SAD
match paper
ALCOYANO: Bañuz, Álvaro Vega, Raúl, Fran Miranda, Juanan, Agüero, Varela, Koke, Lillo, Armental, Alcaina.
CALAHORRA: Lemons, Zubiri, Luna, Adrián Jiménez, Canella, Vidorreta, Robles, Chinchilla, Sergio Gil, Baselga, Gabarre.
GOALS: 1-0 Alcaina (6′), 2-0 Alcaina (83′), 3-0 (90+3′)
REFEREE: Gerard Brull Acerete. He warned Alcaina and Vidorreta.
STADIUM: El Collao (Alcoy).