ATB give it everything but bow out of the Copa del Rey by the narrowest of margins (0–1)

CD Atlético Baleares suffered a narrow defeat to CD Eldense at the Estadi Balear, with Óscar Troya’s side battling right until the final whistle. A 58th-minute goal from a corner proved decisive in a cup tie that saw ATB create chances and push for an equaliser until the very end.

ATB produced a strong first-half performance, moving the ball intelligently and finding space to threaten the visitors’ goal. Jofre had the first attempt in the seventh minute, while Miguelito almost won possession back on the edge of the box shortly afterwards. At the other end, Juli made a crucial goal-line intervention in the 21st minute to keep the scores level.

Solid at the back, with Iván López making an important interception to break up an opposition attack, ATB continued to look for the breakthrough. Rubén Catalá forced a save from the visiting goalkeeper in the 31st minute. Later, Cata drove down the flank and picked out Miguelito, whose effort towards the corner of the net went narrowly wide. Before half-time, Gerardo had a clear chance but sent his shot over the crossbar.

After the break, ATB continued to press forward. A foul on Miguelito and a long-range effort from Soler that flew over the bar came before the visitors struck. In the 58th minute, Eldense capitalised on a corner to score what would prove to be the only goal of the game.

ATB responded positively and continued to create chances. Gerardo came close to levelling the score, only to be denied by an excellent save from the Eldense goalkeeper. Troya made a triple substitution in the 70th minute, bringing on Florin, Caballero and Pablo for Soler, Miguelito and Rubén Catalá. Shortly afterwards, Cata once again tested the visiting keeper.

Nofre replaced Fabrice and Bover came on for Gerardo as ATB continued to believe they could turn things around. Florin had a chance to equalise in the 88th minute, but the breakthrough would not come. During the five minutes of added time, the home side threw everything into their final set-piece opportunities, with even Juli going forward for a free-kick in the 93rd minute.

There was no further change to the scoreline. ATB bow out of the Copa del Rey following a narrow defeat, having given everything and fought for a place in the next round until the final whistle.

Next up is a clash with Penya Deportiva this Sunday, 1 November, at 12:00 noon.