A comeback that deserved more

The season opener ended in a 2-2 draw away to Atlètic Lleida. A two-goal comeback led by Toni Paredes and an outstanding collective display in the second half, with a string of chances that could have delivered victory.

The match did not start in the best possible way, however. The first half was marked by the home side’s efficiency, as they turned their two chances into goals. Jaume Pascual and Moha were the scorers. Although our team responded to the early goal with control and chances, they could not find the finishing touch to complete that reaction. Pau Salvans had the first clear opportunity after pouncing on the rebound from a Marc Fernández shot, but the home goalkeeper managed to turn his effort away.

Later, Dídac sent an effort over the crossbar from a Marc Esteban pass, while Yeray also had an opportunity with a header. Towards the end of the first half, Dídac himself added another chance with a shot towards the near post after cutting inside from the left.

The adjustments Senabre made to the line-up during the second half created a suffocating scenario for the hosts, who were increasingly resigned to defending deep inside their own box against the Greens’ relentless pressure. Our increased tempo translated into dominance: three clear chances came in the space of four minutes. Bruno with a header; Marc Fernández with a low cross that Pau Salvans could not connect with; and Toni Paredes, who had come on after the break, with a shot that flew just centimetres wide of the top corner.

The Greens’ siege on the At. Lleida goal also produced a controversial moment when Bruno went down inside the box while attempting to beat his defender. The referee did not award a penalty.

Despite some fluctuations in their attacking output, the Greens remained in control of proceedings throughout. The pattern of the match showed the most proactive version of Senabre’s side.

Tejada, who came on for Dídac, created another clear opportunity after dribbling past the home goalkeeper, who had rushed outside his area to break up the play, before setting up Toni Paredes, who was unable to shake off his marker.

It was Toni himself who ultimately led the comeback that restored parity. Two goals arrived just minutes from the end. Two crucial, liberating strikes, typical of a penalty-box striker, that rewarded the Greens’ abundant and impressive attacking production. Driven on by that final push, the Greens could even have won it: after an assist from Marc Fernández, Tejada had the chance to score the winner, but his shot struck the crossbar and bounced out.

The final 2-2 scoreline confirms the team’s ability to react, remaining composed when all seemed lost, as well as their fitness levels, as they proved unstoppable in the closing stages when fatigue had already taken its toll on the opposition.

An encouraging start.

Match details:

CE AT. LLEIDA: Albert Alfonso, Alex Urcan (Roger Alcalà, 81’), Gerard Gonzalez, Adrian Chaves, Jordi Ortega (Fer Romero, 87’), Guillermo Alonso, Jaume Pascual, Dani Santigosa, Víctor Sanchis, Moha Abouhafs (Jorge Bengoechea, 73’), Christian Dieste (H. Ruiz, 87’).

UE CORNELLÀ: G. Cassaro; Bruno (Ivan de la Peña, 70’), Yeray (Gonzalo, 45’), Guillem Castell; Lozano (V. Aliaga, 45’), Pau López, Marc Esteban (Toni Paredes, 45’), Alex Pla, Dídac R. (Tejada, 70’); Pau Salvans, Marc Fernández (C).

Referee: Gabriel Campillo Lucena. Yellow cards: Marc Fernández (36’), Sanchis (45’), Dieste (42’), Toni Paredes (86’), Fer Romero (90’).

Goals: 1-0. Jaume Pascual (1’). 2-0. Moha (38’). 2-1. Toni Paredes (86’). 2-2. Toni Paredes (88’).

Stadium: Camp Municipal Ramon Farrús.