Atlètic Balears 4-4 Barça Atlètic: Valiant draw to end year
Sometimes a point feels like much more. Barça Atlètic managed to come back from 3-0 in the first half and again from 4-2 in the second to return from Palma with a very deserved draw against Atlético Baleares (4-4). They might have also won it at the end, but Belletti's side showed a never say die spirit to claim a point to go into 2026 with optimism.
First half to forget after going 3-0 down
This was one of the toughest games of the season with the Balearic Islands side top and the blaugranes missing several players. A penalty in the first minute and three goals for the home side in the first 20 minutes meant it looked even more bleak. Moha Keita scored the spot kick after two minutes, before creating for Gerardo Bonet shortly afterwards (2-0, min. 10).
The third blow came due to an error when playing out by Kochen and Jaume Tovar took advantage (3-0, min. 20). Looked like it was going to be a long afternoon for Belletti's side, who only had a Dani Rodríguez attempt to show for their first half efforts.
Dani Rodríguez and Juan give hope
The game changed after the restart and a goal to provide hope wasn't long in coming, as Dani Rodríguez made some space before scoring into the top corner (3-1, min. 50). Belief was bolstered after Brian crossed and Mbacke hit the bar, with Juan Hernández finishing the rebound for the second (3-2, min. 68).
Never say die
There was still plenty of time for Barça Atlètic to get the equaliser, but the home side's best player Moha carried the ball well before Morillo powered in a shot for the fourth (4-2, min. 76). However, there was more to come in this game and desperate times require desperate measures, with 4-3 coming after Mbacke picked up the ball and carried it forward powerfully before firing in a near post shot (4-3, min. 86).
95th minute chance of a winner for Walton
The faith remained throughout, culminating in Aziz getting the equaliser making the most of a dead ball at the far post after work by Dani Rodríguez (4-4, min. 90). No further goals in the game, but Barça Atlètic could have even won it in the 95th minute when Alexander Walton shot wide from inside the area. It would have been the perfect ending to valiant effort, but 2025 ultimately comes to an end with what feels like much more than a point.
MATCH STATS
Atlético Baleares 4
Barça Atlètic 4
Atlético Baleares: Pablo Garcia; Iván Serrano, Jaume Pol, Alejandro Pérez (Axel 61'), Gabri Ramis; Sheriff, Gerardo Bonet (Castell 61'), Jofre Cherta; Víctor Morillo (Carlos Julio 81'), Moha Keita (Miguelito 81') and Jaume Tovar (Juanmi 22').
Barça Atlètic: Kochen; Joan Anaya (Guillermo 88'), Mbacke, Cortés, Oduro (Aziz 24'); Roger (Nuhu 46'), Fariñas, Juan (Nil Teixidor 88'); Dani Rodríguez, Toni Fernández and Jofre (Walton 75').
Goals: 1-0, Moha Keita (min. 2); 2-0, Gerardo Bonet (min. 10); 3-0, Jaume Tovar (min. 20); 3-1, Dani Rodríguez (min. 50); 3-2, Juan Hernández (min. 68); 4-2, Morillo (min. 76); 4-3, Mbacke (min. 86); 4-4, Aziz (min. 90)
Referee: Alejandro Noguera. Yellow cards for Gerardo Bonet and Juanmi from Atlético Baleares and Oduro and Roger from Barça Atlètic.