Alcoyano continues its march at the top of the second group of the First RFEF, seemingly unstoppable. Parras’ squad has collected 13 of a possible 15 points across the opening five fixtures and remains undefeated. Three straight results have reaffirmed their momentum, including two wins against Real Unión in Irún, each showcasing Alcoyano’s growing confidence on the road.
The latest match carried an unusual hurdle: the pitch was softened by morning rain, leaving puddles that affected both sides. Real Unión, known for their possession-based approach and quick passing, found the conditions challenging as did Alcoyano, whose usual fluid style required cleaner turf to unleash their strategies.
Perhaps that difficulty explains why, in the opening ten minutes, Real Unión pressed high in an attempt to unsettled Alcoyano. Yet the visitors struck first when a penalty was earned and converted, placing Alcoyano ahead. From that moment, Parras’ team dictated the pace and carried the initiative, with Agüero responsible for the spot-kick that opened the scoring. The shot was driven low and straight to the corner, certifying Alcoyano’s early advantage.
During the remainder of the first half, Real Unión showed resilience at the back but lacked the punch needed to turn chances into goals. Alcoyano mounted two notable attempts: a precise cross from Alcaina that the local goalkeeper beat away at 24 minutes, and a coordinated move led by Irazusta that culminated in a shot by Varela just before the half-time whistle at 35 minutes.
The opening period closed with the scoreline still in Alcoyano’s favor, but the match remained tightly contested as both teams adjusted. It was clear that the second half would be decisive. Aitor Zulaika responded by making two halftime changes to inject urgency, while Vicente Parras waited before making his first substitution at the 61st minute, opting to observe how the home side would react to the altered dynamics.
As the minutes passed, the match settled into a contest of possession and pressure. Real Unión created moments of danger, including a direct free kick from Oyarzun that forced Bañuz into a fingertip save. The home team’s control of the ball grew, yet this dominance also produced gaps that Alcoyano repeatedly sought to exploit with quick transitions and sharp running off the ball.
Real Unión’s persistence finally paid off in the 75th minute when Sánchez delivered a spectacular equalizer, bending a shot across the field that found its way into the net and sparked renewed drama. The goal lifted Real Unión, and the mood on the field shifted as both sides pressed to seize the initiative.
The response was immediate. Alcoyano regrouped and pressed forward, recognizing that only a win would maintain their leadership. The visitors hit back with renewed intensity, and Juanan struck from outside the area to restore Alcoyano’s advantage in the 80th minute. His finish demonstrated accuracy and composure, illustrating a second-half performance in which Alcoyano took control of the tempo and reinforced their position at the summit.
With the final whistle, Alcoyano reaffirmed its lead and prepared to welcome Atletico Baleares in the upcoming fixture as they continued their campaign at the top of the table. The result extended their unbeaten run and underscored their consistency as the season progresses, a theme reinforced by the team’s ability to respond after conceding and to execute decisive plays late in the game.
DATA SHEET
ROYAL UNION OF IRUN: Irazusta, Jaso (Aramburu, 46), Montoro, Pérez, Seguín (Capelete, 56), Jon Ander, Oyarzun, Parada, Santos, Nuñez (Ander Herrero, 84), and Agirre (Sánchez, 46).
CD ALCOYANO: Bañuz, Álvaro Vega, Raúl, Fran Miranda, Juanan, Agüero (Koke Saiz, 73), Varela (Armental, 73), Lillo, Pablo Carbonell, Alcaina (Primi, 84), and Rubio (Raúl González, 61).
REFEREE: Ramo Andres. He showed yellow cards to Jaso, Oyarzum, Parada, Montoro and Aramburu for Real Unión and to Bañuz and Rubio for Alcoyano.
GOALS: 0-1, 10th minute, Aguero from penalty. 1-1, 76 minutes, Sanchez. 1-2, 80 minutes, Juanan.
STADIUM: Stadium Gala