When Valencia CF scored in the 120+1 minute to beat FC Cartagena SAD 2-1 in extra time, the 10,000 fans at Estadio Municipal Cartagonova fell silent — then erupted in disbelief. It wasn’t just a win. It was a nail-biting, heart-stopping escape that kept Valencia CF alive in the Copa del Rey 2025/2026Cartagena, Spain. The match, played on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 20:00 UTC, had everything: early goals, controversial cards, near-misses off the post, and a winner that came not from a star striker, but from a quiet midfielder capitalizing on chaos.
Cartagena’s Early Surge and Valencia’s Late Response
It was Alfredo Ortuño who lit the fuse. In the 21st minute, the veteran forward latched onto a crisp cross from Ander Martín Odriozola, unleashed a left-footed curler into the top-left corner, and suddenly the home crowd was roaring. Valencia, typically the more polished side, looked off-balance. Their midfield, missing its rhythm, struggled to find space against Cartagena’s compact 4-4-2. At halftime, the scoreboard read 1-0 — and the hosts believed they had the upper hand.
But football, as they say, is played for 90 minutes — and this one lasted 121. The turning point came in the 79th minute. Subbed on just 15 minutes earlier, Lucas Beltrán — a 22-year-old forward with a knack for clutch finishes — pounced on a loose ball after a corner scramble. He didn’t even look up. Just swung his left foot, and the ball nestled into the far corner. 1-1. The equalizer didn’t just tie the game. It cracked Cartagena’s confidence.
Red Card Chaos and the Winner No One Saw Coming
The tension spiked in stoppage time of the first half of extra time. Baptiste Santamaria, Valencia’s defensive midfielder, was shown a straight red after a heated exchange with Cartagena’s E. Cömert. Sources like Sky Sports and Scores24 listed the incident at the 112th minute — not the 90+5 that was initially flagged — adding to the confusion. Valencia, down to 10 men, had to dig deeper.
Then, in the 120+1 minute, everything changed. A corner kick from the right. The ball flicked off a head, bounced off the post — and there was Jesús Vázquez, unmarked in the center, stabbing it home with his left foot. No celebration. No drama. Just a quiet nod to the bench. The goal, assisted by Luis Rioja, who had hit the post minutes earlier, was pure opportunism. Cartagena’s defense, exhausted and demoralized, didn’t recover.
Historical Dominance Confirmed
This wasn’t an upset. It was a continuation of history. According to FootballDatabase.eu, Valencia CF has beaten FC Cartagena in all three previous meetings — a 100% win rate. Those games averaged 3 goals per match, with both teams scoring every time. Cartagena, despite their spirited home performance, simply couldn’t break the psychological barrier. Valencia averaged 5.33 corners per match against them historically — and on Thursday, they delivered 7. Cartagena managed just 3.
Even the substitutions told the story. Valencia’s coach, Hugo Duro (who started the match but was later subbed off), and his staff made seven changes — each one calculated. When Lucas Beltrán came on for Largie Ramazani in the 45th minute, it wasn’t just a tactical tweak. It was a signal: we’re not here to hold on. We’re here to win.
The Human Element: Refereeing, Emotion, and the Weight of Expectation
Referee Isidro Díaz de Mera had a tough night. He missed the initial timing of Santamaria’s red card, and the VAR team — though not officially mentioned — clearly stepped in. The argument between Cömert and Santamaria at the 118th minute wasn’t just about a foul. It was about frustration. Cartagena had played their hearts out. They’d held a lead. They’d weathered storms. And now, in the final second, they were undone.
Valencia’s players, meanwhile, looked drained. Not by the goals, but by the pressure. After their shaky league form this season, this win felt like a lifeline. The fans who traveled from Valencia — estimated at 2,000 — sang through every minute of extra time. One supporter, captured on video, held up a sign: “We don’t need luck. We need belief.” They got both.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Valencia CF advances to the Round of 32, where they’ll face either Real Sociedad or Cádiz CF — both dangerous opponents. But this win rekindles hope. After a turbulent start to the 2025/2026 season, they’ve shown they can grind out results under pressure.
For FC Cartagena, it’s a bitter pill. The club, still rebuilding after financial struggles in 2023, had hoped this cup run would be a springboard. They’ll return to the Segunda División with their heads high, but the dream of a deep Copa del Rey run is over.
Key Stats That Tell the Real Story
- Final score: FC Cartagena 1-2 Valencia CF (after extra time)
- Goals: Ortuño (21’), Beltrán (79’), Vázquez (120+1’)
- Red card: Baptiste Santamaria (112’)
- Corners: Valencia 7, Cartagena 3
- Fouls: Valencia 14, Cartagena 17
- Attendance: 10,000 at Estadio Municipal Cartagonova
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the red card for Baptiste Santamaria recorded at the 112th minute instead of 90+5?
The initial decision was flagged during first-half stoppage time of extra time, but the VAR review determined the altercation occurred after the 90-minute mark, officially placing it at the 112th minute. This affects disciplinary records and suspension rules — Santamaria will miss Valencia’s next Copa del Rey match, regardless of when the incident was initially reported.
How does this result impact Valencia CF’s season outlook?
After a shaky start in La Liga, this win provides crucial momentum. Valencia CF has struggled to win tight games this season, but this performance shows resilience. Advancing in the Copa del Rey keeps them in European competition contention and boosts morale ahead of a tough January fixture list. A deep cup run could also influence transfer decisions in the winter window.
Has FC Cartagena ever advanced past the second round of the Copa del Rey?
No. FC Cartagena has never progressed beyond the second round in the modern era of the Copa del Rey. Their best run was in 2013, when they were eliminated in the Round of 32. With limited resources and a small squad, cup runs are rare. This match, though heartbreaking, was their best chance in over a decade — and they came closer than ever before.
Who scored the winning goal for Valencia CF, and what’s his background?
Jesús Vázquez, a 24-year-old attacking midfielder from Seville, came off the bench in the 88th minute. He’s a product of Sevilla’s youth academy but never broke into their first team. Signed by Valencia in 2023, he’s been mostly a squad player — until now. His winning goal was his first professional strike in official competition. He’s now the unexpected hero of the night.
What’s the significance of Estadio Municipal Cartagonova in Spanish football?
Opened in 1999, the 22,300-capacity Estadio Municipal Cartagonova is one of the most atmospheric lower-league grounds in Spain. Though FC Cartagena plays in the Segunda División, the stadium regularly sells out for cup ties against top-flight teams. Its tight stands and passionate fanbase make it one of the toughest away venues in Spain — which makes Valencia’s win even more impressive.
Why did Valencia CF make so many substitutions?
Valencia’s coach rotated heavily due to fixture congestion — they played a league match just 72 hours before this cup game. Key players like Arnaut Danjuma and Filip Ugrinic were fatigued. The substitutions weren’t just tactical; they were logistical. By the 80th minute, Valencia had used five subs — a sign they were managing physical load while still pushing for a result. It paid off.
