In a thrilling encounter that lived up to its high stakes, AD Ceuta FC managed to maintain their lead in Group II of the Primera Federación after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Real Murcia at the packed Nueva Condomina stadium on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The match, which was pivotal in the race for promotion, showcased the intensity and passion of both teams, making it a memorable event for players and fans alike.
Ceuta, currently sitting atop the standings with 53 points, came into this match with a slim one-point lead over second-placed Murcia. With only seven matchdays remaining in the season and five teams vying for promotion, every point is crucial. The pressure was palpable as both sides took to the pitch, knowing that a victory could significantly bolster their chances of ascending to the Segunda.
The atmosphere was electric, with the home crowd eager to support their team. As of Friday, April 11, 2025, approximately 2,500 tickets remained for the match, indicating a full house was on the horizon. More than 300 Ceuta fans made the trip to support their team, despite the controversial decision to block online ticket sales for the away section.
Ceuta's coach, José Juan Romero, spoke about the significance of the match leading up to kickoff. He emphasized the team's remarkable unbeaten streak of 18 matches, which is now one of the longest in the history of the league. "Precioso," he said, referring to the team's performance and the privilege of competing at such a high level. Romero also addressed the challenges of travel, mentioning the team's early morning boat ride and road trip before the match. "Here nobody teleports," he joked, highlighting the dedication of his squad.
As the match kicked off, Ceuta displayed their dominance early on. In the 32nd minute, Rodri Ríos opened the scoring with a stunning acrobatic goal, putting Ceuta ahead 1-0. He chose not to celebrate out of respect for the Murcia fans, with whom he shares a special bond. The first half ended with Ceuta in control, having effectively silenced the home crowd.
However, the second half saw Real Murcia come out with renewed vigor. Under the guidance of coach Fran Fernández, the home side pushed for an equalizer, driven by the support of their fans. Fernández acknowledged the importance of the match but remained grounded, stating, "This game is important, but not definitive." He also noted that his team had improved significantly since January, which added to the anticipation of the match.
In the 80th minute, the breakthrough for Murcia came when a mistake from Ceuta's goalkeeper, Guille Vallejo, allowed David Flakus to score, leveling the match at 1-1. Despite the setback, Ceuta's position remained secure in the standings due to the earlier loss of UD Ibiza to Marbella, which allowed them to keep their lead.
Both teams had opportunities to secure the win in the final minutes, but the match ended in a draw, leaving Ceuta still at the top of the table. The result was a testament to the competitive nature of the league, where every point counts.
The lineups for the match were as follows: Ceuta started with Guille Vallejo in goal, supported by Aisar, Capa, Yago Cantero, and Redru in defense. The midfield featured Yuness, Rubén Díez, and Kuki Zalazar, while Rodri Ríos led the attack alongside Andy Escudero and Koné. For Murcia, Gazzaniga was in goal, with a defensive lineup including Antxon Jaso, Alberto González, Ian Forns, and David Vicente. The midfield and forward positions were filled by Pedro León, Palmberg, Isi Gómez, and others.
With the draw, AD Ceuta FC remains unbeaten and leads the Primera RFEF, but the race for promotion is far from over. The team will face Marbella in their next match on April 19, 2025, at the Alfonso Murube stadium, where a victory will be crucial for maintaining their aspirations for direct promotion.
As the season progresses, the excitement continues to build in Group II of the Primera Federación. Both Ceuta and Murcia have shown their quality and determination, and fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the end of the season approaches. One thing is clear: this match was not just another game; it was a significant chapter in the ongoing story of both clubs as they strive for glory.
