Europe's most inopportune setback

BarcelonaIf we were to ask the 'escapulada' faithful when they believed that, who knows, perhaps this season Europa would look more to the sky (LaLiga Hypermotion) than to hell (Segunda RFEF), many would recall the day in Algeciras. This is because, when the 101st minute of the seventh matchday was reached, a gallop by Adnane Ghailan, known as "the tailor" because he can make you a suit at the slightest slip-up, ended with a 2-3 on the scoreboard. An agonizing victory for the Catalans, another historic date for the collection of the Gràcia club and the impression that their presence in the category would not be merely token.

Things have changed since that match. The Barcelonans have lost their anchor, the brilliant Izan González, and new influential players have arrived, such as Fran Gil and Josu Gallastegui. But, above all, they have been exiled from their home, the beloved Nou Sardenya, to move to Can Dragó, a field with regulation natural grass, yes, but far from the warmth and weight of the Gràcia temple. What has not been reversed is their good league standing: despite the tough defeat in Sabadell last matchday – more deceptive due to the inflated score than the game shown – the team remains in positions that would allow them to compete for promotion play-offs. And this is where they want to be until the end of the season.

The fact is that Aday Benítez's team presented themselves this Saturday for the return match against the Andalusians with morale low. Not only because they have practically said goodbye to the fight for the lead at the Nova Creu Alta, but also because they are suffering two important absences: that of goalkeeper Juan Flere, injured in the last match, and that of Meshak Babanzila, the starting pivot, with the Gabonese national team. The coach opted for a lineup where the defensive composition was surprising, leaving out Àlex Cano and Fran Gil and bringing in Guillem, who had been absent in recent matches.

The 'escapulados' entered the pitch fierce and with high pressure, determined to quickly get rid of the bad taste in their mouths from their return from Vallés. And they almost succeeded the quick way, with a very clear chance for Escoruela from a rebound off the Andalusian goalkeeper, which Moreno himself miraculously saved. It was a mirage, because the game entered a kind of lethargy that dragged on throughout the half, a feeling only broken by a few sparks commanded by the electrifying Gallastegui, which led to a good chance for Jordi Cano, and a goal disallowed for the visitors due to an offside as clear as the sky that shone over Meridiana. A final chance for Rastrojo, who shot over the white and blue goal, brought an end to a period as competitive as it was boring. Things had to change a lot in the second half so that, between the game and the time (two-fifteen), none of it would make the spectators succumb to deep drowsiness.

The atmosphere in the stadium did not help to improve the midday. The local crowd, usually so dedicated and noisy, this time did not follow the stoic fans from the south goal to carry their team on their shoulders. Up to 1,543 spectators traveled from Vila de Gràcia to Nou Barris, a miracle considering the dates, Easter week, and the time that, by chance, always falls to the Catalans at the worst possible moment.

A fateful second half for Europa

The resumption began with two local chances to score. An incursion by Jay down the right without a shot on goal and a long-range shot by Jordi Cano. It seemed like the prelude to a profitable period for the Gracienses. Quite the opposite: what arrived was the Spanish goal in the 61st minute, a header by Víctor Ruiz after a lateral free-kick. A cold shower that Aday countered with three changes, one of them the promising Canetense Marc Anglès.

In Gràcia there is an undeniable certainty: if Adnane is not having a good day, it is difficult to win. Even more so if you are left with ten men, as has happened after the harsh expulsion of Campeny. To further confirm that it was not their day, a penalty converted by Manín ultimately decided the match. Despite local attempts, the afternoon ended in drama with a third goal from Algeciras.

The slip-up of two consecutive losses for the Gracienses comes at the worst possible moment, just before visiting the most in-form club in the category, Eldense. Europa's first season in Primera RFEF, being one of the most humble clubs in the group, will be a success if they achieve salvation, which seems assured, but the team needs to show again that they want and can aspire to more. And to do so, they will have to change their dynamic as soon as possible, as they have conceded seven goals and scored none in the last few games. We'll see where things go, but it's an opportune moment for Aday and the players to take a step forward. Either now, or never.