BY CHRIS PEACH
CF BENIDORM 1 – 3 SC TORREVIEJA (Scorers Morales 2, Gálvez – Aggregate over 2 legs, Torry 4 Benidorm 2)
SC Torrevieja CF secured promotion to the Tercera RFEF in magnificent fashion on Sunday, producing a composed and clinical display to beat CF Benidorm 3-1 in the decisive second leg of their play-off final at a packed Estadio Guillermo Amor.
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, the tie was perfectly poised heading into the return. Torrevieja made just one change to their starting line-up, with Manresa coming in for Breno, and the visitors quickly showed they had arrived in confident mood.
They made an assured start, controlling possession and settling into the contest impressively. Their bright opening was rewarded after just 13 minutes when captain Morales surged forward from right-back and finished expertly at the far post following excellent work by Caleb and Matías to hand Torrevieja a vital early lead.
Benidorm gradually worked their way into the game and began to threaten. A spectacular acrobatic effort flew over the bar before the home side came close to drawing level when their powerful number nine broke through, only for Torrevieja goalkeeper Pizana to race from his line and make an outstanding save.
The hosts continued to press and went close again shortly before the break, but a hurried lob sailed over the bar. Their equaliser finally came in the 41st minute after a controversial moment in the area ended with the referee pointing to the spot. Benidorm’s number 10 kept his composure and tucked the penalty into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
With the scores level on the night and across both legs at half-time, the contest remained finely balanced. Torrevieja, however, emerged for the second half with renewed purpose.
Matías was presented with an early chance after a quickly taken free-kick, but from a narrow angle he fired wide. Morales remained a constant outlet on the right, repeatedly causing problems with his deliveries, while Pizana was once again called upon to react sharply and gather the ball on the goal line following a frantic goalmouth scramble.
Torrevieja made their first substitution on 61 minutes, Breno replacing Ismail, and moments later they restored their lead in sensational style. Morales, already influential throughout, produced the decisive moment as his inswinging corner flew directly into the net to make it 2-1.
The visitors now had the momentum. Gálvez nearly added a third after combining well with Matías, while Morales almost repeated his corner trick again. Benidorm pushed desperately for a way back and came within inches when a curling effort drifted narrowly wide.
But with ten minutes remaining, Torrevieja delivered the knockout blow. Gálvez reacted quickest inside the penalty area to smash home a half-volley after a deflected effort fell kindly into his path, sealing a memorable 3-1 victory.
Benidorm’s frustration boiled over deep into stoppage time when their number 11 was sent off for a second yellow card, and moments later the final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among players and travelling supporters.
It was a performance full of discipline, belief and quality, and one that completed a memorable campaign in style.
Torrevieja’s promotion was warmly praised by the city’s mayor, who travelled to the match and congratulated the team on bringing joy to supporters throughout the season. He added that there would be “a very happy fan in heaven today” watching his beloved Torrevieja return to the Third Division.
