Atlético Baleares draw against Barça Atlètic (4-4)

Atlético Baleares head coach Luis Blanco approached the final match of the year against a direct rival, Barça Atlètic —fourth in the table— aiming to secure all three points. Compared to the previous league game against Terrassa, he made two changes to the starting XI, with Iván Serrano and Gabriel Ramos coming in for Guillem Castell and Miguelito.

Pablo García started in goal. The back line consisted of Iván Serrano, captain Jaume Pol, Alejandro Pérez and Ramis. Sheriff. In midfield, Gerardo Bonet and Jofre Cherta featured, while Víctor Morillo, Moha Keita and striker Jaume Tovar led the attack.

First half

The match got off to an intense start, with both sides looking to attack. In the opening minute, a fine team move allowed Moha Keita to slip the ball into the box for Jaume Tovar, who was brought down before he could shoot. Penalty to the hosts.

Moha Keita converted from the spot, sending the ball into the net to make it 1-0 almost immediately.

In the seventh minute, Baleares earned a corner after some good combination play. From a set-piece routine, Cherta delivered a dangerous ball that forced the visiting goalkeeper to intervene and send it out for another corner.

Soon after, a brilliant move involving Cherta and Keita ended with a ball into the six-yard box. Gerardo Bonet pounced to finish and double the lead.

Despite the 2-0 scoreline, Barça Atlètic responded. Their first effort came in the 12th minute, comfortably saved by Pablo García.

The first yellow card arrived after 15 minutes, shown to Oduro for stopping a clear counter-attack led by Moha Keita.

In the 19th minute, top scorer Jaume Tovar made it 3-0, pressing the goalkeeper Kochen and stealing the ball before finishing.

Tovar was then forced off with an injury and replaced by Juanmi Durán. Shortly after, Durán combined with Cherta for a close-range effort, but Kochen saved for a corner.

The visiting coach made his first substitution, replacing the booked Oduro with Aziz.

Gerardo Bonet received Baleares’ first yellow card in the 25th minute.

At the half-hour mark, Barça Atlètic created their clearest chance, but Pablo García produced a fine save from Dani Rodríguez.

The first half ended with Baleares leading 3-0.

Second half

Barça Atlètic came out stronger after the break and pushed to get back into the game.

In the 50th minute, Dani Rodríguez beat the defence and curled a superb finish into the top corner to make it 3-1.

Baleares responded with intent, and in the 53rd minute Víctor Morillo delivered a low cross across goal that nobody could convert.

On the hour mark, Blanco made a double substitution, bringing on Axel Bejarano and Guillem Castell.

From a corner in the 68th minute, Barça Atlètic pulled one back. After hitting the crossbar, the rebound fell to Juan, who scored the 3-2.

At 77 minutes, Moha Keita drove into the box and squared for Víctor Morillo, who restored the two-goal lead at 4-2.

Ten minutes from time, Blanco made his final changes, with Carlos Julio and Miguelito replacing Morillo and Keita, who left to a standing ovation.

In the 85th minute, Mackbe scored to make it 4-3, and in the 90th minute Aziz equalised with a close-range finish.

After six minutes of added time, the match ended 4-4.

Luis Blanco post-match press conference:

“I’m extremely proud of the players; today’s effort was enormous.”

“We played a very strong first half, which is never easy against Barça.”

“In the end, fatigue caught up with us.”

“We had to replace Tovar due to injury and others because of knocks. Jaume Pol even played with a fever.”

“It’s a shame we couldn’t hold on for the win given how the game unfolded.”

“This break will be important. Rubén Bover and Iván López are close to returning.”

Atlético Baleares’ next match will be against UE Olot on January 4 at 12:00, in Catalonia.