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30 March 2025

Albacete Seals Last-Minute Victory Over Mirandés

Higinio scores in stoppage time to secure a thrilling 3-2 win for Albacete

In a thrilling encounter at the Carlos Belmonte, Albacete Balompié emerged victorious over CD Mirandés with a dramatic 3-2 win on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The match was filled with excitement, as Albacete scored the winning goal in the dying moments despite being down to ten men.

The game kicked off at 18:30, with both teams looking to secure crucial points in the LaLiga Hypermotion standings. Albacete, sitting in 14th place with 43 points, aimed to build on their recent victory against Sporting de Gijón, while Mirandés, in 3rd place with 58 points, sought to maintain their promotion push.

Albacete's manager, Alberto González, made some tactical changes from the previous match, bringing in Pablo Sáenz and Christian Kofane, who returned from suspension. The home side started strong, dominating possession and creating early chances. However, it was Mirandés that found the net first, with a penalty awarded to them after Javi Villar fouled Juan Gutiérrez in the box. Mathis Lachuer stepped up to convert the penalty in the 45+4th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 just before halftime.

Earlier, in the 25th minute, Pablo Sáenz had given Albacete the lead with a stunning strike from outside the box, sending the home fans into a frenzy. The goal was a result of a well-executed free kick taken by Jon Morcillo, which led to Sáenz's powerful shot that found the back of the net.

After the break, Albacete continued their attacking momentum, and just two minutes into the second half, Kofane headed home from a Morcillo cross, restoring their lead at 2-1. However, Mirandés refused to back down and equalized again in the 56th minute when Joaquín Panichelli scored with a header from a corner taken by Lachuer.

The match took a turn for the worse for Albacete when Agus Medina was shown a straight red card in the 79th minute, leaving his team with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Albacete pressed on, determined to secure all three points.

As the game approached its conclusion, the tension in the stadium heightened. The fourth official indicated seven minutes of stoppage time, and it was during this period that the drama unfolded. In the 97th minute, a costly mistake by Mirandés defender Juan Gutiérrez allowed Higinio Marín to score the decisive goal, assisted by Sáenz. Higinio's low shot from the center of the area sent the home crowd into raptures, sealing a memorable win for Albacete.

Throughout the match, both teams had their moments, but Albacete's resilience and determination shone through, especially in the face of adversity. The attendance at the Carlos Belmonte was 11,015, who witnessed a game full of passion, skill, and late drama.

With this victory, Albacete not only secured vital points in their fight against relegation but also showcased their fighting spirit, proving they can compete with the top teams in the league. The win is a significant boost for González's side as they look to build on this momentum in the coming weeks.

As for Mirandés, the defeat is a setback in their quest for promotion, but they will need to regroup and focus on their next match to maintain their position in the playoff spots.

In conclusion, the match was a classic showcase of LaLiga Hypermotion football, with late drama and a thrilling finish, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next round of fixtures.