Atlético de Madrid B measured their streak against Real Murcia's, two opposing streaks, while one only wins at home lately, the other does so away. The red-and-whites, despite breaking their poor away form by drawing against Antequera, come from victories over Villarreal B, Hércules, and Alcorcón. Meanwhile, the "pimentoneros" have won in Mérida, Marbella, and Yeclano, performing better away than at home.
Separated in the standings by only five points, the Murcians lost the lead last week after being defeated by Ibiza. They are now fourth, two points behind Paco Jémez's team, with the possibility of sleeping as leaders for a few hours if they win. Fernando Torres lined up Iturbe, Martín, Kostis, Boñar, Julio Díaz in defense, Javi Serrano, Selu Diallo, and Joaquin in midfield, Rayane, Bri, and Niño up front in attack.
In the opening minutes, both teams tested each other a bit, with chances from Rayane for Atleti and Pedro Benito for Murcia. But it was the "colchoneros" who broke the deadlock, with a great attacking run by Boñar who set up a well-placed and precise shot by Adrián Niño. The red-and-white number nine made his mark in the match, and Torres's team took the lead around the 25-minute mark.
Murcia Went to Seek the Equalizer
Pedro Benito soon found his reward in the match, with a cross from Bosilj that, from the ground and with a possible handball, scored the visitors' equalizer. Controversy over the possible handball, but for Pol Godia, there was no doubt, a legal goal and the score was tied. The goal spurred the "pimentoneros" who began to press more and approach Iturbe's area.
At halftime, the score was tied, and both streaks were broken, Atleti's winning at home and Murcia's winning away. The second half began without changes in either team, Murcia had the first chance with a great shot from Davo that Iturbe sent to a corner. The visitors started the second half with the same intentions they ended the first, attacking Iturbe's goal.
Niño Delivers the Final Blow
Torres made substitutions, bringing in Pablo Pérez and Jano Monserrate for Julio Díaz and Diego Bri, looking to shake things up a bit. The cards started to come out, one for Pablo Pérez for a foul on the edge of the area on Raúl Alcaina. Another clear one for Gazzaniga, the Murcian goalkeeper, for a foul on Joaquin who went alone on the counter and the goalkeeper brought him down.
Another change by Torres, bringing in Omar Janneh for Joaquin, and in the next play, the goal for the Fuenlabrada team came. An exceptional pass from Selu to a Niño who only had to control it and finish with class in front of Gazzaniga, a brace for the Rota forward. Murcia felt the blow, didn't expect it, and Torres cooled the game further with substitutions.
He brought in Dani Martínez and David Muñoz for Rayane and Niño, and suddenly the most surreal action of the match occurred. Omar Janneh was sent off for a clash with an opponent, whom he ended up spitting on, the referee caught him, and a straight red card. Despite everything, Torres's team wins their fourth consecutive home game and sleeps in the Playoffs.