The crucial turning point of Intercity’s five-year journey unfolds this afternoon for the Alicante squad as they prepare to tackle a storied opponent in a stadium that wears the aura of a top-tier venue. From the opening whistle, the plan is clear: the project, now steered by Juanfran Torres from Cfrevillentino, is aiming to break into professional football by securing one of two direct routes to success. It can clinch the league title through the regular season or clinch promotion via the arbitration-free drama of the end-of-season playoffs. The intensity on the pitch matches the ambition off it, and the team faces a moment that could define its identity for years to come.
Led by Salvador Martí, a coach whose professional journey began in 2017 and has already shown a capacity for rapid ascent, Intercity is emerging as a serious contender. In what is already shaping up to be a historic campaign, the club has reached a milestone that has only been achieved a handful of times before, signaling to fans and rivals alike that success is not only possible but within reach. The early results have begun to form a narrative of momentum, suggesting that the squad is positioned to be among the favorites as the season progresses.
Before heading into Castile territory, Intercity’s head coach Gustavo Siviero emphasized that the squad had spent ten days focused on this upcoming clash with Numancia. He reminded the team that Numancia is a club steeped in history, with a proven track record and a challenging home field advantage. The message was simple: respect the opponent’s pedigree, keep focus, and let the preparation translate into performance. Such clarity of purpose underlines the strategic approach Siviero has instilled, one built on discipline, resilience, and a readiness to seize the moment.
Valuing measured progress, the ambitious project under Siviero’s guidance is testing its limits against Numancia, a club that remains a meaningful participant in the national football landscape. The encounter is a high-level duel between two clubs competing at the cusp of top-flight aspiration, with Intercity intent on extending its climb toward LaLiga SmartBank. The season’s early results have laid a foundation of confidence, and the squad aspires to push beyond the expected bounds by maintaining consistent form over the coming fixtures.
In preparation for the challenge, Siviero outlined a successful opening sequence: four wins—against Al Wehda (1-0), Atletico Levante (4-1), Orihuela (3-0), and Atletico de Madrid B (2-0)—coupled with a draw with Villarreal B (1-1) and a tough defeat to Alavés (0-5) in the first friendly. This balance reflects a team that is learning quickly, adapting to the demands of competitive football, and sharpening its tactical understanding. The coach believes the data from these matches offers a clear signal: the squad is capable of competing with established sides, and this belief should translate into results as the league campaign unfolds.
With these objectives in mind, Intercity’s lineup for the match at Los Pajaritos includes Manu Herrera, Nsue, Kecojevic, Rafa Gálvez, Ferroni, Miguel Marí, Angong, Undabarrena, Pol Roigé, Cristian Herrera, and Etxaniz. Each player brings a mix of experience, resilience, and goal-oriented intent that aligns with the club’s longer-term goals. The collective aim is straightforward: to demonstrate growth, secure points, and continue building momentum as the season progresses toward higher levels of competition.