Cádiz CF advances in the Copa del Rey after a comeback win against Xerez CD

Cádiz CF advanced to the second round of the Copa del Rey on Thursday after defeating Xerez CD 1-3 at the Municipal de Chapín Stadium. The provincial derby, returning to an official schedule after 18 years, forced the visiting squad to overcome an early deficit and manage a challenging pitch environment.

The match was originally scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed following a tragic railway accident in Urda, Toledo. Before kickoff, both teams and attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims, though the decision to play on Thursday drew public disagreement from the Cádiz leadership.

On the field, the hosts started aggressively. Just two minutes into the contest, Jaime López capitalized on a defensive error near the Cádiz area to beat goalkeeper David Gil and put Xerez ahead 1-0. Xerez maintained intense pressure early on, nearly doubling their lead before the visitors managed to settle into a rhythm.

Cádiz found their footing as the first half progressed, eventually equalizing in the 25th minute. Cristian Gutiérrez received a pass far from the goal and launched a powerful left-footed strike that found the back of the net, marking his first score in a Cádiz uniform and evening the score before halftime.

Head coach Borja Jiménez made tactical adjustments after the break, introducing substitutes that shifted the momentum. In the 59th minute, a long ball from Noah troubled the Xerez defense, allowing substitute Álvaro García Pascual to capitalize immediately upon entering the match and score past the goalkeeper to make it 1-2.

The visitors sealed the victory in the 83rd minute through Borja Vázquez. The local-born midfielder, developed in the Cádiz youth academy, navigated inside the box and slotted a precise left-footed shot past the post to secure the 1-3 final score.

Despite starting his tenure with two consecutive comeback victories following a previous league win over Ceuta, Jiménez urged caution moving forward. "Do not think we have arrived with a magic wand," the manager remarked after the match, emphasizing that the team still faces a complex situation in the league and requires significant ongoing effort.

The triumph grants Cádiz renewed confidence as they progress in the tournament, though the technical staff remains focused on the rigorous work ahead to stabilize the club's overall campaign.