Barca Atletic important win over Sestao River.
Barça Atlètic clinched three points at the Johan Cruyff Stadium against Sestao River (2-1) with more “struggle” than it seemed after the first 45 minutes, where Rafa Márquez’s team played their best first half of the season so far. Goals from Faye and Pau Víctor extended the reserve team’s unbeaten run to eight games, tallying 20 out of the last 24 points. The Blaugranas, following Celta Fortuna and Ponferradina’s draw on Saturday, moved up to fourth with 48 points, while Sestao River remained in the relegation zone with 25 points, sitting seventeenth, three points behind Sabadell, who mark the relegation spots.
Barça Atlètic started the game strongly, dominating possession and creating several chances, although Pau Víctor failed to convert until later. It wasn’t until the 29th minute when Mika Faye, scoring for the third consecutive game at the Johan, opened the scoring with a well-placed header from a corner. Rafa Márquez’s side has been capitalizing on set-piece opportunities, and the Senegalese continued his good form.
Casadó, one of the best performers in the first half, orchestrated the second goal after a great display of physicality, beating Naim and delivering a perfect cross for Sant Cugat to finish inside the box. With the score at 2-0, the first 45 minutes ended, during which the result seemed somewhat “low” considering Barça’s dominance.
The second half started completely differently, with a substitution just a minute and a half into the game, as Casadó did not return to the field and Pau Prim had to come on as a replacement. Moments later, Guruzeta reduced the deficit with a fine finish at the far post following a play where he benefited from a rebound off Bernal, and the team from Vizcaya gained momentum for the remainder of the second half.
With this goal, Aitor Calle’s side stepped up their game and put pressure on the Catalan team, who held on until the last second, when Sestao River appealed for a penalty after a challenge from Pocho Román, which Escriche Guzmán did not award. Nevertheless, the Blaugranas managed to “carry the day” to consolidate their position in the playoff zone.
