A notable win for Orihuela as Ayo finds the net in a competitive match that showcased the locals at their best. From the opening minutes, the local side seized the moment when a red card altered the balance. Iván Casado of La Unión was sent off after a straight dismissal just two minutes into the game, forcing the visitors to rethink their approach while the Scorpions capitalized on the early misfortune. The early exchanges in La Calzada saw the locals handling the ball with poise, even if skillful execution was not yet fully on display. The tone of the game shifted as Orihuela pressed to convert the advantage into a decisive lead, with La Unión standing firm in defense during the initial spells.
La Unión created risk from set pieces and managed to hold the score steady through a goalless first half. A diving header by Luis Castillo and a shot from Florian, a former Orihuela native, posed challenges for Aitor Arias, who had to organize his defense with precision. The visitors appeared resolute and stubborn, keeping Orihuela at bay until the break.
The restart brought the breakthrough for Orihuela just four minutes after the break. Ayo fired a precise shot into the box that found its mark past the Murcian goalkeeper, opening a new phase of the match and forcing La Unión to push forward to recover parity. The goal shifted the initiative, inviting more pressure from the home side while testing La Unión’s defensive structure. The adjustment highlighted Orihuela’s intent to capitalize on the new momentum and maintain control of the tempo. Ayo’s moment created a chain reaction, as visitors were compelled to respond with renewed urgency and more attacking intent.
Throughout the second half, La Unión attempted to respond with increased offensive zeal, but Orihuela’s defense stayed organized and compact. An attempted advance by the visitors led to a controversial moment when a promising opportunity broke down due to an offside call that negated a potential equalizer. The sequence underscored how a single decision could influence the flow of a tightly contested match, keeping the outcome in doubt until the closing minutes.
In the closing stages, La Unión earned several chances from set pieces as Arias, who had been introduced late in the game, worked to protect the lead. Despite the pressure and a display of stubborn resistance from the visitors, Orihuela held firm and clinched the victory with the final whistle. The win extended Orihuela’s positive run in the league and added another three points in a campaign marked by consistent results and team cohesion. The performance underscored the team’s ability to turn a difficult early moment into a successful result.
Congratulations go to Los Arcos and the Orihuela squad for showcasing resilience, tactical discipline, and a capacity to convert opportunities when it mattered most. The match reinforced the competitive spirit of the league and highlighted the ongoing development of the local side as a credible force in the division.
[Citation: Local sports desk, match report on Orihuela vs La Unión, post-match analysis.]