Sergi Guilló has the Orihuela cloud
On a match day packed with chances, Orihuela fought hard to cling to its Second RFEF status as Marbella challenged relentlessly. The visitors took quick control at Los Arcos, pressing the defense and testing the goalkeeper from the opening whistle. Aitor Arias had to react swiftly to a dangerous attempt, punching the ball clear and signaling that Marbella would not back down. Despite the early pressure not yielding a goal, Marbella broke through soon after through a well-timed assist from Carrasco, finished decisively by a composed strike that found the corner. The home side responded with grit, and Aitor Puñal showed calm under pressure, forcing a corner as the danger mounted.
Orihuela kept its shape and found its rhythm after the initial setback. A pivotal moment unfolded when Kamal moved into space and Moreno Muñoz awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Juanmi Callejón stood over the spot kick and restored parity, sending the ball to the net and reigniting belief in the home team. The crowd sensed a shift, and Orihuela pressed forward with renewed intensity as the clock ticked toward half-time.
As the first half closed, Orihuela pressed to take control in the Lejárraga area. Revilla connected with a header from a set-piece and Callejón sent another free kick just wide, signaling that the best opportunities were still to come for the hosts. The interval offered a moment to regroup, but the second half would prove equally fraught with tension and late drama.
Orihuela overcome and win thanks to Espejo’s double
When the match resumed, Orihuela immediately faced renewed pressure from Marbella, with danger arriving from the left flank where Goyo delivered an excellent cross that Kamal failed to convert on a couple of occasions. Marbella remained eager for a second goal as the Lejárraga goalmouth was subjected to a series of assaults. Aitor Arias stood tall again, repelling another wave of attacks and keeping the scoreboard level as the game moved into the decisive phases.
Orihuela gradually found its footing and began to threaten on the counter, with Espejo playing a central role in linking defense to attack. Espejo produced a decisive movement shortly after the break, collecting a rebound and firing into the net to give Orihuela the lead. The celebration was tempered by the knowledge that the match was far from over, as Marbella pressed for a quick reply to restore parity and avoid a setback at a critical moment of the campaign.
Locals hold on to ten
The second half developed into a tense battle, with Marbella seeking a quick way back into the contest. Kamal, not entirely finished, received another service from the left and created a handful of sharp opportunities, though the finishing touch eluded him several times. The visitors still had hope of constructing a late rally, and both teams traded chances as fatigue blended with urgency.
Midway through the second period, the outlook shifted again when Sergio Camacho received a second yellow card, reducing Orihuela to ten players with roughly a quarter of the match remaining. The numerical disadvantage could have unsettled the home side, yet Orihuela demonstrated resilience and organization, narrowing Marbella’s windows of opportunity and denying risky plays near the goal.
As the clock wound down, Marbella pressed with extra impetus, pushing for an equalizer in the closing moments. Aitor Arias again stood as the decisive barrier, denying a late shot and maintaining the slender lead that would carry Orihuela to the final whistle. The outcome reflected a hard-fought performance where strategic discipline and timely counters defined the result, securing crucial points for the home team in a season that demanded both courage and consistency.
Orihuela’s starting lineup was aligned for a challenging test against Marbella. The home side featured Aitor Arias in goal, with a backline anchored by Espejo, Marc, Goyo, and Escobar. Midfield presence came from Booker and Alu Koroma, with Camacho stepping in during the 31st minute and Kamal supported by Brian. Bellari and Juanmi Callejón completed the midfield trio, while Revilla and later Florian offered width and attacking options from the flanks.
Marbella set up with Lejárraga in goal, followed by a defensive line including Carrasco, Fran Moreno, Jorge Álvarez, and Óscar González. Olguín and De Vicente provided the engine room, with Ale and Delicado adding to the attack alongside Aitor Puñal and Ohemeng. The front line sought to exploit any lapse in the Orihuela defense, aiming to capitalize on quick transitions and set-piece excellence.
Goles were scarce in the early moments with the scoreline opening at nine minutes when Aitor Puñal finished a well-worked move. The hosts equalized through a Callejón penalty at twenty-four minutes, restoring parity and setting the stage for a tense second half. The match remained a tightly contested affair through the remainder of the game, with discipline and timely defending shaping the narrative as the teams traded advantages and held firm in defense.
Referee decisions kept both teams vigilant, with cautions issued as the tempo intensified. The tight sequences around the midfield and the final third highlighted the importance of tactical focus and composure. The stadium hosted a battle of nerves as players pushed for control in a match that reflected the grit and persistence required to compete at this level.
Final updates recorded a strong home performance, a testament to the squad’s resilience and the coaching staff’s game plan. The result stood as a reminder that every point matters in the league, especially for teams striving to sustain their presence in the Second RFEF.
Stadium: Los Arcos was the stage for this contest, with both sides contributing to an engaging and physical display that captivated spectators and reinforced the ongoing narrative of the season for Orihuela and Marbella.