Alcoyano will face Recreativo in Granada
Alcoyano arrived in Granada aiming to translate the recent good vibes from the Murcia match into an away win at Recreativo Granada. The people of Alicante gradually moved toward Pol Tristán’s area, pressing the Granada defense to keep the scoreline level as the clock ticked on. The start suggested a cautious battle, with both sides reading each other well and the visitors slightly edging the initiative in the opening exchanges.
First visitor notification created Sergi Garcia. From the outset, the home side attempted to seize momentum through quick combinations and set pieces. The early momentum swung when a header from Pradera rose just over the bar after a clever knockdown, offering a warning to Alcoyano. Moments later, Pradera found himself involved again as Alcoyano pushed forward, only to be denied by the woodwork or a timely intervention by the visitors. The breakthrough finally arrived with a harsh blow for Alcoyano when Pradera was issued a second yellow card around the half hour mark, leaving his team with a numerical disadvantage for the remainder of the half. This forced a tactical rethink from the Alcoyano bench and prompted an immediate reshuffle to shore up the defense and recalibrate the attack.
The plan required changes after Pradera’s dismissal, and a combination of injuries and substitutions shaped the mood of the match. Perales carried a knock under his stick, a situation that compelled Parras to adjust his lineup before halftime. Four substitutions followed to try and balance the scales. Recreativo Granada had limited serious chances in the first half, with just one notable effort from Raúl Castro that skimmed through the box and tested the goalkeeper. The Granadians looked for a more decisive push after the break, yet Pablo’s presence in the forward line offered a glimmer of danger without producing a clear-cut goal-scoring moment. It was a game defined by defensive discipline and patience, with both teams probing for a decisive opening near the Alcoyano goal but finding the pathway blocked by well-organized rearguards.
The Granada plan anticipated a shift after the interval, yet the visitors initially found it tough to translate pressure into concrete chances. Pablo Sáenz orchestrated attempts from the flank, while Valens and Carlos Pérez supported the buildup, creating several dangerous scenarios around the Alcoyano crossbar. The match remained tight, a tactical contest where small openings could tilt the balance but were difficult to convert into goals due to the compact lines and cautious pressing from both sides. A key moment saw Valens intercept a powerful shot from Pablo Sáenz, underscoring the importance of experienced players in maintaining balance when the tempo rose and the game threatened to swing in Granada’s favor.
As the minutes dwindled, Alcoyano accepted the point earned through collective effort and resolve after facing a numerical disadvantage. The result, for all its intensity, did not erase the sting of a run without a win and the challenge of climbing out of the relegation zone. Yet the point gained on enemy soil provided a platform to build from, a reminder that resilience can translate into a ladder of confidence even in difficult circumstances. The team left the field with a sense that progress was still achievable, and the draw carried a share of relief amidst the pressure of their campaign. The feeling among supporters was that a good performance could still spark a positive run, even if the scoreboard did not reflect a victory on this occasion.
Looking ahead, Alcoyano will renew its bid for three points when Linares visits El Collao next Saturday at four o’clock. That fixture represents another opportunity to recapture the spark from the opening day and push the season toward a more favorable trajectory. The journey continues, and the squad will aim to translate effort and grit into steady results on home soil.
MATCH COMMITTEE
GRANADA FUN: Pol; Raúl, Van Rijn, Miki Bosch, Ibarrondo, Masllorens, Mario González, Carlos Pérez, Pablo Sáenz, Mortimer, Griger. Substitutions: Julito for Mario González, Clavijo for Carlos Pérez, Rodelas for Pablo Sáenz, Talaverón for Mortimer, Ballo for Griger.
ALCOYANO: Perales, Campabadal, Álvaro Vega, Primi, Nieto, Imanol, Ganet, Agüero, Albisua, Mikel Pradera, Sergi García. Substitutions: Jaume Valens for Perales, Ángel López for Ganet, Juanan for Agüero, Raúl Alcaina for Sergi García, and additional changes as indicated by the match events.
REFEREE: Juan Antonio Campos Salinas. Mortimer warned Raúl, Griger and Sergi López. Pradera received a red card for a double yellow card. Stadium: Ciudad Deportiva.