The 2026 pre-season continued with a tightly contested International Club Friendly as Juventud Torremolinos CF edged out AD Ceuta 1-0 on July 23 at the Polideportivo Municipal de Torremolinos. A solitary first-half goal proved enough for the home side, who showed sharp defensive discipline against a Ceuta outfit that pressed hard for an equaliser in the second period.

Match Overview

Both managers used the fixture to test squad depth and tactical flexibility ahead of their respective competitive campaigns. Juventud Torremolinos, competing in the Spanish Segunda Federación, looked to build chemistry against a Ceuta side from the same division. The early exchanges were cagey, with neither team willing to commit fully forward in the opening 20 minutes.

Key Moment: First-Half Breakthrough

The decisive moment came in the 32nd minute. A well-worked move down the right flank saw Juventud Torremolinos full-back Álvaro Díaz deliver a low cross into the box. Forward Carlos Heredia peeled off his marker and slotted a first-time finish past Ceuta goalkeeper Fernando López. The goal rewarded the home side's patient build-up and gave them a platform to control the tempo.

Tactical Story

Juventud Torremolinos set up in a compact 4-4-2, aiming to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Ceuta largely dominated possession—especially in the second half—but struggled to break down a well-organised back line. The visitors' best chance came in the 68th minute when substitute winger Javi Moreno cut inside and forced a diving save from Torremolinos goalkeeper David Muñoz.

Ceuta switched to a back three late in the match to push more numbers forward, but Juventud Torremolinos held firm. The home side's midfield duo of Miguel Ángel and Juan Carlos put in tireless shifts to disrupt Ceuta's rhythm.

Standout Players

• Carlos Heredia (Juventud Torremolinos CF) – Scored the match-winning goal and led the line effectively, holding up play to bring teammates into attack.
• David Muñoz (Juventud Torremolinos CF) – Made three important saves, including the late stop from Moreno, to keep a clean sheet.
• Álvaro Díaz (Juventud Torremolinos CF) – Provided the assist and offered a constant overlapping threat from full-back.

Season Impact

For Juventud Torremolinos, the win builds momentum ahead of their league opener. Manager Pablo Ruiz praised the team's defensive organisation: "We created good habits tonight. The clean sheet is especially pleasing." Ceuta will look to sharpen their attacking execution in their next friendly, having created several half-chances without capitalising.

Both clubs continue their pre-season schedules this week, with Juventud Torremolinos facing another International Club Friendly opponent and Ceuta set to play against a top-tier side to increase the level of challenge.