Recreativo Huelva delivered a composed away performance to beat Motril 2-0 in the Spanish Copa Federación, underlining the gap in level between the two outfits while never getting out of second gear. Goals at the end of each half sealed a comfortable passage through the tie for the historic Andalusian club.

Early plan and control

Recreativo started the match with the authority expected of a club with their pedigree. They controlled possession from the outset, forcing Motril backward and utilizing the wide channels to stretch the home defensive line. The opening goal came shortly before the interval when a well-worked move down the right ended with a precise header into the corner of the net. It rewarded the visitor's dominance and left Motril needing a significant second-half response.

For the home side, the first half offered little in the way of attacking cohesion. Motril tried to build through midfield, but the pressure applied by Recreativo's forwards forced frequent turnovers just outside their own penalty area.

Second half and sealed victory

Motril came out with more intent after the restart, showing more urgency in the final third. However, Recreativo's experienced back line absorbed the pressure with relative ease. The match was effectively put beyond doubt with fifteen minutes remaining when a sweeping counter-attack culminated in a low driving shot from the edge of the area.

The 2-0 scoreline reflected Recreativo's superiority without fully representing their territorial dominance. The visitors might have won by a wider margin had it not been for a handful of committed saves by the Motril goalkeeper.

What the result means

• Comfortable progress: Recreativo Huelva now look well positioned to advance in the Copa Federación.
• Motril disappointment: They were competitive at home but lacked the necessary quality against higher-tier opposition.
• Momentum boost: The clean sheet and flowing goals will give Recreativo confidence ahead of their next fixture.