El Alcoyano, a solid leader overwhelmed by the threat of default
There are teams that win with faith even when football seems to have forgotten them. Alcoyano appears destined to belong to this group this season, driven by an extraordinary start that shows no sign of stopping, at least for now. Against Atletico Baleares, the team solidified its early lead with a remarkable comeback against a rival it had not defeated in eleven matches dating back to 2014.
A remarkable hero emerged as a true centerpiece. Vicente Parras trusted him with a substitution at the 54th minute, and in the 76th minute he faced the daunting task of taking a penalty, calmly converting before the ball was claimed as a lost possession. The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when he delivered a corner kick that unleashed a frenzy inside El Collao, sealing the comeback. The Alicante forward earned MVP honors for his performance.
94′ | FINAAAAAAAL! The victory belongs to the home crowd and their unwavering support, a moment celebrated by fans across the region.
The club posted a message of triumph on social media, praising the unity and passion of the supporters, symbolized by the surrounding islands and the devoted home base.
The match opened with energy, featuring two long-range efforts that posed little danger. Baleares managed a first real chance after a sprinting run, but the finish was stopped by a keeper or cleared for a corner after a quick counter. The game then tilted as Navarro, a central defender for Baleares, left the field with an injury, shaping a contest where the ball spent more time in the air than on the grass and the physical battles often ended without goals. The opening exchanges were marked by caution and disciplined defense rather than open play.
El Alcoyano put faith in its attacking line, especially the men stationed near the Balearic goal. Forniés showed plenty of activity on the left, threading dangerous crosses and creating moments of tension, while the Elche-born forward worked hard to finish plays that began with patient buildup. A well-hit cross and a dangerous ball forced a near-miss as the defense scrambled to clear, and the home side sensed the opportunity to grab the advantage late in the half.
El Alcoyano also demonstrated tactical maturity in open play, balancing quick counterattacks with structured defense. A long ball into the box drew space for a scoring chance, and the team remained vigilant after a cautious spell from the visitors. The first goal came at a strategic moment, as a well-executed set piece opened Baleares’s defense and allowed a decisive finish to tilt the scoreline in Alcoyano’s favor.
The second half brought renewed vigor as the hosts sought to extend their lead. A precise free kick into the danger zone prompted anxious moments for the defense, while a counter managed by the attackers almost produced a second tally. Rubio showed composure, stepping up when the ball seemed destined to drift past the baseline and directing a header that found the back of the net on the corner kick from the right flag. The crowd’s energy surged as a counterattack soon threatened to add a third goal, though the defense held firm and the match continued with heightened tension. Parras’s side carried the day with poise, closing out the campaign with a flawless start to the campaign and a morale that proved stronger than the opposition’s pressure.
Data Sheet
Alcoyano: Banuz; Álvaro Vega, Primi, Raúl, Fran Miranda; Juanan, Rubio, Raúl González, Agüero; Lillo, Armental and Carbonell. Substitutes included Moyita, Soler, Varela and Alkaine.
Atlético Baleares: Lucas Diaz; Laure, Olaortua, Josep, Cordero; Hugo, Pastrana, Navarro; Dioni, Adighibe, Forniés; Ramon. Substitutes included Petcoff, Kevin, Ramos and Kaxe.
Goals: 0-1 at 45 minutes, Dioni. 1-1 at 79 minutes, Aguero from the penalty spot. 2-1 at 89 minutes, Rubio.
Referee: Munoz Piedra. Yellow cards shown to Alcaina, Laure, Ramon, Fran Miranda, Olaortua, Varela and Dioni. Stadium: El Collao, Alcoy.