Barça Atletic keeps the hope of direct promotion more alive than ever.
Barça Atlètic is keeping the dream of promotion alive more than ever. According to Mario Rios, despite Rafa Márquez emphasizing that player development is the main goal rather than moving up a division, the impressive streak of the reserve team is offering the Catalan side the chance to compete for the top spot in Group 1 of the Primera Federación. Following last weekend’s draws by Deportivo, Gimnàstic de Tarragona, and Ponferradina, Barça Atlètic sits second in Group 1 of Primera RFEF, just one point behind the leader. The Mexican coach managed to turn around the team’s poor form from the end of last year and has gone eight games unbeaten in 2024.
Here are the keys to a Barça Atlètic that is close to the top spot:
Pau Victor
Pau Víctor is one of the best signings for the Barça B team in recent years. The Sant Cugat player is the top scorer in the Primera Federación with 15 goals, and his goals are proving crucial for Rafa Márquez’s side.
Mbacke & Faye
The partnership of Mbacke and Faye is proving to be another cornerstone for Barça B. Since the player on loan from LA FC made his debut mid-season, the two Senegalese players have become irreplaceable for the Mexican coach. They are also contributing in attack, with five goals between them.
Naim Garcia
Another positive highlight of 2024 was the success of signing Naim. The player loaned from Leganés arrived to cover for Alarcón’s injury, and against Teruel, he had his best game with a brace and an assist. A great signing for the Madrid native.
Moha & Gerard Martinez
In a season heavily marked by Barcelona’s absences, Moha and Gerard Martínez have emerged as the two mainstays upon whom Rafa Márquez can rely. Both have started in every game and are the players with the most minutes accumulated.
Marc Casado
Marc Casado leads Barcelona Atlètic. Despite alternating between appearances for the reserve team and call-ups to the first team, the presence of the Sant Pere de Vilamajor native is prominent.
Unai & Garrido
Unai Hernández and Aleix Garrido bring magic to Márquez’s team. While the latter is currently injured, both midfielders provide an added creative spark to the team, contributing to 13 out of the 44 goals scored by Barcelona.
Bernal & Darvich
Rafa Márquez has two gems in his squad that he is successfully polishing. Bernal was a bet from the Mexican from the start, while Darvich has gradually gained prominence throughout the season, going from strength to strength and solidifying his position in 2024. These two key pieces despite being juveniles.
Vidal & Astralaga
Márquez hasn’t had a fixed goalkeeper, but both goalkeepers have earned points for the Barça B team. The coach has been rotating depending on the call-ups of the Basque goalkeeper with the first team.
