A historic Copa del Rey night for Atlético Baleares (1–0)

4 de December de 2025

CD Atlético Baleares delivers a historic feat on a magical Copa del Rey night against RCD Espanyol

CD Atlético Baleares experienced one of the most unforgettable nights in its recent history this Wednesday. The blue-and-white side defeated RCD Espanyol, a First Division team, by 1–0 and sealed their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey in a Balearic Stadium fully devoted to its team.

The match began with a very solid opening fifteen minutes from both sides. Atlético Baleares and Espanyol were cautious, prioritising defensive organisation and generating very few clear chances in a start marked by mutual respect.

In the 24th minute came the first notable actions: a very dangerous pass aimed at Jofre was cut out just in time by the Espanyol defence and, moments later, Jofre himself threaded an excellent ball that caused panic in the opposing box. Immediately afterwards, Gerardo delivered a superb assist that Morillo missed by just a few centimetres.

Around the half-hour mark, Pol won a key ball that allowed ATB to remain in control during the following minutes, with the match continuing in a stable rhythm and without major scares.

The clearest chance of the first half arrived in the 39th minute and it was for Espanyol: a low shot across goal that Juli saved confidently, preventing what could have been the 0–1. Shortly after, Pickel received the first booking of the game after pulling down Tovar.

In the 42nd minute, Edu Expósito tried his luck from the edge of the box, though without impact on the scoreline. After one minute of stoppage time, the first half ended in complete balance, with the sense that a single detail could tilt the match either way.

The second half began with two dangerous crosses from Víctor Morillo that found no finisher. In the 55th minute came the explosion of joy: a ball sent into the box, a header from Jaume Pol and the loose ball that Jaume Tovar, quicker than anyone else, pushed into the back of the net.

In the 59th minute, Axel had a huge chance but slipped at the moment of shooting. Shortly after, Jaume Pol once again reached the byline, though his cross found no target.

The first substitutions arrived in the 69th minute: Axel made way for Juanmi and Morillo was replaced by Serrano. In the 74th minute, Alejandro made a crucial intervention to prevent a dangerous arrival from the visitors. Four minutes later, another double change in attack: Moha and Ramis came on for Tovar —the goalscoring hero— and Jofre. In the 86th minute, Ramis earned a yellow card after a brilliant individual action. One minute later, Carlos Julio replaced Miguelito.

The referee added four minutes, which ATB managed with tremendous competitive maturity. Juli, solid throughout the match, calmly claimed the final balls sent into the area.

And when the referee blew the final whistle, the Estadi Balear turned into a Balearic celebration.

Post-match comments from Luis Blanco

“Hopefully we can enjoy many more nights like this. We’re very happy. The match resembled quite closely what we had in mind, although as a coach I would have liked to keep them further from our box.”

“In the second half we made the most of our moments and this week will be remembered for it.”

“The four teams we can face next are incredible.”

“This match can help us a lot as a team.”

“I would have been just as thrilled to win against any other First Division side.”