Cold air sweeps El Collao as Alcoyano hosts Intercity this afternoon at 18:00 (Punt). The regional contest pits a club with deep roots and a long tradition against a newer project built on innovation and rapid growth. The visitors arrive with a historical and numerical edge, while Alcoyano, coached by Vicente Parras, faces a strong challenge to overturn recent head-to-head results with Gustavo Siviero at the helm for Intercity. The matchup is notable because, in recent history, Deportivo has sometimes blocked the ambitions of both sides, including playoff contention, highlighting how this local derby can influence the path from the capital to the Second B.”
That season, a promotion battle was disrupted when COVID-19 interrupted play, and what began as a smooth campaign turned into a suspended season. The context around the promotion plan gave these clubs a chance to demonstrate resilience, culminating in finals that determined their league movements. Alcoyano advanced to the final rounds, while Intercity completed its first year since its 2017 founding without a promotion, underscoring the contrasting trajectories of a historic club and a rising, modern project. Both teams understand the other’s identity: Alcoyano embodies tradition, strong community ties, and a traditional footballing philosophy, while Intercity represents a young, forward-looking structure driven by an innovative management model.”
FORMER
First RFEF | Group 2 | 26th day
►STADIUM: collao
►HOUR: 18:00
►TELEVISION: point out
►JUDGE: Juan A. Manrique Antequera
►Possible staff: Miguel Banuz; Lillo, Primi, Alvaro Vega, Pablo Carbonell; Armental, Fran Miranda, Juanan, Liberto; Moyita and Raúl Alcaina. Technical: Vincent Parras.
►Possible staff: Manuel Herrera; Guillem Jaime, Álvaro Pérez, Vadik Murria, Cristo; Martin Bellotti, Undabarrena, Soldevila; Pol Roigé, Burlamaqui and Xemi Fernández. Technical: Gustavo Siviero.
Both teams arrive at the same points tally, keeping relegation pressure in sight. A win would lift either side closer to safety, while a loss could push them toward the danger zone. The clash becomes a crucial test in a season where urgency dictates every result on matchday.
On a night forecast to be chilly, the derby kicks off under a gray sky with a noticeable cold breeze across the pitch. The home side has struggled to win at their venue in recent months, while Intercity has shown resilience on the road but has not secured a victory away from Antonio Solana since matchday three at Tarragona. They did, however, start the campaign strongly with a win in Soria, marking a rare bright moment in a long stretch without a home triumph. The upcoming derby thus represents both a chance for redemption and a test of character under pressure.”
Deportivo has yet to claim a victory against the capital club, despite their playoff upset in a pandemic-affected season.
Alcoyano has not hosted a league game in three months, following a win against Calahorra, while Intercity has not found success far from home since early in the season. The recent form has not produced many clear positives, but the opening weeks demonstrated potential that these teams now seek to recapture in a high-stakes regional derby.”
Alcoyano is set to line up with a reliable defense, excluding captain Raul Gonzalez who received his fifth yellow card in the clash against Johan Cruyff (3-0). The variation in lineup choices will see Alvaro Vega likely substituted if sanctions persist.
Vincent Parras faces decisions about who will occupy the wings. The coach has three candidates for two positions, with Liberto Beltran and Adrian Armental both in the mix. Armental made a decisive impact in the previous home win against Real Sociedad’s reserve side, scoring the equalizer that sealed a point for his team.
Two spectacular derbies in less than 24 hours
Pedro Rojas
Gustavo Siviero, riding the wave after a notable victory over Castellón in Alicante, had to cope with the loss of key players. Aarón Piñán and Rafa Gálvez, along with Christian Kofi and Miku all suffering injuries, leave Siviero with a thinner squad for the visit to Alcoy. The last meeting before the Christmas break saw Intercity bounce back with Raul Alcaina scoring early, a result that echoed a 4-1 triumph against Alcoyano, a memory that fans hope to see reversed in this latest chapter of the derby.”
When these two sides faced off previously, Intercity managed a comeback in the opening minutes, setting the tone for a tense encounter that left Alcoyano fans eager for a home return victory. The tone for the afternoon is one of both teams pressing forward, seeking a result that could pivot their season toward more hopeful horizons.