Indoor football
Duda’s men, after falling in the first leg, must win today by two goals difference if they want to be in the semi-finals, where Barcelona is already waiting
Remount or be eliminated. That is the slogan of the Jimbee Cartagena players ahead of the match that will be played tonight (8:00 p.m.) at the Virgen de la Cabeza Pavilion in Valdepeñas. After falling in the first match (1-2) at the Palacio de los Deportes, Duda’s disciples have no choice but to win in Valdepeñero territory by two goals difference if they want to be in the semi-finals for the title fifteen years later .
The new ‘playoff’ format forces Cartagena to, at least, win in the first 40 minutes of the game. If they do it for a goal, an extension will be played with two parts of three minutes that they will be obliged to take as well. If at the end of extra time Jimbee only wins by one goal, they will be eliminated, because they fell behind their rival in the regular league (fifth and fourth).
On their court, those led by David Ramos have set up a real fort. The two thousand seats available will be sold out and the atmosphere will be deafening. For their part, the Cartagena clubs have not managed to complete the bus they chartered and some will travel in their private cars, so they will be in a clear minority.
Andresito, recovered, will play a minute in what could be his last game with the Jimbee shirt
In the Virgen de la Cabeza, Valdepeñas has only lost four times and, in only three of them, by more than one goal against. Those defeats took place against FC Barcelona (2-4), Inter (3-5) and Palma (0-2), three teams that have played the ‘playoff’ for the league title. The league precedent in wine hell is not too flattering. The Cartagena fell 3-1 on matchday 4, in a match in which they won with 6 minutes to go.
Added to all this is the fact that Jimbee has gone four games without a victory, with two draws, against Jaén and Zaragoza, and two defeats, against FC Barcelona and Viña Albali Valdepeñas. In addition, the multiple casualties suffered by the meloneros have caused the scoring figures to suffer. The one that was once a really scoring team, now suffers to find the success. Of the last sixteen duels, only in five has he achieved more than two goals.
Reasons to believe
However, and although the situation looks really complex, there are reasons for hope. First of all, because Jimbee Cartagena’s performance away from home has been extraordinary throughout the season. Those from Avenida del Cantón have managed to win up to eight times. In three of them they achieved a result that would enable them to pass the round today. It was against Inter (2-5), Real Betis (1-4) and Manzanares FS (1-6). Of course, they have not achieved such success since December.
Likewise, Jimbee have been a scoring team throughout the year, especially on the road. It was the team with the third most away goals in the league (48), only behind Industrias Santa Coloma (50) and Barcelona (62).
Andresito’s recovery can also be an added extra factor. The Cordovan, before leaving for Nagoya Oceans in Japan, wants to give the club one last service and this will cause more competition and motivation among his teammates.
forbidden to forgive
Improving the success will be something really important. Getting the key actions right should be decisive in turning the tide of the tie. Duda attributed the defeat in the first leg to precisely this factor: «Defensively, I think the team was good. We didn’t make any big mistakes. We have to improve above all at the level of success up front: attack, last pass and strategy. Hit generally and do more damage », he said yesterday.
Asked about the possibility that the hostile environment could intimidate his players, he stated bluntly: “It’s not really a problem. The game is played at twenty forty, on a good parquet. All those shouts, all that atmosphere that is generated we have to get it to turn in our favor ».
«We lack more confidence in difficult moments, but the team has achieved it during the season. As I said before the first leg, every streak has a beginning and an end and the end of our losing streak is imminent and we have to win a game, “insisted Duda.
The technician travels with the sure loss of Javi Mínguez, who has been injured for a long time. Juanpi and Andresito have just recovered from their injuries. Meira and Fernando Drasler are between cottons. The coach does not use all these injuries as an excuse: “We have a lot of players in the dynamic of entering, but we are in the ‘playoffs’ now and it is not easy to find minutes for everyone”.
«Those who are on the track have to bite, with blood in their eyes. Show the desire to the teammate that we have to pass the tie and fight for every ball, every play at every moment of the game », he asserted. When insisted by Andresito and Juanpi, Duda closed ranks. “I decide who is going to play and I am not going to say anything.”
“We are going to go to Valdepeñas as a team, and as such we have to qualify. We are in the ‘playoff’ and whoever is summoned doesn’t matter to me. What is decisive is that the team goes with motivation », he recalled. “Everyone has a huge desire to contribute. That is what we are going to look for, that since we left Cartagena that we have the need and the desire to win this game, ”explained the coach of a Jimbee that would face Barça in the semifinals. The azulgranas eliminated ElPozo yesterday, who almost achieved a feat at the Palau (3-4). Jaén and Palma will meet in the other semifinal.
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