Playoff Semi-Finals 1st leg
SC Torrevieja CF 0-0 Ribarroja CF
BY CHRIS PEACH
SC Torrevieja were left kicking themselves after a dominant first-leg performance ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ribarroja CF at a packed Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Torry had the chances, the pressure and the momentum, but could not find the finishing touch to take an advantage into next weekend’s difficult away leg.
The home side started like a team determined to seize control of the semi-final tie. Inside the opening five minutes, Breno almost gave them the perfect start when he broke forward on a swift counter-attack and fired narrowly wide.
That early warning set the pattern for the first half. Torrevieja controlled possession, pressed high and forced Ribarroja deep into their own half. The visitors struggled to build any rhythm, while Torry repeatedly found space in dangerous areas.
Matías came close to producing a spectacular opener when he met an inswinging corner with an overhead kick, forcing the Ribarroja goalkeeper into a superb diving save. It was the kind of moment that had the home crowd on its feet and underlined Torrevieja’s attacking intent.
After the first-half water break, the hosts went even closer. Caleb delivered a superb cross from the left, picking out Matías at the far post, but his effort struck the woodwork as Ribarroja survived again.
Gálvez was a constant threat down the right, driving at defenders and causing problems with his movement. One clever run took him into the penalty area, but his attempted cross towards Ismail drifted too close to the goalkeeper. Moments later, Matías found Ismail inside the six-yard box, only for a heavy touch to let the chance slip away.
At half-time, Torrevieja had completely controlled the contest and restricted Ribarroja to no meaningful effort on goal — yet the score remained 0-0.
The second half brought more frustration. Matías released Ismail through soon after the restart, but the visiting keeper reacted quickly, racing off his line to smother the danger.
Torrevieja kept piling forward. Gálvez forced another save at the near post, Breno headed over from a Pucho corner, and Caleb combined neatly with Ismail in another dangerous attack before the loose ball spun kindly for a defender to clear.
Ribarroja finally threatened midway through the half when a dangerous free-kick caused alarm in the box. Pizana was then called into action for the first time, tipping a powerful strike wide for a corner.
Still, Torry looked the more likely winners. Pucho sent Ismail through again, but the attempted lob lacked conviction and was comfortably claimed.
Piquero introduced Carmona, Javi Berenguer, Ernesto, Toro and Otman as the hosts chased a breakthrough. Abadía almost delivered it with a fierce eight-yard strike, before Berenguer sliced the final chance wide in the 90th minute.
Torrevieja will wonder how they failed to score, but they travel to Ribarroja with belief. The tie remains level — and very much alive.
In the second semi final played on Saturday a first-half goal by Emilio gave Benidorm a 1-0 success in their trip to Tavernes
