Daniel González opted for a five-man defense: Zarco in goal; Borge and Lluís Llácer as wing-backs, with Álvaro López, Nathanael and Joserra in central defense; Albisua and Hugo Redón in midfield; Goyo and Edu Gallardo out wide, and Sergio Moreno up front. Sant Andreu had more of the ball in the early stages and Álex Bermejo had the first chance, sending a shot over from inside the six-yard box.
CD Teruel soon adjusted its pressing and found its best form when winning the ball and breaking on the counter, particularly down Llácer's and Goyo's flank. The red-and-black side had the clearest chances of the first half: after half an hour, Edu Gallardo received a superb pass from Albisua inside the box, but his shot went over the crossbar. Shortly afterward, Goyo, again set up by Albisua, fired left-footed just wide of the post. Halftime arrived with the score level at 0-0 and Daniel González's team showing positive signs.
After the break, home coach Javi Rey brought on M. Delgado, and Sant Andreu stepped up and took the lead in the 52nd minute: Álex Bermejo delivered a cross from the right wing, which Jaume Tovar headed home in the box to make it 1-0. The Teruel coach reacted immediately by introducing Sander Ballero and Mario Sesé, who gave the team more possession and attacking depth and allowed CD Teruel to establish itself in the opposition half in search of an equalizer. Carlos Igual and Miguel Romera then also came on, replacing Llácer and Goyo.
In the closing stages, with CD Teruel pushing forward, the match opened up. In the 83rd minute, Álvaro López was sent off after a VAR review for bringing down Tovar as the last man, and the resulting free kick struck the post. Despite being down to 10 men, the team continued to chase an equalizer, but in the 89th minute Pau, assisted by Serrano, scored the definitive 2-0. Zarco, with five saves, kept the team in the match until the end.
CD Teruel are already looking ahead to their next fixture, when UD Ibiza visit Estadio Pinilla on Saturday, November 7 at 16:30, a match in which the team will look to return to winning ways in front of their supporters.
