Intercity and Eldense delivered a thrilling regional derby packed with emotion, solid football, and high intensity. The scoreline reflected a tightly fought contest, with Eldense leading the table and Intercity dragged into the relegation zone by a narrow one-goal margin.
Even as Eldense wasted a double penalty midway through the first half with the score tied at 1-1, the overall balance of the 90 minutes suggested a fair result. The home side saved a maximum penalty through the goalkeeper, yet the referee ordered the kick to be retaken. On the second attempt the Eldense shooter blazed over the crossbar, depriving the leaders of a deserved advantage and leaving them to settle for a share of the points.
Eldense loses the lead in a Christmas thriller (4-0)
The provincial duel began with moments of urgency as Eldense tried to seize control while Intercity held a compact shape on the road.
In the 11th minute, a cross to the far post found Cristian López unmarked. The leader controlled the ball with his chest and finished precisely to edge ahead.
Intercity answered in the 18th minute when Aarón Piñán executed a well-worked move, exploiting a defensive lapse to level the score against a startled Eldense.
Intercity stalls after conceding late (1-0)
The visitors recovered composure, building a long spell of pressure and ball retention after conceding, aiming to reclaim the advantage on the road. About half an hour into the game, two chances came for Fernando Estévez’s side via Soberón, but neither found the net. A distant shot skimmed the bar, and a follow-up from Álex Martínez clipped the wrong side of the post.
Late in the first half a dangerous call changed the rhythm. Kecojevic earned a penalty after a clash with Ortuño, and Usón Rosel pointed to the spot. Soberón struck first, yet Manu Herrera read the intent and stopped the attempt. On the instruction of a linesman, the kick was ordered to be taken again. The second try sailed over the crossbar, a cruel stroke for the leaders. Moments later, Aarón Piñán nearly nudged Intercity ahead again, though the shot missed the mark.
Thus the first 45 minutes delivered a tense, even contest that reflected the considerable effort shown by both teams.
The second half resumed with the same intensity and parity. Intercity created the first clear chance after the break in the 53rd minute, but Vallejo produced a spectacular save to deny Soldevilla’s dangerous attempt.
As minutes passed, Intercity grew more confident in their control, while Eldense persisted with an attacking mindset as they hunted a second goal. Nieto’s header nearly surprised Manu Herrera after a cross from Carnicer, and Manu Nieto tried his luck from distance without major success.
The final chance belonged to Intercity. A long ball from Pol Roigé found Etxaniz in space in the 90th minute, but Vallejo rushed out to claim the ball and avert danger for the leaders.
The match concluded with a fair share of points, maintaining Eldense at the top and setting up a tense next fixture day. Intercity, still hovering near the drop zone, would need a positive result in the next round against Calahorra to climb clear of danger.
DATA SHEET
CF INTERCITY: Manu Herrera, Kecojevic, Vadkic, Ferroni, Guillem Jaime, Miguel Marí (Bellotti, 86), Undabarrena, Cristian Herrera (Etxaniz, 60), Xemi Fernández (Pol Roigé, 74), Aarón Piñán and Soldevila, 86 (Nsu) ) ).
CD ELDENSE: Vallejo, Carlos Hernández, Diego González, Álex Martínez, Tony Abad, Ortuño (Iván Forte, 84), Núñez (Pardo, 62), Cristian López (Fran Carnicer, 62), Clemente (Xavi Estacio, 84), Soberón (Juan, 74) and Manu Nieto.
REFEREE: Sergio Usón Rosel. He showed yellow cards to Ferroni and Kecojevic for Intercity, Soberón and Nuñez for Eldense, Fran Carnicer and Manu Nieto.
GOALS: 0-1, 11 minutes, Cristian López. 1-1, 18 minutes, Aaron Piñan.
STADIUM: Mayor Antonio Solana.