Match Recap: Cádiz CF and Burgos CF Battle to 1-1 Draw at Nuevo Mirandilla
On a chilly evening at Nuevo Mirandilla, Cádiz CF and Burgos CF played to a tense 1-1 draw, leaving both teams with mixed emotions as the game concluded. The fixture was intense, marked by tactical adjustments, important player substitutions, and one major VAR intervention.
The first half saw both teams engaging cautiously, with neither side able to generate concrete scoring opportunities. The home team, Cádiz, under coach Gaizka Garitano, modified their tactical setup to adopt a 1-4-4-2 formation for this match, contrary to their previous strategy, hoping to solidify their defense.
According to reports from Diario AS, early attempts by Cádiz included Carlos Fernández, who failed to find the target with his shot. Javier Ontiveros was also active, but much of the first half passed without significant action, and the teams went scoreless at halftime.
After the break, the tide began to turn. Garitano's substitutions, including bringing on Brian Ocampo, injected newfound energy to the Cádiz attack. Ocampo's remarkable play culminated in the day's opening goal, as he weaved through defenders before firing home from the edge of the area, giving Cádiz the lead with 15 minutes to play.
Yet, as the home fans started to celebrate what seemed like another victory, the match took another twist. The referee, Muñiz Muñoz, turned to VAR to review a late incident. A fouled player sparked controversy as Fede San Emeterio was sent off after receiving his second yellow card—an event noted by experts as pivotal. The foul led to a penalty awarded to Burgos CF.
Álex Sancris stepped up to take the penalty, slotting it past keeper David Gil, restoring parity just minutes before full time. This late-game drama saw the visitors snatch what many deemed a hard-earned point.
Mario Cantero had another challenging match as the Burgos goalkeeper, but he managed to maintain composure, especially after conceding Ocampo's goal. Reportedly, Cantero struggled with footwork but performed admirably to keep his team competitive.
Player evaluations highlighted individuals from both sides. Pipa Ávila for Cádiz demonstrated notable performance, working diligently to shut down opposing threats. David López was deployed effectively for Burgos, battling aerial threats effectively. While new starters Mario Cantero and Marcelo Expósito faced expectations amid their first-team selections, their performances were mixed. Cantero, though shaky initially, managed to contribute significantly after Ocampo’s goal and during the penalty.
After the match, coach Ramis expressed mixed feelings over the result. He believed they could have secured all three points and emphasized the need for his players to value ball possession more effectively. Meanwhile, Gil, the Cádiz goalkeeper, lamented the two points lost but praised the team's efforts, stating, "We've deserved the victory and it's unfortunate we conceded from the penalty. But the team fought hard."
Cádiz’s next matchup will see them face Almeria, as they hope to turn this bitter disappointment of not taking full points at home around. Burgos CF, meanwhile, will look to build on the point earned as they prepare to welcome bottom-placed Tenerife at El Plantío.
With both teams still vying for improved standings, this match will serve as another chapter filled with lessons learned as they unwrap another weekend of Segunda División football.
