In a match that had all the ingredients for drama, the Real Murcia and AD Ceuta faced off on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Estadio Enrique Roca, with the stakes higher than ever in their pursuit of the leadership in Group II of Primera Federación. The game concluded in a tense 1-1 draw, but the real story began long before the first whistle was blown.
As the Ceuta team arrived at the stadium, they were met with hostility from local fans. The atmosphere was charged, with eggs thrown at the team bus and death threats hurled at the players. "Hijos de puta, puta Ceuta, morir, hijos de puta, cabrones!" were some of the insults directed at the visiting team, highlighting the intense rivalry and pressure surrounding the match. The heightened emotions were not surprising given that Ceuta came into the game with a one-point lead in the standings, making this encounter pivotal for both teams.
Real Murcia had sold out all tickets for the match, anticipating a massive turnout to support their team in this crucial fixture. The club had issued a statement reinforcing security measures due to the expected crowd, reminding fans that ticket resale was prohibited under Law RD 2816/1982. They urged supporters to arrive early and cooperate with security protocols to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.
Ceuta, under the guidance of coach José Juan Romero, was riding a remarkable unbeaten streak, having not lost in their last 18 matches. They were just one game away from tying the record of 19 games without defeat, held by Racing de Santander and Deportivo de la Coruña, both of whom achieved direct promotion to Liga Hypermotion after such a feat. The pressure was palpable as both teams took to the pitch.
The first half saw a strong performance from Murcia, who controlled much of the play but struggled to convert their chances. In the 33rd minute, Ceuta struck first when Rodri Ríos scored, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Murcia. After scoring, Rodri showed a moment of sportsmanship by apologizing to the Murcia fans, acknowledging the emotional stakes of the match.
Despite going behind, the home team did not lose heart. They continued to push forward, and their persistence paid off in the second half. In the 82nd minute, David Flakus equalized for Real Murcia with a sensational goal. He intercepted a poor clearance from Ceuta’s goalkeeper Guille Vallejo and launched a shot from 40 meters out that curled into the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The passion and excitement in the stadium reached a fever pitch as fans celebrated the equalizer.
With the match tied at 1-1, both teams fought hard for a winner in the closing minutes. Murcia appeared more energized, pushing for a second goal that would secure all three points. Several close chances followed, including a header from David Vicente that went just wide of the post and a long-range shot from Ian Forns that was comfortably saved by Vallejo.
As the clock ticked down, the tension on the pitch mirrored the charged atmosphere in the stands. Seven minutes of added time were announced, and both teams seized the opportunity to create late chances. However, neither side could find a breakthrough, and the match ended in a stalemate.
The draw leaves Ceuta still at the top of the table, maintaining their one-point advantage over Murcia. With just a handful of matches remaining in the season, every point is crucial as both teams aim for promotion. The intensity of this match not only showcased the competitive spirit of the players but also highlighted the passionate rivalry between the two clubs.
As the dust settles on this encounter, both teams will reflect on their performances and prepare for the challenges ahead. For Ceuta, the unbeaten run continues, while Real Murcia will look to build on their resilience shown in the second half. The race for the top spot remains tight, and with several games left to play, fans can expect more thrilling moments as the season draws to a close.
