La Nucía claimed victory once more at the Camilo Cano Pavilion, not only grabbing three points but also signaling authority in the league. The 7-4 win over Covisa Manresa, the second-placed side, creates a four-point gap at the top between the leader and its closest challenger. The outcome could decide the title race, representing the best result of the current season and pushing the red team closer to a second consecutive promotion. All this unfolds as David Valverde’s squad regains the confidence needed to travel to Peñíscola on January 6 for the first Final Four semi-final against the host. (Source: league standings and match reports)
Meanwhile, Marina Baja’s side secured a place among the four finalists for the First Futsal Community Super Cup. Alongside La Nucía, Peñíscola and Picassent from the Second Division B and Alzira from the top tier will participate in the final stage. The semi-finals will be held at the Juan Vizcarro Pavilion on Saturday, January 6, with La Nucía facing Peñíscola at 17:30 and Alzira meeting Picassent at 20:00. The winner of the two semi-finals will meet in the final, scheduled for Sunday, January 7 at 12:00 in the town of Castellón. (Source: event organizers)
Peñíscola, a top-tier challenger
This opening clash against the Alicante squad has generated high expectations due to the quality on display. The team, guided by last season’s best coach in the second league, finished 2023 four points clear of relegation and still alive in the Copa del Rey. Notable players to watch include Diego Quintela and Francisco Paniagua, who figured prominently after Peñíscola’s promotion to the First League. Quintela and Paniagua have combined for 11 goals in 16 matches, making them among the league’s top scorers and ranking their partnership as a central threat. The Galician midfielder who previously wore the Barça and Palma Futsal jerseys, along with ElPozo Murcia’s winger who played for Murcia, contribute experience and goal threat to the side. (Source: team profiles and season statistics)
Last season’s champions of the second league have also transformed their home venue into a formidable fortress. Peñíscola has produced the most goals in the league at their arena and has converted half of their home fixtures into victories. Only ElPozo Murcia has matched their goal output on the road, underscoring Peñíscola’s strong home form as the season progresses. (Source: league records)
The Nucía squad faces an opponent two divisions older, yet they arrive with an excellent win rate. The red team, promoted from the Third League last season, earned a place in the Final Four by finishing second in the regular stage. After a setback against Alzira (3-5) on the opening day, Valverde’s squad recovered to defeat Nueva Elda (6-4) and draw with Levante (5-5) in the following matches, winning the tie with a slim margin that secured advancement. (Source: match-by-match results)
Dominance in the league
In the Second Division B, La Nucía’s superiority is even more evident. They closed the first round with a robust record, dropping only a single point in the long campaign. The team logged twelve victories and a defeat to Picassent, plus a draw, before embarking on a ten-game winning streak that began in late September. They have led the table since the third matchday. (Source: season standings)
Valverde’s group remains the only consistently successful outfit in the division up to this point, winning every away game and posting the most goals scored away from home with 37. They have also conceded the fewest goals on the road, with only 15 against them. The leadership of the squad has been reinforced by standout scorers who have carried the offense this season. Juan Castell tops the charts with 17 goals, followed by Adrián Medrano, known as Pelonça, with 13. Veteran striker Roberto Tobe, a pillar of the squad, also features prominently. Tobe has worn the armband in previous teams, including Peñíscola, Leganés, and Betis, adding a wealth of experience to the group. (Source: player statistics and club history)
La Nucía’s roster, bolstered by eight new signings after last season’s promotion, blends young talent with veterans. Many additions came from the former club Nueva Elda FS, with Camilo Cano often serving as a strategic bench alternative. New arrivals include Alberto Castelló, Abel Fernández, Matheus Nunes, Iván Cantó, Juan Castell, and, during the winter market, Iker Benítez. (Source: transfer updates and squad notes)
Futsal clubs in Alicante province mobilize against the Valencian Community Football Federation
The Marina Baja club is scheduled to close the first round against Industrias Santa Coloma’s affiliate in January, once the league’s midseason events conclude. (Source: federation schedules)