A chill ran through Alcoyano at Can Misses as they claimed a 3-0 victory over the league leaders, snapping a three-game winning streak in the process. Vicente Parras’ squad not only halted the best run of the season but also extended their own streak of clean sheets against the top side.
Deportivo continues to struggle, with 11 of 20 matches without a goal. After slipping into the relegation zone, they sit as the team with the fewest goals in the division, tallying just 17 goals so far.
Too much Ibiza for an Alcoyano whose good run was cut short
Alcoyano appeared poised to recapture the form from the 2020/21 campaign after a strong performance at the Balearic Stadium, where a 0-1 victory suggested momentum. The season, however, has seen a downturn as the team has failed to sustain the progress that followed victories over San Fernando, Mérida, and Antequera.
Ibiza’s downturn is not the only concern for Alcoyano. Vicente Parras’ side suffered their heaviest away defeat, and the coach from Elche continues to search for a more dynamic attacking plan, supplemented by new signings brought in during the winter transfer window.
The role of winter reinforcements
Against Guillermo Fernández Romo’s squad, Dani Selma made his debut for Alcoyano, joining Jean-Paul N’Djoli as a forward option. Both players were expected to lift the attack. Selma, on loan from Tenerife, had previously appeared for San Fernando in the first round and contributed three goals across 16 appearances.
Raul Alcaina has shown signs of improvement as a striker, though his scoring rate remains below last season’s levels. The Valencian forward earned a starting spot again but was unable to convert in the opening 45 minutes, missing a key chance in front of Patrick Sequeira’s goal.
Rafaël De Palmas, another winter arrival, looks to be a pivotal piece as he attempts to win the ball in midfield and create opportunities for his teammates against stout defenses.
Deportivo continues to post the weakest statistics for goals scored in their three First Federation seasons. Vicente Parras’ team has managed 17 goals in 19 matches, still trailing the previous campaign at this same stage as they chased a spot in the late rounds of the competition.
The hopeful sign for Alcoyano is their ability to open the scoreboard in multiple matches. They have found the net in eight of the 20 games so far, averaging more than one goal per game on average and showing resilience in attack as the season progresses.