CF Benidorm enjoyed another positive weekend, with the first team continuing their perfect start to the Lliga Comunitat season while the youth women also picked up a pre-season victory. The first team made it four wins from four with a hard-fought 2–1 victory away at Rayo Ibense, taking their points tally to a maximum 12 from 12 and moving two points clear at the top of the table after the opening four rounds.
Benidorm travelled to the Francisco Vilaplana Mariel knowing that another victory would keep their perfect record intact, but this was far from a straightforward afternoon. The starting XI was: 1 Arcana, 2 Denzel, 3 Viti, 4 Bipe, 5 Arona, 11 Pato, 18 Alvarito, 19 Daniel, 23 Luis, 27 Davi and 30 Cario. There was also a familiar face on the opposition side, with former Benidorm teammate Hector featuring for Rayo Ibense.
The opening half was a relatively quiet affair, with neither side able to find the breakthrough. Benidorm had to remain patient as Rayo Ibense made life difficult, with the score still goalless at the interval. After a first half without a goal, however, the match finally opened up after the break.
Benidorm took the lead following a short corner that created chaos inside the Rayo Ibense penalty area. The ball pinballed around the box before eventually being turned into the hosts’ own net, giving Benidorm the breakthrough they had been looking for and putting them in front away from home.
The lead was then doubled almost immediately, and it was Cario who produced the moment of individual quality. The forward cut in from the right wing before curling an excellent effort towards the far post, producing another ‘Benidorm Messi’ moment and giving his side a 2–0 advantage. It was a finish that showcased the confidence Cario is playing with and gave Benidorm a crucial cushion.
Rayo Ibense responded by pulling a goal back and suddenly the final stages became considerably more uncomfortable for the visitors. Benidorm were forced to defend their lead for the final ten minutes as Rayo looked for an equaliser, but the lads held on to secure another three points and maintain their 100 per cent record.
The result means CF Benidorm have now taken all 12 points available to them from the opening four rounds. Four wins from four leaves them sitting pretty at the top of the table, with a two-point advantage over the chasing pack. It may still be very early in the season, but Benidorm have given themselves an excellent platform after the opening month of competitive action.
Youth Women Continue Pre-Season Preparations With Another Win
There was also a positive result for the CF Benidorm youth women, who came through a five-goal contest against Elche Promises with a 3–2 victory in their third pre-season fixture.
The result was another win to build on ahead of the new league campaign, although the performance itself was viewed as an opportunity to learn and improve. Benidorm never really felt comfortable during the game and made mistakes that had not been present in their previous encounters, giving the coaching staff plenty to work on before the competitive season begins.
Ana, María and Vane, known as Bicho, were the goalscorers for Benidorm as they eventually came through the match 3–2. While the result was welcome, the bigger objective at this stage is continuing to develop the squad, correcting the mistakes made during the game and working towards finding their best level before the league campaign gets underway.
Pre-season is ultimately about preparation, and this match provided another valuable test for the young side. There is still plenty of room for improvement, but another game under their belts and another victory gives the squad further momentum as they continue getting ready for the start of the season.
CF Benidorm also wished Elche Promises well for the new challenge ahead, with both sides continuing their preparations for the season.
CF Benidorm B Suffer Narrow Defeat
It was a tougher weekend for CF Benidorm B, who were beaten 1–0 away from home by Sporting Benidorm. The match was decided by a single goal, with the B team unable to find a response before the final whistle.
The result will be disappointing for the side, particularly given the narrow margin, but the B team will now have the opportunity to respond in their next fixture and continue their development as the season progresses.
Another Positive Weekend for the Club
With the first team maintaining their perfect start, the youth women adding another pre-season victory and the B team gaining another competitive experience despite defeat, there was plenty to take from another weekend of action across CF Benidorm.
For the first team, the headline remains four wins from four and 12 points from 12. They have made an excellent start to the campaign and now sit two points clear at the top of the table. There is still a long season ahead, but after four rounds, the blue and white remain unbeaten and firmly established at the summit.
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