A missed opportunity, the Colchoneros couldn't handle Ceuta and fall in the Caballa city 2-1 against the Ceutíes. Fernando Torres's team came to the match with the chance to move up to third place and into the Playoff zone, but they end the day two points behind Ibiza and Hércules. Now they host the Herculeans at home next Friday, in a match that will be key to gauge the Colchoneros' aspirations.
Fernando Torres started with Iturbe, Spina, Dani Martínez, Martín in defense, Pablo Pérez and Carlos Giménez on the flanks. Selu and Javi Serrano in the engine room, flanked by Bri and Niño with Borja Garcés as the novelty in his first start of the season for the Melillan forward. It was a back-and-forth, with a very clear chance missed by Adri Niño, and with a Ceuta that spared Iturbe with chances from Belotti, Kone, and Aquino.
It was precisely Aquino who opened the scoring, Dani Aquino a former Atlético de Madrid player who even debuted with the first team in the 12-13 season. He did so by providing an assist to Diego Costa to beat Real Zaragoza at La Romareda, although it was his only appearance under Simeone. Later, the Murcian made a career between Numancia, Racing, AEK Larnaca, Real Murcia, Piast Gliwice, Badajoz, Racing Cartagena, and San Fernando, until reaching Ceuta.
Changes without result
The Ceutíes were clearly superior and minutes later dealt another blow to Torres's team with a low cross that Gero Spina cleared into his own goal. The goal left Atleti KO, who tried to get back into the game with Torres's changes. Boñar for Selu, Jano for Javi Serrano, and Joaquin for Niño and Omar for Borja Garces.
Atlético de Madrid got back into the game after a very poor clearance by goalkeeper Pedro López that under pressure Joaquin managed to put into the rival net. That goal gave wings to the Rojiblanco team, with the entry of Iker Luque for Gero to attack Ceuta's goal. Although it wasn't enough and Torres's team falls defeated, compromising their fight for the Playoff, they even have Real Madrid Castilla just one point below.
Approaching the danger zone
In recent matches, the Rojiblancos have lost quite a bit of momentum, and they are going through a slump with only one victory, against Alcorcón at home in the last five matches. This has led them to the middle of the table and to be only three points above relegation.
It's a category where everything tightens very easily and two or three bad results in a row can condemn you to hell. Next Friday, they host Hércules at home in a match that seems necessary to get out of the slump. Winning again and doing so at home is vital for the team's objectives to remain alive.