DATA SHEET:
Intercity suffered a damaged third straight loss during a visit to Bilbao. The trip underscored a result crisis, not because of the performance alone but due to broader context beyond the pitch. Despite a solid display and moments of dominance in a tightly contested match against Athletic Club B, the Alicante side came away with a single goal and no points. Michael Gotti left Alicante without finding the net.
The match began with an even balance between the two sides. Athletic Club B started the action first, yet they did not translate that pressure into a goal. The early phase showed how closely matched the teams would be on the day.
The game opened up slightly around the 18th minute when Intercity threatened for the first time. A sharp effort from Xemi found Padilla in a promising position, but the play was ruled offside before any score could be recorded.
As the minutes passed, the contest grew more balanced with chances for both teams. Manu Herrera stood tall to deny Adu Ares from point-blank range in the 29th minute. A few minutes later, the Alicante keeper again produced a crucial intervention, preventing Pascual from scoring with a last-ditch effort on the goal line. Intercity pushed forward as well, with Christian, after receiving a pass from Ferroni, forcing a difficult save as his shot rose over the crossbar.
In the second half, Intercity looked more determined to take control, displaying greater intensity and creating more danger than in the opening period. Padilla managed to find the back of the net in the 51st minute with a finish that showcased the visitors’ renewed urgency. Etxaniz, meanwhile, contributed notably with a key save that kept the scoreline tight during that sequence.
The relentless tempo from Alicante continued to cast doubt on Bilbao’s defense, particularly around dead-ball situations where the hosts showed signs of vulnerability.
Nevertheless, Athletic Club B weathered the storm and finally struck back. At the 70th minute, Mikel Goti capitalized on a moment of indiscipline in Intercity’s defense and beat Manu Herrera with a composed header. The initial save by Herrera was not enough to stop the rebound, and Goti finished decisively, restoring parity and energizing his team for the closing stages.
The goal by Goti altered the balance of the match, and Bilbao pushed forward in search of a winner. They did not surrender their hope, but the tie held for the remainder of regulation time. Nsue tested the goalkeeper with a shot in the 86th minute, and Carmona followed with another attempt that skimmed over the crossbar. In stoppage time, Soldevila delivered a dangerous cross that Etxaniz could not convert in time, leaving the match without a second goal.
The Intercity side left the field visibly disappointed, a contrast to Athletic Club B’s relief and satisfaction after collecting three valuable points. The Alicante squad returned home knowing they had put in a strong away performance but were unable to translate it into victory.
Looking ahead, Intercity will aim to snap a three-game winless run as they face a direct rival on the table in their next fixture. The team’s schedule remains challenging, and their focus will be on restoring momentum as they seek to climb back into the upper half of the standings. Meanwhile, Athletic Club B will look to consolidate their position and build from this hard-earned result.
DATA SHEET:
►ATHLETIC CLUB B: Padilla, Rincón, Eguiluz, Mandibe, De Jesús, Naveira, Gere, Unai Gómez (Jon Cabo, 68), Luis Bilbao (Alejandro Rego 82), Edu Ares (Jon Guruzeta, 82) and Pascual (Mikel Goti, 68).
►CD INTERCITY: Manu Herrera, Vadik (Álvaro Pérez, 89), Kecojevic, Rafa Gálvez (Carmona, 72), Nsue, Undabarrena, Bellotti (Pol Roigé, 79), Ferroni, Cristian (Soldevilla, 79), Xemi and Etxaniz.
►JUDGE: Miguel Gonzalez Diaz. He issued yellow cards to Naveira, Pascual and Rincón for Athletic Club B and Xemi for Intercity.
►AIM: 1-0, 70 minutes, Mikel Goti.
►STADIUM: Sports City of Lezama, Athletics Club.