Heartbreaking loss at La Victoria (2-1)
Atlético Baleares suffered a 2-1 defeat against Real Jaén CF in the first leg of the Primera Federación promotion playoff final at an impressive La Victoria Stadium, where more than 11,000 fans created a spectacular atmosphere.
Head coach Luis Blanco selected Pablo García, Iván López, Alejandro Pérez, Jaume Pol, Marc Lache, Iván Serrano, Gerardo Bonet, Rubén Bover, Moha and Jaume Tovar in the starting lineup for this historic occasion. Real Jaén controlled the opening stages of the match, trying to impose their rhythm backed by the support of their fans, although Atlético Baleares remained very solid defensively and managed to withstand the home side’s pressure.
As the minutes passed, the white-and-blue side began to grow into the game. In the 24th minute, Jaume Tovar came close to putting the visitors ahead with a header that went narrowly wide. Shortly afterwards, Jofre also had a clear chance following a brilliant pass from Iván Serrano. After the cooling break in the 30th minute, the match continued with both teams showing each other great respect and competing with huge intensity, battling for every ball.
Real Jaén constantly looked dangerous from crosses into the box, but both the visiting defence and Pablo García looked extremely reliable throughout the first half, which ended with everything finely balanced.
Just after the restart, in the 50th minute, the home side took the lead with a volley inside the area following a defensive clearance. ATB responded with character and refused to back down. Jaume Pol received a yellow card in the 55th minute, and shortly afterwards the equaliser arrived for the visitors. In the 61st minute, a cross from Marc Lache ended up in the back of the net after an own goal from the Jaén side made it 1-1. The equaliser lifted the team, who enjoyed their best spell of the match. In the 65th minute, Juanmi and Miguelito replaced Iván Serrano and Marc Lache. Soon after, Tovar came within inches of completing the comeback but could not quite connect with a dangerous ball across the area. Two minutes later, Gerardo Bonet had a huge chance, but Morillas denied him with an outstanding save.
The home side also created opportunities, and in the 78th minute Pablo García produced a superb save to keep the scores level. In the closing stages, the coach made further substitutions, bringing on Darius and Hugo for Tovar and Bover.
When a draw seemed certain, a penalty in the 94th minute handed the Andalusian side a 2-1 victory.
Despite the defeat, the team leaves Jaén with the tie still wide open and fully convinced they can turn things around next Sunday the 31st at Estadi Balear, where the white-and-blue supporters will play a key role in the push for promotion to Primera Federación.
#GloriaATB
