Albacete Balompié faced off against C.D. Eldense on Saturday at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium, culminating in a closely contested match where the home side suffered after being reduced to ten men. The game, pivotal for both teams' prospects, ended with Eldense clinching victory thanks to Juanto Ortuño's last-minute goal, sealing the match at 1-0.
The match kicked off with Albacete establishing early control, showcasing aggressive plays from forwards like Morci. Despite this initial momentum, key opportunities eluded them as they failed to convert early chances. Juanto Ortuño and the Eldense side, on the other hand, capitalized on their first counter-attack, but Masca's close-range miss kept the match scoreless.
By the 36th minute, the dynamics shifted dramatically when Albacete was dealt a severe blow; the referee showed Rai Marchán his second yellow card, followed by a red, after consulting with the VAR. This not only changed the course of the game but also put Albacete at significant disadvantage - playing with just ten men for the remainder of the match. Many spectators speculated whether Marchán's dismissal would ignite Albacete's resolve or leave them scrambling.
Even down to ten players, Albacete maintained considerable pressure and came close to scoring several times. One notable attempt came shortly after the red card, as Dani Martín, Eldense's goalkeeper, made remarkable saves to deny attempts from close range, showcasing his skills under pressure.
On the other side, Eldense gradually gained confidence as the game progressed. They began to exploit the space left behind by Albacete's diminished numbers, pushing higher up the pitch and creating chances from set pieces. The breakthrough finally arrived at the 83rd minute when Juanto Ortuño, previously substituted and brought back on to inject more vigor, headed home from within the area after a precise corner taken by Fran Gámez.
The 1-0 lead ignited celebrations among the visiting fans, who saw this as a significant stride in their battle against relegation. "Juanto Ortuño, una vez más, salvó a un Eldense que dinamita el descenso," remarked Diario AS, underlining Ortuño's impactful performance and the importance of the win for Eldense.
Despite the late setback, Albacete continued to push for the equalizer, showing commendable fighting spirit even when outnumbered. They managed several corners and free kicks, but the Eldense defense held firm. The final whistle blew, leaving the scoreboard unchanged and confirming Eldense's triumph.
Historically, the Carlos Belmonte Stadium has been a fortress for Albacete, who had not lost there since September. This loss not only broke their home winning streak but also placed significant pressure on them moving forward. The defeat against Eldense left Albacete fans dejected, especially after witnessing their team dominate large portions of the match.
Looking forward, Eldense's win marks them just two points away from safety, indicating their determination to remain competitive and avoid relegation. Meanwhile, Albacete must regroup and strategize on how to bounce back after such a damaging loss. "El Eldense supo aprovechar en la recta final la inferioridad numérica durante casi una hora de un Albacete," noted Cadena SER, reflecting on how Eldense expertly managed their advantage and seized the opportunity to secure the necessary points.
Only time will tell how both teams will navigate the coming matches, but this clash certainly showcased the indomitable spirit of both sides and solidified Juanto Ortuño's name as the hero of Eldense's stunning late victory.