UD Logroñés secured a 3–1 victory over Avilés at Estadio Suárez Puerta on matchday nine of the Primera Federación, overcoming an early deficit through two goals from Anai Morales and a late strike by Marcos Baselga, La Rioja reported.
Unai Mendia Changes Lineup as Avilés Takes Lead
Head coach Unai Mendia implemented seven changes to the starting lineup following the previous fixture against Cultural Leonesa, altering both flanks and the midfield while maintaining only central defender Camacho. The tactical adjustments aimed to refresh the squad ahead of a demanding stretch of three matches in eight days.
Despite controlling early possession, the visitors exposed vulnerabilities on the right flank, where Cayarga capitalized on defensive space. Avilés seized the initiative in the 28th minute when Osky bypassed defender Chinedu and delivered a precise pass between central defenders Pedre and Carlos García. Forward Santamaría converted from close range to give the Asturian side a 1–0 lead.
The visiting side failed to register a single shot on target during the opening 45 minutes, relying on goalkeeper Taliby to prevent a wider deficit after saves against efforts from Cayarga and Montes.
Anai Morales Equalizes from a Corner Kick
UD Logroñés shifted momentum immediately after the interval, establishing sustained pressure and generating scoring opportunities through increased activity from wingers Latif and Berto Rosas. The tactical persistence paid off in the 59th minute through dead-ball execution.
Quique Rivero delivered a corner kick, Santamaría flicked the delivery onward, and Anai Morales finished with an acrobatic volley to equalize at 1–1, marking his ninth goal of the campaign. The strike energized the visitors as substitutes Santana, Asenjo, and Marcos Baselga entered the contest.
In the 77th minute, Santana served a cross to the far post, where Anai Morales scored past goalkeeper Ratón to put the Riojan side ahead 2–1. The comeback solidified in the 84th minute when Santana combined again from the flank, setting up Baselga at the near post to secure the 3–1 final scoreline.
UD Logroñés Gains Momentum Despite Defensive Vulnerabilities
The victory arrives at the start of a congested fixture period concluding on October 31, allowing UD Logroñés to capitalize on favorable results elsewhere in the Primera Federación group. While the coaching staff acknowledged ongoing defensive vulnerabilities—noting the team’s continued inability to keep a clean sheet—the triumph restored positive momentum.
Avilés missed opportunities to equalize at 2–1 when Montes misdirected a long-range effort following a defensive clearance, while Taliby turned away late attempts from Santi Franco and Mayo to preserve the advantage.
The club turns its attention to the next fixture of the three-match week leading toward the October 31 deadline.
Match Lineups and Disciplinary Record
Avilés deployed a starting lineup featuring Ratón, Aldai, Sillero, Carmona (replaced by Yao in the 81st minute), Oski, Mayo, Mángel, Pitu Doncel (replaced by Iñigo Muñoz in the 66th minute), Montes (replaced by Ludueño in the 81st minute), Cayarga (replaced by Santi Franco in the 71st minute), and Santamaría (replaced by Manicas in the 71st minute). UD Logroñés lined up with Taliby, Val, Carlos, Pedre, Camacho, Latif (replaced by Navarro in the 86th minute), Rivero, Chinedu (replaced by Santana in the 60th minute), Miguelete (replaced by Asenjo in the 60th minute), Anai (replaced by Zabala in the 86th minute), and Berto (replaced by Baselga in the 71st minute).
Referee Fernando Román officiated the match, issuing a yellow card to local player Aldai and booking visiting players Miguelete, Rivero, Anai, and Navarro.
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