Intercity and Alcoyano closed the sixteenth matchday in Group 2 of the First RFEF with a three-point clash aimed at easing the current negative run. For the hosts, who had grown tired of just a single goal in the last five games, this victory brought a breath of relief despite lingering danger with relegation only three points away. Alcoyano entered the session seeking a win over Bilbao Athletic to climb back into the promotion zone after a frustrating draw.
Alcoyano controlled the pace behind the “men in black” and, right from the opening minute, created danger. A corner kick delivered into the small box in front of the opposing fullback found Primi, whose effort struck Manu Herrera’s crossbar.
With the adage that there is no three without four, Intercity conceded a quick reply four minutes later when Raúl Alcaina forced a defensive error that allowed a clean finish, placing the visitors in front 0-1 and sowing early unease for the home side, who now faced a tough task ahead.
Eldense leader escaped defeat in the 88th minute
There was no long delay in restoring parity after the corner. Nsue, entering from behind, showed a strong desire to level the score. A restart followed for both teams, and Intercity found the equaliser when a cross from the flank reached the far post. Guillem Jaime, who had come on at will, headed toward the post, forcing the ball into the net and ending the team’s goal drought.
Intercity had sparked a moment of brilliance with a thunderous move that Etxaniz extended to try and force a decisive push. Cristian Herrera adjusted his shot, propelling Intercity toward a dramatic turnaround as four goals cascaded in a half-hour stretch.
La Nucía returns to add three points (2-3)
Alcoyano had stood firm, and the home side needed to weather the impact. Rubio created a few chances, notably a header kept out by the goalkeeper after a corner and a late action that seemed to vanish in obscurity. The first half closed with Intercity enjoying greater stability as the interval arrived, then the second half carried more momentum for the visitors, who had work to do and were determined to keep pressing.
Early in the second period, Alcoyano again pressed and, after Raúl Alcaina entered late, the team received a second yellow card. Needing two goals to force a draw, Vicente Parras’s side found themselves short of their season’s top scorer.
Despite the dismissal, Intercity waited for opportunities while Alcoyano attempted to reassert control after a free kick from Varela and a late arrival by Armental finished at a crowded far post. Slowly the pace settled, and the visitors began to exploit the spaces left by Alcoyano, a sign that the home team’s vigor was fading but not entirely vanquished. The game moved toward a slower, more controlled tempo, with danger scarce and the defensive line for both sides tightening.
Intercity, meanwhile, found chances from counter-moves along the front, but did not convert many clear opportunities. A promising sequence by Soldevila failed to place the ball past the goalkeeper. The final minutes intensified as the hosts looked for a late lifeline, while Alcoyano, depleted in numbers, aimed to protect the lead.
As the clock wound down, Intercity pressed with urgency but could not unlock the defense. A crucial error by the visitors near the end created a fleeting opening, yet the finish did not find its mark, and the match finished with Intercity still chasing the equaliser that never came.
The derby concluded with Intercity claiming the victory and moving away from the relegation zone, providing a temporary breath of relief and a needed confidence boost for the upcoming fixtures. Alcoyano, in contrast, left the field disappointed, seeing the chance to reclaim a higher position slip away and noting the increased challenge of keeping pace at the top of the table.
Intercity showed a balanced performance with a lineup that included Manu Herrera, Guillem Jaime, Undabarrena, Bellotti, Nsue, Cristian Herrera, Pol Roigé, Álvaro Pérez, Cristo, Etxaniz, and Aarón Piñán. Alcoyano fielded Bañuz, Primi, Álvaro Vega, Raúl, Fran Miranda, Soler, Juanan, Varela, Moyita, Alcaina, and Rubio.
GOALS: 0-1 Alcaina; 1-1 Continuing; 2-1 Guillem Jaime; 3-1 Christian Herrera; 4-1 Miguel Mari. Referee: Martínez Montalbán. Stadium: Antonio Solana.
Notes from the match: Nsue and Cristian Herrera were cautioned, while Alcaina saw a red card after a double yellow. The officials managed a fast-paced, often physical contest that entertained the crowd and reflected the competitive spirit of the league.
Stadium ambience and the tactical shifts from both sides shaped a memorable encounter that left fans discussing the implications for the table and the teams’ momentum entering the next round of fixtures.