Mirandes 3-1 Granada CF: Segunda División 2025-26 match report

The Estadio Municipal de Anduva played host to a compelling Segunda División clash on Sunday, as Mirandés secured a clinical 3–1 victory over Granada CF. Under the tactical guidance of Antxon Muneta, the home side demonstrated superior efficiency in the final third, effectively dismantling a Granada setup that struggled to maintain defensive cohesion throughout the afternoon.

The opening and the tactical exchange

Antxon Muneta opted for a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, banking on high-intensity transitions to disrupt Granada’s 3-4-1-2 setup. The visitors, managed by Pacheta, looked to control the central areas, but they were forced onto the back foot early. The physical nature of the contest was evident by the 14th minute, when Granada’s Juan José Flores Castro picked up a yellow card, signaling the visitors' struggle to contain Mirandés’ movement in the middle of the park.

Mirandés drew first blood in the 27th minute. Javier Hernandez, who proved to be a constant threat, provided the creative spark, delivering a precise ball for U. del Cura, who slotted home to give the hosts a deserved lead. Granada, however, showed resilience. As the first half drew to a close, they found an equalizer through José Arnáiz in the 41st minute, assisted by the experienced Manu Trigueros.

Just as it appeared the sides would head into the interval level, Mirandés reclaimed the initiative. In the 45th minute, Pablo Pérez turned provider, setting up Javier Hernandez to restore the home side's advantage. It was a pivotal psychological blow for Granada, who had worked hard to claw their way back into the game only to concede moments before the whistle.

The decisive moment

Recognizing the need for a tactical shift, Pacheta made two changes at the start of the second half, introducing Sergio Rodelas and B. Diallo in place of Manu Lama and B. Diocou. The intention was clearly to inject pace into the attack and stabilize the defensive transitions, but the strategy failed to yield the desired defensive solidity.

Mirandés remained disciplined in their defensive shape, absorbing the pressure while waiting for opportunities to exploit the space left by Granada’s aggressive wing-backs. The decisive moment of the match arrived in the 58th minute. Rafel Bauzà, exerting his influence in the midfield, found U. del Cura, who completed his brace to extend the lead to 3–1.

The two-goal cushion allowed Muneta to manage the game effectively. Despite a flurry of substitutions from Granada in the 70th minute—bringing on fresh legs in an attempt to spark a late comeback—the Mirandés backline remained composed. The closing stages were characterized by a series of cautions for Granada, including yellow cards for M. Gambin and I. Gonzalez, as frustration mounted among the visitors. Mirandés utilized the final ten minutes to rotate their squad, ensuring the legs of key contributors like U. del Cura and Javier Hernandez were rested as they closed out a professional and controlled victory.

Looking ahead

For Mirandés, this result serves as a testament to their tactical flexibility and clinical edge in front of goal, reinforcing their standing in the Segunda División table as the season approaches its conclusion. Conversely, Granada CF will need to address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by this defeat if they are to maintain their momentum in the final stretch of the campaign.