Intercity, under Melilla’s domain, claimed a comeback with a road win that sharpened the mood in a tense clash. Montoya, the goalkeeper who started strongly, produced a moment of individual brilliance when he steered a well-aimed effort into his own net, setting the tone for a game that would swing again before half-time. Moments later, Dani García threaded a precise ball to Manu Herrera, puncturing Alejandro Sandroni’s side and leaving the home defense with more questions than answers as the visitors pressed forward with renewed intent.
Intercity flies to Melilla to start adding at home
Melilla began with intent, pressing high and forcing errors in the Alicante team’s buildup. Intercity settled into a measured tempo, yet Melilla showed a stubborn resilience, countering with pace and clinical set pieces that troubled the visitors. After a quarter-hour, the balance started to tilt toward Melilla as they looked to convert their pressure into tangible chances. Dani García came close from a quick turn, nearly steering a chance into the net after a well-orchestrated counterattack that caught the away defense stretched and vulnerable.
The visitors found their best opportunities through standard situations, where a direct strike from distance or a well-delivered cross kept the home goal on alert. Montoya, however, stood firm, repelling the danger with clean saves and calm distribution that helped Melilla weather the early storm and shift momentum back toward their own attack.
Comeback in the second half
The second period opened with a fresh tempo. A set-piece routine broke the deadlock as a loose ball surfaced near the edge of the box. Mendibe moved decisively, unleashing a soft shot that looked harmless on the turn but slipped just inside the near post, catching the defense off guard and sending the home crowd into a brief cheer mix with anxious murmurs.
As the match progressed, Melilla continued to apply pressure through dynamic forward moves and sustained possession. Intercity absorbed the pressure and looked to strike on the break, but the home side demonstrated greater efficiency in converting chances into a tangible lead. The clock began to bleed the away side into a more cautious approach, while Melilla pushed to protect the advantage and extend their lead where possible.
With the scoreboard level in the closing stages, Intercity rallied. The visitors pushed high up the pitch, seeking a late goal that would alter the result and secure a valuable away point. The midfield battled to win second balls, and the defense held firm against a series of crosses and interchanges that threatened to unlock Melilla’s back line. The atmosphere grew tense as both sides traded for control in a tightly contested finish.
Intercity missed their first points at home (0-0)
After a brief spell of renewed pressure in the early stages of the second half, Melilla steadied the ship and began to anchor their performance with better organization and more decisive counterplay. The home team created several chances to reclaim the lead, including a series of crosses and quick, short passes that exposed gaps in Intercity’s defense. Intercity, however, did not concede ground easily, and their goalkeeper remained a constant threat in the air and on the ground, making crucial saves to maintain the stalemate.
In a final burst of activity late on, Melilla leveraged a set-piece opportunity from the left wing. The ball found its way to the far post, and a well-timed header headed toward danger before Montoya could secure it. He reacted quickly, smothering the ball and preserving the draw for his team in a tense finish that underscored the resilience of both sides as the whistle approached.
Throughout the match, Melilla demonstrated a stubborn, organized approach that kept Intercity at bay in the critical moments. The equalizer had briefly shifted the balance, but the home side’s resolve and the late defensive blocks ensured a hard-earned point in a challenging environment, reflecting a collective effort that emphasized discipline and tactical awareness against a determined opponent.
MATCH REPORT
MELILLA: Montoya; Yuste, Masogo, Migue García, González, Vini, Dani Martín, Caro, Siddiki, Moi Rodríguez, Dani García.
INTERCITY: Manu Herrera; Álvaro Pérez, Rafa Gálvez, Cristo, Eneko, Soldevila, Etxaniz, Xemi, Mendibe, Burlamaqui, Aarón Piñán.
GOALS: 1-0 (4) Dani García. 1-1 (46) Mendibe. 1-2 (85) Vadik.
REFEREE: Pablo Morales Moreno. Dani García cautioned Moi, Siddiki, and Mendibe.
STADIUM: Álvarez Claro.
Citations: This match report is adapted from primary coverage and with notes attributed to Melilla press sources. [Source: Melilla sports desk]