AD Ceuta came from behind to beat UD Poblense 2-1 in the Copa del Rey, avoiding a major upset with a composed second-half comeback. Poblense, backed by their home support, started brightly and took the lead, but Ceuta’s superior fitness and squad depth told in the end as they booked their place in the next round.

Match overview

The Copa del Rey tie was played at a high tempo from the opening minutes. UD Poblense pressed with energy and looked dangerous on the break, while AD Ceuta tried to establish control through possession. The home side’s early goal gave them something to protect, and for a while they defended their lead with discipline and commitment.

Ceuta gradually improved after the interval. They moved the ball faster, pushed their full-backs higher, and began to find gaps in the Poblense defence. The equaliser changed the mood of the match, and the visitors finished strongly to secure a narrow but deserved victory.

Key moments

• 17th minute: UD Poblense took the lead with a well-worked move, finished confidently after a low cross into the box.
• 34th minute: Ceuta’s best chance of the first half came from a header that was cleared off the line.
• 52nd minute: AD Ceuta equalised after a sustained spell of pressure, with a midfielder arriving late to score from the edge of the area.
• 68th minute: Poblense nearly restored their lead, but Ceuta’s goalkeeper made a strong save at his near post.
• 79th minute: Ceuta scored the winner, converting a cross from the right with a close-range finish.
• 90+3rd minute: Poblense pushed bodies forward in search of an equaliser, but Ceuta defended the final set-piece comfortably.

Tactical story

Poblense’s game plan was built on compact defending and quick transitions. They sat deep when necessary, looked to win the ball in wide areas, and tried to release their forwards into space behind Ceuta’s defence. For much of the first half, it worked well. The home side limited Ceuta’s clear chances and defended their penalty area with numbers.

Ceuta’s response was to increase the tempo and use the width of the pitch more effectively. Their midfielders began to receive the ball in advanced positions, and the substitutions gave them fresh legs in the final third. The winning goal came from exactly the kind of wide combination that had troubled Poblense throughout the second half.

Standout performers

AD Ceuta’s midfielder who scored the equaliser was central to their comeback, driving forward and linking play between the lines. The match-winner also impressed with his movement and composure in the box. For UD Poblense, the goalkeeper kept them in the tie with several important saves, while their captain organised the defence well until the closing stages.

Cup impact

The victory sends AD Ceuta into the next round of the Copa del Rey, where they will hope for a favourable draw and another opportunity to build momentum. UD Poblense exit with credit after a spirited performance, but they will rue the missed chances that could have put the tie beyond Ceuta’s reach. In a single-elimination competition, those moments often decide the outcome.