Villarreal B turned a difficult scenario into a dramatic comeback to secure three points after extra time against Cartagena in a game that will be remembered for its late twists. The reserve side began the match confidently, taking the lead through Álex Millán in the early stages. However, Cartagena responded quickly, leveling through Borja Valle and then Kiko Olivas, turning the momentum in their favor and setting the tone for a contest that would ebb and flow until the final whistle.
In the second half, Luis Carrión’s squad appeared to have the upper hand as they controlled large portions of play. A pivotal moment arrived in the 70th minute when Villarreal B were awarded a penalty. Adrián de la Fuente converted from the spot, reigniting belief among the hosts. The visitors soon found themselves reduced to ten men after Pablo Vázquez was sent off for a second bookable offense, a decision that shifted the balance of the match in Villarreal B’s favor and intensified the late pressure on Cartagena.
With the numerical advantage and a sense of urgency, Villarreal B pressed relentlessly in the closing stages. The hosts completed an extraordinary turnaround by scoring three more times in rapid succession. Antonio Pacheco, Alex Flores, and Nikita Iosifov found the back of the net, sealing a memorable victory for the home side in front of their supporters.
The summary of Villarreal B vs. Cartagena Second Division 2022-2023: video, goals and statistics
In stoppage time, Nikita Iosifov unleashed a decisive goal to cap a remarkable comeback that showcased Villarreal B’s resilience in extra time.
moments later, Alex Flores netted again, amplifying the drama and signaling the subs’ triumph over adversity in the waning seconds of regular time.
Then Antonio Pacheco added another strike, completing the late sequence of goals and reaffirming Villarreal B’s fighting spirit as the clock ticked down.
Minute 76 saw Pablo Vázquez dismissed, leaving Cartagena with ten men for the closing stretch after receiving a second yellow card. The dismissal arrived shortly after he had taken the penalty that had altered the course of the match.
Minute 72 featured Adrián de la Fuente converting from the spot after a foul in the box, a goal that revived Villarreal B’s hope and underscored the importance of composure from the penalty mark.
Minute 70, a penalty for Villarreal B, set the stage for a home comeback that would become a defining moment of the season.
Minute 69 hinted at an opportunity for Mikel Rico to extend the visitors’ lead, but the hosts steadied themselves, regrouping for a late push.
As the second half opened, Villarreal B continued pressing, seeking the breakthrough that would swing the match in their favor.
At the 29th and 19th minutes, Kiko Olivas and Borja Valle had briefly shifted control back to Cartagena with goals from close range and a well-placed finish, signaling the visitors’ threat and the volatility of the contest.
Opening minutes saw Álex Millán strike first, with Fer Niño providing the assist as Groguet’s team gained early momentum and demanded a response from Cartagena.
The match kicked off in Castellón, laying the groundwork for a tense encounter that would eventually tilt in Villarreal B’s favor, thanks to a mix of skill, courage, and strategic adjustments from Carrión’s squad.
Lineups were confirmed for both sides as the countdown to kickoff ended, with Villarreal B aiming to translate possession into a decisive result and Cartagena hoping to capitalize on quick transitions and set-piece opportunities.
The event attracted attention from fans and analysts alike, who watched closely to assess how Villarreal B would respond to pressure and whether Cartagena could preserve their lead under late-stage scrutiny.
The poll question
- 52% Real Betty
- 11% Sao Paulo
- 5% Cremonese
- 25% Ajax
- 7% Burnley
16369 to vote