Atlético Baleares edge UE Porreres 1–0 to climb into second place
Atlético Baleares head coach Luis Blanco lined up the same starting eleven he used against Lleida. Pablo García in goal, with Gabriel Ramis, Jaume Pol, Alejandro Pérez and Iván Serrano at the back. The midfield trio was Sheriff, Gerardo Bonet and Jofre Cherta. Up front, Moha Keita, Juanmi Durán and the league’s top scorer, Jaume Tovar. With this line-up, the team hosted matchday 14 against UE Porreres at the Estadi Balear.
Kick-off
The game began with Atlético Baleares looking to take control, while Porreres pressed high from the outset.
Despite the visitors’ intensity, the early chances fell to the home side. In the sixth minute, Moha Keita earned a dangerous free kick near the box, but the strike hit the wall.
As the minutes went by and Baleares settled on the ball, they pushed Porreres deeper. In the 13th minute, a neat one-two between Tovar and Keita ended with a low cross into the six-yard area, but the defence managed to clear the attempt.
Two minutes later, Porreres defender Medina received the first booking after stopping Jofre Cherta as he prepared to shoot. The resulting free kick went just over the bar.
In the 22nd minute, Porreres produced their first real threat with a close-range shot that Pablo García saved brilliantly.
From the midway point of the half, the visitors enjoyed a better spell and created several actions near the Baleares box.
Late in the half, Keita escaped his marker and squared a ball across goal. After a scramble, Gerardo Bonet found space to shoot, but the visiting goalkeeper gathered the ball.
The closing minutes were scrappy, with little rhythm. The half ended with a dangerous free kick for the visitors from the corner of the area.
Second half
After the break, Atlético Baleares came out eager to break the deadlock.
Around the hour mark, Moha Keita put the ball in the net, but the assistant referee flagged for offside following a deflection.
Blanco reacted with changes, bringing on Víctor Morillo, Miguelito and Català for Sheriff, Ramis and Juanmi Durán.
Baleares continued attacking the Porreres area but struggled to finish their chances.
In the 69th minute, captain Jaume Pol received a yellow card for stopping a counterattack after a home corner.
The next change came on 76 minutes, with Axel Bejarano replacing Iván Serrano to add more attacking intent.
In the closing stages, Baleares piled forward in search of the winner. It finally arrived thanks to substitute Axel Bejarano, whose cross was headed home by Gerardo Bonet for 1–0.
The final substitution was Castell replacing Moha Keita. In stoppage time, Català was booked for breaking up a Porreres move, and moments later he tried his luck from distance after a poor clearance by the goalkeeper, sending the ball inches wide.
Ultimately, Atlético Baleares claimed the derby with a 1–0 win over UE Porreres, moving up to second place in the league thanks to Barcelona B’s defeat.
Post-match press conference – Luis Blanco:
“The match followed the script we expected: tough, given Porreres’ approach, their needs and the situation we were coming from.”
“We needed to take this game.”
“We’re pleased with the team’s mentality and with winning under difficult circumstances.”
“It clearly wasn’t our best performance.”
“We needed a quicker tempo on the ball.”
“We didn’t threaten as much as we wanted to, and against such a well-organised defence, like Porreres’, it becomes more difficult.”
“It’s been a week full of emotions.”
“Today the substitutes helped us again, a lot.”
“They gave us energy and solutions to win the match.”
“Gerardo Bonet is having a fantastic season, like many others. Today he gave us the three points.”
“We only had two days to prepare this match and to disconnect from the Copa del Rey and the draw. It’s not something we face often.”
“We’re all looking forward to Tuesday. It’s going to be special.”
Atlético Baleares play again on 14 December away to Terrassa FC at 12:00.
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