06/15/2024
On at 18:17
CEST
Two games away from glory. The Barça Atlètic season is played in 180 minutes, 210 at most if there is extra time. The Barça reserve team has already fulfilled, and more than enough, the objective and the expectations created at the beginning of the season. But Rafa Márquez’s men now have the opportunity to put the cake on the cake with a promotion to the Second Division that would be more than worthy. The youngest team, by far, in the category, has jumped on everyone else’s beards. There is only one last obstacle left, Córdoba, without a doubt, the hardest and most complicated.
For the Blaugranas it is win or win. They have no other choice. Contrary to what happened in the last tie against Ibiza, the field factor is against, as well as the outcome in the event of a tie. Iván Ania, the Córdoba coach who has Leiva out, sent off against Ponferradina, is very clear: “Getting into a blow-by-blow is a coin toss.” He wants few things to happen.
There will be a full house at Johan
For Barça Atlètic it is nothing out of the ordinary to go for victory, in fact, they have been doing it all season, it goes with their DNA. The young footballers of the reserve team all have a common dream: to reach the Barça first team. For their training, nothing better than the demand for a final and the reward of a promotion.
And in a packed Johan Cruyff Stadium. All tickets sold and controversy included with Córdoba, who complained that their fans were only granted 150 seats in a stadium of 6,000 spectators. They will respond with the same coin in the return leg next Sunday, despite the fact that the Nuevo Arcángel holds 21,000 spectators.
It is a final and it is perceived in each of the movements of the last few days. The expectation of the fans and also the media, the intensity of the training sessions, the enthusiasm that is perceived in the squad. Two players hampered this season by injuries have had to leave. Aleix Garrido felt discomfort in the operated foot, the left one, and Ángel Alarcón suffered a blow in the last game. In the previous session this Saturday, with 15 minutes open to the media, he did not participate with his teammates.
Trilli has joined the group and Mika Faye returns. The Senegalese wall seems essential and aims to be the great novelty in Johan Cruyff’s first leg. Márquez wanted to highlight the work of Sergi Domínguez, his replacement in the tie against Ibiza. He is one of the great assets of this team, the wardrobe has been very important for a subsidiary accustomed to the ‘roller coaster’ of ups and downs. Against everything and everyone, this team has made it to the grand final. More than pressure, what you feel in the locker room is the pleasure of enjoying a final. They have it well deserved.
Schedule and where to see
The match between Barça Atlètic and Córdoba CF corresponding to the first leg of the play-off final for promotion to the Second Division will be played this Sunday, June 16 at 8:00 p.m. at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
The meeting will be televised by the FEF TV platform and by the regional channels Esport3 and Canal Sur.
Probable lineups
Barça Atlètic: Astralaga or Marc Vidal; Héctor Fort, Pelayo, Mika Faye, Gerard Martín; Marc Casadó, Marc Bernal, Moha; Pau Víctor, Marc Guiu and Unai Hernández.
Cordova: Carlos Marín; Albarrán, Lapeña, Mati Barboza, Calderón; Isma Ruiz, Diarra; Carracedo, Kuki Zalazar, Adilson Mendes; and Houses.
Referee: Ramo Andrés (Aragonese Committee).
