Xerez Deportivo 1-3 Cadiz CF — Cadiz CF avoided a Copa del Rey upset with a composed 3-1 away victory over Xerez Deportivo, using superior quality in the final third to progress at the expense of their determined hosts.

Match overview

The visitors made the brighter start and were rewarded early when Chris Ramos found space inside the penalty area and finished confidently to give Cadiz the lead. Xerez responded well to the setback, pressing higher and forcing Cadiz into a series of hurried clearances. The home side’s persistence paid off before half-time when they equalised from a well-worked set piece, sending the home crowd into noisy celebration.

After the break, Cadiz reasserted control. Their superior fitness and depth began to tell, and Ruben Sobrino restored the lead with a sharp finish after a flowing move down the right. Xerez pushed bodies forward in search of another equaliser, but that left gaps at the back, and Ivan Alejo sealed the win late on with a calm finish on the counter-attack. The scoreline was harsh on Xerez, who competed admirably for long spells, but Cadiz’s extra quality in both boxes proved decisive.

Key moments

• 12’ — Cadiz open the scoring: Chris Ramos reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and slotted home from close range.
• 34’ — Xerez equalise: A deep free-kick was flicked on at the near post and turned in at the back post to level the tie.
• 58’ — Cadiz retake the lead: Ruben Sobrino finished first-time after a low cross from the right bypassed the Xerez defence.
• 72’ — Xerez threaten: The hosts’ best chance of the second half was headed narrowly over from a corner.
• 82’ — Cadiz seal it: Ivan Alejo broke clear on the counter and finished calmly to end Xerez’s hopes of a comeback.

Tactical story

Xerez Deportivo set up to be compact and difficult to break down, defending in a narrow block and looking to spring forward on the counter. That approach worked for long periods, particularly in the first half, when Cadiz struggled to find space between the lines. The hosts also looked dangerous from set pieces, and their equaliser came from exactly that route.

Cadiz’s response was to stretch the pitch. Their wide players stayed high and wide, forcing Xerez’s midfield to cover more ground, and the introduction of fresh legs in the second half added pace to their attacks. The decisive second goal came from a wide overload, while the third was a textbook counter-attack against a team that had committed too many players forward. It was a professional cup performance from Cadiz, who managed the game well once they regained the lead.

Standout performers

Chris Ramos led the line impressively for Cadiz, scoring the opener and occupying both centre-backs throughout. Ruben Sobrino’s movement and link-up play caused problems, while Ivan Alejo made an impact from the bench with the clinching goal. For Xerez, the goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the tie alive, and the midfield unit worked tirelessly to disrupt Cadiz’s rhythm. The hosts’ captain was a calm presence at the back and drove the team forward when possible.

Cup impact

The win sends Cadiz CF into the next round of the Copa del Rey, where they will hope to build on a solid cup outing. For Xerez Deportivo, the defeat ends their run in the competition, but the performance will give them confidence for the league campaign. Cadiz’s ability to score at key moments made the difference, and their supporters will be pleased with the team’s ruthlessness in front of goal.