Eldense pushed hard for every point, aiming to climb away from the relegation zone, while Amorebieta battled to protect their top spot in Group 2 of the RFEF First Division. The closing seconds of added time delivered a cruel twist: Alcoyano, who had twice threatened a breakthrough, conceded a late equalizer after a defensive miscue from the visitors. The draw kept the local drama alive at Nuevo Pepico Amat as both teams fought to seize momentum in a tense derby atmosphere. The Basques, meanwhile, held onto a share of the lead, benefiting from a staunch head-to-head advantage that kept them in front on the table’s goal average mirror. This clash underscored the perpetual tension of a season where every minute matters and the title race intertwines with survival stakes.
Alcoyano began with sharp connection, orchestrating quick passes, winning back the ball, and testing on the break. Within six minutes, Armental produced the first warning with a drive that found the corner after a moment of confusion in the Eldense defense. Stamatakis and Alcaina followed with attempts that skimmed the post and were repelled by the goalkeeper. Eldense slowly found their footing, pressing higher and forcing play into the final third as the visitors resolved their early nerves and created chances of their own.
The home side gradually asserted themselves, turning possession into danger. Chris Montes delivered Eldense’s first clear chance with a strike that struck the woodwork, signaling intent. Although Alcoyano began the match more comfortable in possession, Eldense balanced the scales by the end of the first half, earning parity not just on the scoreboard but in momentum and territorial control. The visitors grew increasingly assertive, while Eldense’s defense held firm under growing pressure.
After the restart, Fernando Estevez’s men pursued the go-ahead goal with renewed urgency. Correia began to hurt the visitors on the right flank around the 50th minute, forcing a save from Bañuz with a firm shot that drew a reaction from the crowd. Not long after, Clemente squandered a precise pass, letting a promising chance slip away in front of goal.
Yet the pendulum swung again in favor of Alcoyano. In the 53rd minute, a well-worked move down the left culminated in a shot that found the back of the net, Juanan beating the keeper to deliver a precise finish after Stamatakis initially got a touch on the ball but could not prevent the shot from finding the goal. Eldense were suddenly forced to respond to a setback that had seemed unlikely moments earlier.
Locals don’t give up
The home team refused to yield under the mounting pressure. With the clock ticking and the need for a win weighing heavy, Soberón produced a dangerous cross that required a sharp intervention from the Alcoyano goalkeeper, who had to be vigilant to deny a late equalizer. The atmosphere in the stadium reflected the stakes, a crowd tightly watching a battle that felt decisive for both sides.
Estevez’s decisive belief in his players translated into an inspired moment from Manu Nieto, who crafted a moment of magic on the edge of the box, swiveling with control before firing a low shot that found the target and restored parity for Eldense. The goal electrified the stands and shifted the dynamic, with the hosts pressing higher in pursuit of a late winner.
The closing minutes intensified the drama as Eldense mounted their last surge. In stoppage time, Jorquera struck in a flash, capitalizing on a rare lapse in Alcoyano’s defensive shape to equalize at 2-2 before the final whistle, leaving the clash in a state of unresolved tension as both teams claimed their due share of the spoils. The result helped Amorebieta retain top position on the table, while Eldense remained locked in the fight to move away from danger.
match report
ELDENSE: Stamatakis, Toni Abad, Cris Montes (Jorquera, 66′), Ortuño (Fran Carnicer, 83′), Soberón (Cristian López, 83′), Manu Nieto, Carlos Hernández, Núñez (Álex Bernal, 56′), González, Correia and Clemente (Juanto, 66′).
ALCOYANO: Bañuz, Primi, Lobato (Carbonell, 71′), Soler, Juanan, Agüero (Sempere, 86′), Liberto (Koke Saiz, 59′), Moyita (Akono, 71′), Lillo, Armental and Alcaina (Rubio, 59′).
GOALS: 0-1 (53′) Juanan. 1-1 (72′) Manu Nieto. 1-2 (88′) Koke Saiz. 2-2 (95′) Jorquera.
REFEREE: Carlos Calderiña Pavón. Juanan warned Primi, Agüero, Sempere, Armental and Soler.
STADIUM: New Pepico Amat (Elda).
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