Ceuta, Alcoyano clash ends with a hard-fought opening and late pressure
Alcoyano did not respond quickly as Ceuta pressed with energy from the opening whistle. The match opened at a brisk tempo, with both teams focused on controlling the midfield and creating quick transitions. Early drama arrived when Pedro López challenged on the right flank, and Nieto was adjudged to have fouled him, earning a penalty that put Ceuta ahead. The spot kick was converted by Pablo Garcia, giving the visitors an early edge and forcing Alcoyano to recalibrate their approach. From that moment, Ceuta dominated the pace, applying pressure and looking to extend their lead as the clock moved forward. Despite the setback, Ceuta’s intent remained clear: press high, force errors, and test the home side’s resolve. Pablo Ganet, in particular, produced a late first-half attempt that required Perales to be vigilant as the ball sailed narrowly over the crossbar. The North African side appeared to gain confidence as the minutes ticked by, complicating Alcoyano’s plans and setting the stage for a tense remainder of the half.
Doncel shifted into action as the half wore on, delivering a precise flick that found Perales guarded by the onrushing Ceuta defense. Cedric Teguia showed glimpses of danger by weaving through the midfield and testing the lines, and the locals briefly opened the game up with a foray forward just before the break. The first half concluded with Ceuta holding the advantage on the scoreboard and creating moments that threatened Alcoyano’s goal line. The end of the period left the hosts facing an uphill battle to reassert themselves while Ceuta looked to capitalize on the momentum they had built in the early stages of the encounter.
As the second half began, changes were introduced by Parras in a bid to bridge the gap, with Carbonell and Monreal tasked with injecting energy and organization into the midfield. Although Alcoyano took the lead at one point in the early stages of the second half, Ceuta immediately responded, shaping the tempo and pressing the Perales area more relentlessly. Fran’s two chances for Ceuta highlighted their intent to widen the margin, while Alcoyano’s defense remained compact but exposed to counterattacks. A combination of misfired finishing from the home side and Ceuta’s persistent discipline kept the scoreline tight. In the end, Ceuta’s determined approach forced Alcoyano to endure sustained pressure while they searched for a second goal that would settle the match once and for all, leaving the outcome undecided until the final whistle as both teams fought to claim a crucial three points in this competitive clash.