The players of Compostela celebrate after taking the lead in Viveiro
/ SD Compostela
Compostela fell just short of clinching the direct promotion spot, finishing as runners-up in Group 1 of Tercera Federación despite a hard-fought 0-1 away victory against Viveiro in the final matchday. The decisive goal came from Damián Noya in the first half, keeping the dream alive for much of the game. However, Arosa, who trailed at halftime at home against Céltiga, mounted a dramatic 3-2 comeback to claim both the league title and direct promotion to Segunda Federación. Now, coach Secho Martínez‘s side must shift focus to the upcoming promotion playoffs.
The team from Santiago stepped onto the Cantarrana pitch knowing only a win would keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive. Entering the final day in second place with 65 points, they needed to take care of business against a Viveiro side already safe from relegation and playing without pressure. From the opening whistle, the difference in competitive intensity was evident.
Secho Martínez’s men quickly took control, dominating possession and constantly pressing in the opponent’s half. Compostela came out determined to settle the match early, facing a Viveiro side that appeared too passive, lacking defensive urgency and struggling to contain the visitors’ relentless attacks. Compostela moved the ball with purpose, constantly seeking width and depth, forcing the home team to drop deep near their own box. The visiting instruction was clear: take an early lead to prevent anxiety from creeping in as the minutes passed. That mission was accomplished sooner rather than later.
Just past the quarter-hour mark, the breakthrough came from a set piece. A lateral free kick saw local goalkeeper Ayoub hesitate and position himself awkwardly, allowing Damián Noya to rise above the defense and head the ball into the net. The goal was a fair reflection of the match, with Compostela displaying clear superiority and settling comfortably in the rival half.
Far from sitting back, Compostela continued to attack relentlessly against a Viveiro side unable to challenge their control. They kept creating chances and came close to extending the lead on several dangerous occasions.
In the 24th minute, one of the clearest opportunities of the first half unfolded. Armental produced a brilliant individual run down the right flank, beating several defenders with speed and skill before unleashing a powerful shot that crashed against the side netting, drawing murmurs from the traveling fans at Cantarrana.
The match was a true monologue from Compostela, who played with great ease and offered the home side almost no offensive openings. The visitors had another double chance in the 37th minute to put the game to bed. First, Parapar executed a direct free kick that forced Ayoub into a fine save, pushing the ball out for a corner. From the resulting set piece, the ball fell to Valín on the edge of the box, who fired a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target.
Viveiro barely threatened in attack during the entire first half, limiting themselves to resisting the visiting pressure as best they could. Compostela, fully aware of what was at stake, delivered a very serious first half, dominating the ball, the tempo, and the chances. They carried a slender but deserved 0-1 lead into the break.
