Atlético Baleares strike first in O Vao (0-3)
Atlético Baleares struck first in the promotion playoff semi-finals with an emphatic 0-3 victory over Coruxo FC at O Vao. The Balearic side delivered a highly disciplined performance in Galicia, showing clinical finishing in the opening minutes and outstanding defensive solidity to put themselves in a commanding position ahead of the second leg in Palma.
The match could not have started better for ATB. Barely five minutes had been played when Moha had the first big chance of the game, signalling the visitors’ intentions early on. Soon after, in the 10th minute, captain Bover opened the scoring. After controlling a long ball from Pol inside the box, he rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home to make it 0-1.
Atlético Baleares kept up the pressure and struck again just three minutes later. In the 13th minute, Gerardo threaded a perfect pass through to Bover and the captain made no mistake, firing home his second goal of the afternoon with a powerful finish to make it 0-2. A devastating start that left the Galician side reeling.
From then on, Coruxo tried to respond and created several dangerous attacks, but they came up against a rock-solid Pablo between the posts. The Baleares goalkeeper produced an excellent save in the 23rd minute and brought confidence to the team throughout the first half. The visitors’ defence also remained compact to protect their lead before the break.
After half-time, the Baleares coach made the first substitution, bringing on Morillo for Serrano. The pattern of the game remained unchanged and Atlético Baleares once again showed their efficiency in front of goal. The third goal arrived in the 56th minute. Following a corner kick, Moha reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area and fired into the back of the net to spark celebrations among the travelling side and make it 0-3.
With a comfortable lead on the scoreboard, the Balearic side controlled the game and continued to threaten. Lache came close to adding a fourth with a powerful left-footed strike following another corner, while Moha and Tovar also had clear chances in the closing stages. Coruxo, meanwhile, struggled to find space against a very organised ATB side.
Several substitutions were made in the final minutes to freshen up the team and secure the result. The final whistle confirmed a convincing victory and a real statement performance in Galicia. The Balearic side will head into the second leg with a very important advantage.
The tie will be decided next Sunday the 17th at 12:00 in the Balearic Islands.
#GloriaATB
