SC Torrevieja CF 4–1 Novelda Unión
Ismail (38), Matías (50, 68), Loel (90)
BY CHRIS PEACH
SC Torrevieja signed off their final home game of 2025 in emphatic fashion, preserving their perfect record at the Nelson Mandela Stadium with a commanding 4–1 victory over rivals Novelda Unión.
Head coach Piquero made a single change from the previous match, introducing Morales into the back line in place of Alex as Torry sought revenge for last season’s double defeat to the visitors.
The opening stages were cagey and physical, with neither side able to settle amid blustery conditions that disrupted the flow of play. Novelda threatened first when a speculative 30-yard lob drifted narrowly wide, while their combative approach saw Morales and Pucho both receive treatment and their right-back cautioned.
Torrevieja’s first clear opening arrived on the half-hour mark, forcing the Novelda goalkeeper into a sharp save at the far post from Breno’s fierce 20-yard drive. The breakthrough followed eight minutes later. A slick move down the right ended with Caleb feeding Pucho, whose measured cross was met by Ismail, powering a header past the keeper to put the hosts ahead.
The lead was nearly wiped out moments later when a loose pass left Novelda three-on-two, but Pizarro produced a superb double save to ensure Torry went into the interval with their advantage intact.
Half-time: SC Torrevieja 1–0 Novelda Unión
The hosts wasted no time extending their lead after the restart. Just five minutes into the second half, a loose throw-in fell kindly to Matías, who showed great composure inside the area to roll the ball into the bottom corner for 2–0.
Frustration grew for the visitors as tempers flared, particularly after Carmona escaped with a yellow card for a challenge that incensed the Novelda bench. Piquero responded by freshening things up on 62 minutes, introducing Ernesto, Toro and Loel.
Torrevieja continued to press, and Matías was at the heart of everything. After driving a counter-attack that ended with Ernesto firing over, the striker struck again on 68 minutes, bravely diving in at the back post to head home Pucho’s deep cross and make it 3–0.
Chances kept coming as Caleb tested the keeper with a low drive and Pucho blazed over from close range. Further changes followed, with Ramiro and Berenguer entering the fray, while Matías received a deserved ovation when replaced late on.
Novelda pulled one back on 88 minutes after a cross was not fully cleared, allowing a close-range finish to reduce the deficit. Any thoughts of a comeback were swiftly extinguished in stoppage time when Loel reacted quickest to a long throw, tapping in from the goal line after the keeper was caught out.
Full-time: SC Torrevieja 4–1 Novelda Unión
A dominant second-half performance sealed a thoroughly deserved victory for SC Torrevieja, who close out their home fixtures of 2025 with a flawless record and growing momentum heading into the next stage of the season.
Contact Torry Army Social Media on torryarmyfootball@gmail.com
With the Orange weather alert issued by Meteo all matches scheduled for Sunday, including Thader’s trip to L’Olleria CF, were postponed.
LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 12 DECEMBER
