Intercity steps on slippery ground
One team from the lower tier added spice to the clash as Intercity faced a Bilbao Athletic side feeling the pressure of relegation. Early in the match, luck tilted toward the home side when Trespalacios put an own goal into the visitors’ net after an initially deflected ball from Pol Roigé. The quick advantage kept Intercity on the front foot, while the visitors had to scramble to respond in kind as the ball switched between both boxes. The Basque club’s defense held firm as the minutes ticked by, and the home side pressed for more, with Rafa Gálvez flashing a header that drifted narrowly wide after a set piece from the hosts.
Alicante’s defense remained stubborn early on, barely giving Manu Herrera a moment to breathe. Intercity continued to threaten from corners, with Gálvez again finding space to finish, only to be repelled by the Biscayan rearguard. The pattern of play suggested a tense duel between two sides fighting to climb out of the relegation zone in the First Federation, a dynamic that kept supporters on edge as the clock crept toward halftime.
Intercity’s superiority in ball control and territorial dominance became more evident as the half wore on. Yet a sharp Bilbao Athletic counter showed that danger could come from any quick break, and some late blocks by the local defense kept the scoreline respectful for the visitors at the interval.
Intercity steps on slippery ground
Pedro Rojas
With the second half underway, Intercity did not relent, pushing forward with confidence. The hosts continued to maneuver a three-on-three sequence to threaten the Bilbao goal, trying to extend their lead and pull clear of the relegation zone. A header from Cedric soon after the restart kept Ispizua alert, as the goalkeeper needed another decisive intervention to deny the response from the Spanish side.
Intercity appeared ready to consolidate their position, crafting moves that tested the Basque defense. A sequence saw Cedric fail to convert a promising chance, and Pol Roigé had another shot blocked by a heroic intervention from Ispizua, who stood tall to preserve the visitors’ frame. The Bilbao goalkeeper demonstrated why his side remained in the match by repelling several direct attempts and guiding his defense through a crucial stretch in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Bilbao Athletic, under pressure, sought to reassert control of the game by pinching territory, but the home defense stood firm. Siviero introduced fresh options from the bench to reinforce the attack. Emre Colak and Burlamanqui entered the fray, aiming to inject pace and directness against a tired-looking opposition. Intercity continued to probe, pressing the Basque backline and creating moments that kept the danger alive in the box where Soldevila’s shots and final passes began to shape Intercity’s late push. An incident near the small area involving Xemi Fernández altered the rhythm, and Soldevila steered a shot toward goal, ending in a penalty situation that threatened to tilt the balance decisively in favor of the home team.
Seven minutes condemned Intercity (1-2)
David Marin
The Bilbao outfit found life in the final phase through their focus on the air and disciplined runs, creating opportunities that were inches away from giving Intercity a run for their money. Vadik connected with a header that skimmed just past the post, signaling that the match could still swing in either direction. In the end, the visitors endured a tense spell, soaking up pressure and surviving a late onslaught that could have sealed a wider gap for Intercity. The win moved the Alicante side out of the relegation zone and offered a crucial three-point lift just seven days before a tough encounter with another resilient squad.
Summary First Federation
1-0 | CF Intercity vs Athletic Club
1-0 | Threepalacios (s) (6′)
Antonio Solana
Full match: Intercity’s performance showcased resilience and tactical discipline that ensured the result held under pressure. In a league defined by tight margins, the home side asserted their position through organization, counter-punch potential, and a late defensive steadiness that allowed them to close out the contest with merit. The outcome reflected a well-balanced approach that maintained momentum in the First Federation for Intercity while testing Bilbao Athletic’s resolve in a high-stakes relegation battle.
Match details and lineups reflected the ebb and flow of a competitive encounter in the First Federation. Intercity: Manu Herrera, Guillem Jaime, Undabarrena, Bellotti, Cedric Teguia, Pol Roigé, Vadik, Rafa Gálvez, Soldevila, Cristo and Etxaniz, with Xemi Fernández coming on for Cristo. Bilbao Athletic: Ispizua, Trespalacios, Egiluz, Mendibe, Chasco, Gere, Unai Gómez, Goti, Iñigo López, Cabo and Izeta, with several substitutions noted as the game progressed. The goal came early through Trespalacios’ own effort, and the rest of the match unfolded with intensity, tactical discipline, and moments that kept both sets of fans enthralled. The referee was Catalá Ferrán, and the stadium hosting the drama was Antonio Solana in Alicante. Official notes documented the key moments and substitutions that defined a dramatic first federation fixture, underscoring the high stakes and the strategic chess played on the pitch.