By Chris Peach
Ribarroja CF 2-2 SC Torrevieja (AET)
Torrevieja won 4-3 on penalties
A superb travelling support of more than 100 Torry fans made the long journey north of Valencia as SC Torrevieja faced Ribarroja CF in the second leg of their playoff semi-final.
Following a goalless first leg at the Nelson Mandela, Piquero’s side arrived knowing they were slight underdogs against the northern league runners-up. There was just one change from the first leg, with Manresa coming into the starting line-up in place of Caleb.
The match could hardly have started worse for Torrevieja. Ribarroja struck early after a quick break down the right wing. The attacker appeared to be offside in the build-up, but play continued and a low cross was turned home from close range to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Torry’s response was outstanding. Within minutes they were level after a corner was not properly cleared by the home defence. Gálvez forced the ball back into the danger area, where Matías controlled well before drilling a low strike into the far corner to make it 1-1.
The equaliser settled Torrevieja, who began to take control of the contest. Ribarroja briefly threatened with a shot from the edge of the box that flashed just wide of Pizana’s post, but the visitors were growing in confidence.
That confidence paid off midway through the first half when Breno capitalised on a defensive mistake, racing through on goal before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper to put Torry 2-1 ahead on the night.
Torrevieja almost extended their advantage before the break. Manresa twice tested the goalkeeper in quick succession, first with a volley from a corner and then with an acrobatic overhead kick from the rebound. Moments later, Breno saw a deflected effort narrowly miss the target after excellent work from Ismail at the back post. Manresa then came within inches of scoring again, only for the Ribarroja goalkeeper to produce a superb fingertip save on the line.
Half-time: Ribarroja CF 1-2 SC Torrevieja
After a shaky opening, Torrevieja fully deserved their half-time lead and looked the more dangerous side going forward.
Breno was unable to continue after the interval and Caleb replaced him at the break. Torry continued to search for a crucial third goal, with Ismail trying his luck from distance early in the second half, while Lucho delivered a dangerous free-kick towards Alex at the far post that just evaded the full-back.
Piquero reshaped his side on 63 minutes, introducing Jose Toro for Pucho and switching to a back four as Ribarroja began to push forward. The home side then enjoyed their strongest spell of the game and came agonisingly close to equalising when a fierce strike from a narrow angle crashed against the Torry post.
Further changes saw Carmona and Ernesto introduced for Ismail and Manresa as the visitors looked to freshen things up. Matías nearly settled the tie with a wonderful effort that drifted just wide, while Gálvez squandered a huge late chance after breaking into the box, blazing over with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Ribarroja refused to give in and piled on late pressure. They headed wide from a corner and then wasted another glorious opportunity from close range. Deep into stoppage time, Torry hearts were broken when a deep cross was met by a diving header to make it 2-2 and send the tie into extra time.
Both sides looked exhausted as extra time began, with Otman replacing Alex early on. Ernesto fired over from a promising position after Morales had seen his shot blocked, while Gálvez forced a routine save before being replaced by youth player Ousmane for the second period of extra time.
The drama continued right until the end. Torrevieja thought they had regained the lead during a frantic goalmouth scramble, with Matías, Morales and Ernesto all having attempts on goal. Many inside the ground were convinced the ball had crossed the line before being cleared, but the officials waved play on.
After extra time: Ribarroja CF 2-2 SC Torrevieja
With no further breakthrough, the tie went to penalties. Torrevieja held their nerve superbly in the shootout, winning 4-3. Matías, Carmona, Otman and Abadía all converted their spot-kicks, while Pizana produced a crucial save and Ribarroja also missed from the spot.
The shootout victory booked Torrevieja’s place in the playoff final against Benidorm CF. Over the two legs, Torry were unquestionably the stronger side and fully deserved their opportunity to fight for promotion.
