A remarkable afternoon on the road
CF Benidorm produced one of their most impressive performances of the season so far, coming from behind to beat Novelda Unión CF 4-2 away from home despite playing with ten men for majority of the game.
In a match featuring three penalties, a sending-off and a sensational solo goal, Benidorm showed the character and determination required to take all three points from a difficult away fixture.
The victory extends their unbeaten start to the league campaign to six matches, leaving Sergio Mora’s side top of the Lliga Comunitat table with 16 points from a possible 18. Five wins and one draw. Six games unbeaten. And another three points secured on the road.
Team news and starting XI
Arona, who returned to training earlier in the week following his recent head injury, was deemed not fit enough to be involved in the matchday squad against Novelda.
CF Benidorm lined up with the following starting XI:
- 1 Arcana
- 2 Denzel
- 4 Bipe
- 8 Marcos
- 9 Cobo
- 10 Santos
- 11 Pato
- 18 Alvarito
- 23 Luis
- 27 Davi
- 30 Cario
First-half goals and a costly dismissal
The match got off to a challenging start for Benidorm as the hosts took the lead, forcing the visitors to respond. Benidorm found their equaliser through Álvaro, who reacted quickest to a rebound to make it 1-1 and bring his side back into the contest.
However, Novelda regained the advantage before half-time, converting a penalty to make it 2-1. The incident also resulted in Bipe receiving a second yellow card, leaving Benidorm with ten men. It was a significant setback for Sergio Mora’s side. Not only did they head into the break trailing, but they also faced the prospect of playing the remainder of the match with a numerical disadvantage.
At 2-1 down, with a man sent off, the challenge facing Benidorm was clear. They needed to find a way back into the game while managing the additional demands of playing with ten men.
What followed was an outstanding response.
Benidorm turn the game on its head
Despite the disadvantage, Benidorm refused to let the game slip away.
The visitors were awarded a penalty in the second half, and Luis stepped up to convert, bringing the score to 2-2 and giving Benidorm a route back into the match. With the scores level, the momentum had shifted. Benidorm had overcome the setback of the first half and were now pushing to complete a remarkable turnaround.
The decisive moment came through Cobo, who produced an outstanding solo goal to put Benidorm ahead for the first time in the match. At 3-2, the visitors were on the brink of a memorable victory. But there was still work to do, and Novelda would have been looking for a way back into the contest.
Benidorm held their nerve, and Cobo delivered the final blow.
In the 90th minute, Cobo converted another penalty to make it 4-2, completing his brace and putting the result beyond doubt. From trailing 2-1 at half-time to winning 4-2, Benidorm had produced an incredible comeback despite playing with ten men.
Three penalties, one sending-off and a statement victory
This was no ordinary away win. Three penalties and a sending-off made for a dramatic contest, but the defining feature of the afternoon was Benidorm’s response to adversity.
Álvaro’s rebound finish brought them level in the first half, Luis’s penalty restored parity in the second, and Cobo’s solo effort and late penalty completed the turnaround.
To score three second-half goals after being reduced to ten men is a testament to the team’s determination and attacking threat. The result also provides another example of Benidorm finding a way to win when circumstances do not go their way. With the season still in its early stages, collecting points in challenging away fixtures will be crucial to maintaining their position among the league’s leading sides.
Three points on the road, four goals scored and another victory added to an already impressive start.
Six games unbeaten and top of the table
The victory takes CF Benidorm to 16 points from their opening six league fixtures.
Their record now stands at five wins and one draw, leaving them unbeaten and top of the Lliga Comunitat table heading into next weekend.
It is an excellent return for Sergio Mora’s side, who have continued to build momentum with each passing week. The draw against Almoradí last weekend saw Benidorm drop their first points of the campaign, but the response against Novelda was emphatic. Winning away from home in such dramatic circumstances will only add to the confidence within the squad.
There is still a long way to go this season, but Benidorm have given themselves an excellent platform from which to build.
Next up: a potential top-of-the-table clash
Attention now turns to next weekend, when CF Benidorm return home to face CD Olímpic. Olímpic currently sit second in the table, meaning the fixture could be a first-versus-second encounter, depending on the results elsewhere before kick-off.
It is an opportunity for Benidorm to carry their unbeaten run into another important fixture and potentially strengthen their position at the top of the standings.
After the drama at Novelda, the team will be looking to build on their momentum in front of their home support. The challenge will be significant, but Benidorm have shown they have the character to overcome difficult situations. The unbeaten start continues, and next weekend’s home fixture against second-placed CD Olímpic could provide another major test of Benidorm’s credentials.
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