Rayo Ibense Sports Association has returned to the Tercera División after defeating Club de Fútbol La Nucía B in a penalty shootout. The decisive moment came after a 120-minute stalemate in Quart de Poblet, Valencia, where the two Alicante-based teams finished the clash with penalties tallied at eleven meters apiece.
The Rayista goalkeeper delivered the night’s key saves, stopping three shots while his teammates converted their three attempts. Rafa, Pepe, and Santi found the back of the net, cementing the victory as La Nucía B’s attempts were thwarted by two bold tackles from Dani and a thwarted effort on the final shot. The scene shifted into celebration as Rayo Ibense clinched promotion.
Rayo Ibense’s goalkeeper earned acclaim for the save that secured promotion to the Third RFEF. The moment was captured as a turning point for the club and its supporters, celebrated by fans and officials alike.
From the opening whistle, the Rayista side, under coach William Fernandez, controlled the tempo with sustained possession, precise touches, and quick transitions that kept the pace high. The game displayed a clear dominance in control, with Rayo Ibense dictating play through patient buildup and sharp attacking forays.
Despite the clear momentum in favor of the home team on the night, luck held a stubborn grip. UD Rayo Ibense maintained pressure through most of the match, and with less than ten minutes remaining, they created a golden opportunity to seal the promotion without extra time, only to be denied by a final defensive stand and the relentless resolve of La Nucía B’s goalkeeper and defense.
Rayo Ibense’s celebrations extended beyond the field as players, staff, and supporters shared a moment of triumph following the final whistle. The squad’s joy reflected not only a season’s worth of effort but also a special bond among the players and the coaching staff as they anticipated a new chapter in their football journey.
In the aftermath, the team united in a captain’s celebration as striker Jorge Pérez Ortín lifted the trophy for promotion to the Third Division. Photographers and fans captured the scene as the crowd’s cheers filled the venue, marking a historic milestone for the club and its supporters.
The night in Quart de Poblet became a fitting finale to a season marked by perseverance. For the players, the triumph held particular poignancy for veterans, with one notable moment: a veteran player celebrating after learning of a new family addition, a touching reminder of life beyond football that fans and teammates embraced with warmth and appreciation.
As the squad donned white shirts bearing the club shield and the motto, the moment of unity was palpable. The roster listed a blend of veterans and rising stars, including Alfredo, Dani, Ethan, Pepe Palau, Bari, Guardiola, Javier Moreno, Alexis, Francis, Yago, Paco, Víctor, Grego, Caste, Rafa Pina, Anto, Gálvez, Banderas, Omar, Adri Cintas, Devesa, Carlos Calabuig, Jorge, Alejandro, Angel, and Kiko, each player’s name woven into the fabric of the club’s story and future hopes.
In the celebrations that followed, the club marked the occasion with a ceremonial moment and a fountain celebration, a tradition of triumph for Rayo Ibense’s supporters. The night was extra meaningful for supporters, players, and staff alike, a memory of overcoming obstacles and reaching a long-awaited goal after a season of intense effort and commitment. The club’s return to the Tercera División signified a fresh chapter, one that fans hoped would bring continued success and pride for the community surrounding UD Rayo Ibense.
Notes from the night highlighted the sense of unity and the shared dream that propelled the team forward. The victory served as a reminder of the power of teamwork, discipline, and belief, qualities that the club has demonstrated throughout the campaign and will likely carry into the upcoming season as they prepare to compete in the Third Division with renewed vigor and a strong sense of mission.