Alcoyano earned a 1-2 victory over Orihuela at Los Arcos this Saturday, a result that coincided with the second matchday of the FA Cup group phase. The win helped Alcoyano edge closer to one of the coveted final spots, as both clubs from the Valencian community vied for qualification and a place in the Copa del Rey this season.
After facing Hércules just a day earlier, Alcoyano delivered a strong second-half statement, exploding into life after the break with a quick-fire double that changed the mood of the game in a matter of minutes. Agüero opened his account with a clinically converted finish, a goal that drew sharp protests from the home crowd before Rubio completed the sequence with a tidy finish. Nacho Muñoz then reduced the deficit, injecting renewed hope into Orihuela as the clock ticked toward the final stages.
Under intense pressure from their supporters, Orihuela showed resilience and a fighting spirit, creating several chances despite suffering their first defeat of the campaign. The visitors also had to contend with an early setback, Simón withdrawing through injury and being replaced by Eloy. Camacho and Marc Sirera emerged as standout performers in a goalless first half, displaying solidity at the back and intent going forward.
Jawed’s first real opportunity signaled Alcoyano’s intent, and moments later the decisive goals arrived—at the 50th and 53rd minutes. A penalty awarded for a corner-kick foul gave Agüero the chance to extend his team’s lead, and he made no mistake. Rubio then capitalized, stretching the advantage and putting Orihuela on the back foot once more as the clock continued to run down.
The Scorpions responded by initiating a wave of changes in an attempt to narrow the gap and spark a comeback. Jawed remained the most dangerous outlet for the hosts, constantly probing forward, yet his efforts repeatedly stalled in the decisive final pass or shot, denying him a clear opportunity to alter the scoreboard. The ball seemed to slip away at crucial moments when a decisive finish was needed most.
Vicente Parras’s side demonstrated greater experience, calmly managing their lead and using it to their advantage as the game wore on. With about 20 minutes left, Orihuela found a renewed sense of purpose, finally getting on the scoresheet after a sequence of persistence and a moment of hesitation in the defense. Nacho Muñoz converted to pull one back, offering a sliver of hope that a late twist might be possible for the home team.
Yet Alcoyano’s defensive organization remained stubborn, stifling Orihuela’s advances and leaving precious few chances for a comeback. Jawed produced one last flurry of activity late on, but the end result kept the visitors in front and the scoreline largely unchanged as the hour-and-a-half duel drew to a close.
With the win, Alcoyano secured a crucial victory that sent Orihuela out of the running for progression to the next round. The Scorpions now turn their attention to a home clash against Atzeneta next weekend, a match that Alcoyano will be keenly watching as the Valencians’ form continues to influence the trajectory of the group. The result left Orihuela to regroup and focus on their league campaign, while Alcoyano remained within striking distance of the top spots and the coveted cup berth that lies ahead.