Intercity confronts Ceuta with late drama and a dramatic comeback
In a match that swung on nerve and quick thinking, Nsue delivered Intercity a late victory against Ceuta in stoppage time, capitalizing on a sequence that unfolded from an opponent’s missteps and a moment of opportunity that changed the game’s trajectory. Alejandro Sandroni’s crew seized control after a tense start and rode a three-minute window of turning points to grab the win.
The visitors, nicknamed the men in black, started with the aim of striking early and pressed high for a quick advantage. Their first real attempt came from within the penalty area just after a minute and a half, a volley that required a brave save from Pedro López. Ceuta gradually asserted themselves as the game progressed, weighing the balance in their favor with measured counterattacks and organized defending.
Ñito and Fran became focal points for Intercity as they explored Ceuta’s defensive gaps. Ñito slipped a loose ball through after a superb run from Uche on the left, while Fran received a sharp, venomous strike from the right corner that Manu Herrera did well to parry for a corner.
This spell of pressure culminated in a controversial moment a little after the first half had begun. Pol Roigé charged into the area, clashing with Lolo González in a moment that looked tense and chaotic. The defender made contact in a way that appeared to block the shot, and the referee pointed to the spot, much to the dismay of Ceuta’s goalkeeper. Álvaro Pérez stepped up and sent the ball to the keeper’s right, but the Ceuta custodian anticipated the attempt, making a crucial save that left the score unchanged for the moment.
Intercity’s match plan showed signs of early effectiveness as the game wore on, with both sides trading moments of promise. The hosts pressed with intensity, seeking to disrupt Ceuta’s rhythm and create chances through quick combinations and wide play. The visitors answered with structured defense, patiently defending and looking for openings to counter before the interval.
Intercity’s coaching staff saw opportunities to exploit the wings and asked for precise deliveries into the channel. The approach paid dividends as the second period unfolded, with an aggressive start that put Ceuta under pressure and produced a second goal for the Alicante side through a well-timed run and a composed finish following a corner. The goal came from Pol Roigé and reflected the team’s willingness to capitalize on any lapse in Ceuta’s marking.
Ceuta responded by tightening up and trying to regain balance. Their forward lines began to click with Dani Romera and Cedric creating chances that kept Manu Herrera on his toes, forcing a succession of important saves and blocks that maintained Intercity’s lead for a period. Yet the balance of the game shifted again when an error in Intercity’s defense allowed Ceuta to pull one back and restore tension to the match.
The tempo stayed high as the clock moved into the final phase. Intercity found themselves defending a narrow lead, and the game’s pace quickened as both sides chased a decisive moment. Ñito struck again from a corner, and Sofiane capitalized on a lapse in marking to equalize, bringing the stadium to its feet with a dramatic late turnaround.
Moments later, the decisive sequence unfolded. A long free kick was delivered into the box, and Nsue seized the opportunity to deliver a perfect header that found Antonio Solana and sealed the result in stoppage time. The final whistle brought celebrations for Intercity and a hard-fought lesson for Ceuta about staying compact until the end.
Match details and lineup notes reflect a contest filled with tactical shifts, individual moments of quality, and a dramatic finish that kept spectators on edge until the final seconds. Intercity’s performance demonstrated resilience and an ability to exploit critical minutes, while Ceuta’s response emphasized their capacity to rally from behind and push for an equalizer in the closing stages. The referee, Gerard Brull Acerete, issued cautions to several players for different offenses, underscoring a game played with intensity in front of a standing crowd at the Antonio Solana stadium in Alicante.
Intercity: Manu Herrera; Guillem Jaime, Cristo, Undabarrena, Ceberio; Nsue, Xemi, Pol Roigé, Álvaro Pérez, Rafa Gálvez, Aarón Piñán. Substitutes used included Simón, Solde, Bellotti, Moha Traoré. Ceuta: Pedro López; Fran, Lolo González, Aisar, Meléndez, Uche, Redru, Dani Romera, Danese, Cedric, Ñito. Substitutes used included Doncel, Alain, Sofiane, Jota, Julio Iglesias, and others as noted by the match report. Goals: 1-0 from Álvaro Pérez on a penalty, 2-0 from Pol Roigé, 2-1 Isato for Ceuta, 2-2 Sofiane, and 3-2 from Nsue for Intercity in stoppage time. Referee: Gerard Brull Acerete. Stadium: Antonio Solana in Alicante. [Citation: Intercity vs Ceuta match summary]