Sabadell 1-2 Barça Atlètic: Estanis scores brace in third consecutive win

Barça Atlètic have hit some sweet form and collected a third win in a row on Saturday at the home of local rivals Sabadell. An inspired Estanis Pedrola scored twice in the first half and despite some strong pressure from the home side after the break, the blaugrana came back from the Nova Creu Alta with three points.

Stellar display

The reserves were playing with a highly depleted squad due to several international call-ups, with youth player Astralaga taking the place of Arnau Tenas in goal.

Following a frenetic series of opening exchanges, Luismi crossed from the right and Estanis swallowed up the pressure to control and shoot in fine fifth minutes goal. Barça led but this game was wide open, with both sides playing fast, attacking football.

Luismi-Estanis again

Estanis again converted an assist from Luismi in the 35th minute, and absolute rocket of a strike. Sabadell piled on the pressure and despite some excellent goalkeeping from Astralaga, the Basque could do nothing to prevent the goal that got the home side back into contention, a fine finish from David Astrals after 72 minutes.

Holding on

Juanda and Roberto both missed great chances to sentence the win for Barça, and instead, there was also a string likelihood that Sabadell could snatch an equaliser. But a workmanlike performance at the back made sure that wasn't going to happen and following seven game without defeat, Rafa Márquez's side are now well-positioned for a playoff berth.

MATCH STATS

Sabadell: Ortolà; Molina, Pau Resta (Alberto 46'), Pujol (Athuman 71'); Astals, Armando (Gualda 60'), Altimira, Carrión; Moha Keita (Vladys 71'), Cristian Herrera (Dieste 71') y Pau Víctor.

Barça Atlètic: Astralaga; Álvaro Núñez, Pelayo, Zalaya, Román Vega (Sergi Domínguez 90+5'); Casadó, Pablo Torre )Carbonell 74'), Moha (Aranda 88'); Luismi (Pocho 88'), Roberto y Estanis 8Juanda 74').

Goals: 0-1, Estanis (min. 5); 0-2, Estanis (min. 35); 1-2, Astals (min. 72).