Recreativo Huelva 2-2 CD Artístico Navalcarnero: Copa Federación Match Report

Recreativo Huelva and CD Artístico Navalcarnero played out a compelling 2-2 draw in the Spanish Copa Federación on 15 October 2026, leaving their cup tie perfectly balanced after a night of four goals, tactical swings and late drama at the Estadio Nuevo Colombino.

Recreativo, one of the most historic names in Spanish football, began the match as the more authoritative side, controlling possession and forcing Navalcarnero into a deep defensive block. But the visitors from Madrid proved resilient and ruthlessly efficient on the counterattack, twice taking the lead before the Andalusian club rescued a share of the spoils.

Match Overview

The Copa Federación encounter was played at a lively tempo from the first whistle. Recreativo looked to impose themselves through quick ball circulation and width on both flanks, while CD Artístico Navalcarnero sat compact and looked to spring forward through direct passes and set pieces.

The home side’s pressure told early. Recreativo opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Rubén Gálvez timed his run into the penalty area perfectly and converted a low cross from the right. The Nuevo Colombino crowd expected the hosts to build on that platform, but Navalcarnero responded with maturity rather than panic.

Their equaliser arrived in the 33rd minute. A well-worked corner was whipped toward the near post, and Javier Manzano rose above his marker to head the ball into the far corner. That goal changed the mood of the contest, giving Navalcarnero belief and forcing Recreativo to rethink their attacking patterns.

After the break, the visitors stunned the home support by taking the lead in the 58th minute. Diego Cuesta led a sharp counterattack, exchanged passes on the edge of the box and fired a low finish beyond the goalkeeper. Recreativo suddenly found themselves chasing the game.

The home side pushed more players forward and finally found an equaliser in the 82nd minute. Álex Cazorla, who had been Recreativo’s most persistent creative threat, curled a precise effort into the bottom corner after a patient build-up. Both teams had chances to win it in the closing stages, but resolute defending and two important saves ensured the scoreline finished 2-2.

Key Moments

• 11' – Recreativo Huelva 1-0: Rubén Gálvez finishes a flowing right-sided move with a composed low strike.
• 33' – CD Artístico Navalcarnero 1-1: Javier Manzano heads home from a corner to bring the visitors level.
• 58' – CD Artístico Navalcarnero 2-1: Diego Cuesta breaks quickly and finishes low after a slick counterattack.
• 82' – Recreativo Huelva 2-2: Álex Cazorla curls a brilliant equaliser into the bottom corner.
• 90+3' – Late chance: Recreativo nearly snatch a winner, but a goal-line clearance keeps the tie level.

Tactical Story

Recreativo set up in a 4-2-3-1 shape designed to dominate the ball and create overloads in wide areas. Their full-backs pushed high, and the midfield duo looked to recycle possession quickly. The approach worked well in the opening half-hour, but it also left space behind for Navalcarnero’s rapid transitions.

Navalcarnero’s 4-4-2 out-of-possession structure was disciplined and narrow. They allowed Recreativo to have the ball in less dangerous areas, then pressed aggressively once play moved into midfield. Their two strikers worked tirelessly to close passing lanes, and their equaliser from a set piece highlighted their threat from dead-ball situations.

In the second half, Navalcarnero dropped even deeper after taking the lead, inviting Recreativo to break them down. Recreativo responded by introducing fresh legs and more width, which eventually stretched the visitors’ back line. The equaliser came from exactly that pressure, but neither side could find a decisive third goal.

Standout Players

• Rubén Gálvez (Recreativo Huelva): Opened the scoring with a sharp penalty-area finish and repeatedly found space between the lines.
• Álex Cazorla (Recreativo Huelva): Recreativo’s chief creator, capped his performance with a superb late equaliser.
• Javier Manzano (CD Artístico Navalcarnero): Defended with authority and scored the visitors’ first goal with a powerful header.
• Diego Cuesta (CD Artístico Navalcarnero): His pace and direct running caused problems all night, and his goal was a perfect example of Navalcarnero’s counterattacking plan.
• The goalkeepers: Both produced important saves in the final 15 minutes to keep the score level.

Match Facts

• Competition: