Atlético Baleares show pride against Atlético de Madrid (2-3)

Luis Blanco began the Copa del Rey round of 32 tie against Atlético de Madrid with a line-up aimed at fighting for qualification. Juli Rivas started in goal. The back line was formed by captain Jaume Pol, Alejandro Pérez, Guillem Castell, Iván Serrano and Gabriel Ramis. In midfield, Jofre Cherta, Sheriff and Gerardo Bonet featured, while Juanmi Durán and striker Jaume Tovar led the attack.

Atlético Baleares started the tie on the front foot, looking to take an early lead. Gabriel Ramis delivered a dangerous cross into the visitors’ box, but Atlético de Madrid’s defence dealt with the danger.

The first substitution came in the 10th minute, as the visitors brought on Hancko for the injured Lenglet after a corner kick.

In the 18th minute, Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring after a cut-back pass to make it 0-1.

Just three minutes later, Raspadori doubled the visitors’ lead with a header (0-2).

Despite the setback, Baleares responded well. After a corner taken by Jofre Cherta, Gerardo Bonet headed home to reduce the deficit and lift the home crowd (1-2).

Atlético de Madrid tried to respond, but the home defence stood firm.

After several minutes of shared possession, Juli Rivas produced an excellent save with his right foot to deny Raspadori.

The first half ended with a corner for Baleares, although Cherta’s delivery towards Jaume Pol went wide.

Early in the second half, Juanmi went one-on-one after a perfectly timed pass from Bonet, but Musso made the save.

Moments later, Tovar had another dangerous chance, forcing a corner.

In a further attack, Musso denied Tovar again and Cherta’s rebound was cleared off the line by the Atlético defence.

In the 64th minute, Luis Blanco made a triple substitution, bringing on Axel Bejarano, Miguelito and Víctor Morillo.

After a turnover, Atlético de Madrid counter-attacked and Griezmann made it 1-3.

In the 78th minute, Baleares were awarded a penalty after a cross towards Guillem Castell, but Musso saved Tovar’s spot kick.

In the 83rd minute, Jaume Tovar left the pitch to a standing ovation, replaced by youth player Adrián Catalá.

In the closing stages, the visiting goalkeeper prevented a goal with a crucial save on the line.

Late on, another penalty was awarded and Moha Keita converted to make it 2-3.

In the end, Atlético Baleares fell just short. Atlético de Madrid managed the stoppage time, while the home side fought until the final whistle.

Atlético Baleares’ next match will be on Sunday 21 December against Barcelona B at 12:00 pm at Estadi Balear.

Listen to Luis Blanco’s post-match press conference:

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