Jimbee Cartagena defeated ElPozo (1-2) in the first game of the playoff final for the First Division title. This marked the beginning of a potentially five-game regional derby series, with 7,500 spectators packing the Palacio de los Deportes in Murcia. Chemi, hailing from Mazarrón, emerged as the undisputed star of the match. This final is the fourth instance of a regional rivalry contesting the title. Following previous clashes between Movistar Inter and Marsanz Torrejón (1991), Playas de Castellón and Valencia Vijusa (2001), and the 2006 showdown between Murcia and another Cartagena club, Polaris.
The first half was a perfect reflection of the equality between the teams. Jimbee aimed to disrupt ElPozo’s development. But ElPozo began to connect with their centers, and Chemi delivered a stellar performance. Supporting his team during critical moments after they reached their fifth foul eight minutes into the game. Just 20 seconds before halftime, Gadeia hit the woodwork with a double penalty, and in the subsequent action, Mellado turned and launched an unstoppable left-foot shot into Juanjo’s top corner, giving Jimbee a one-goal advantage at the break.
Dani Martínez’s intense defense strategy prevented Jimbee from fully developing their game, but Chemi remained unbeatable. Although Rafa Santos deflected what would have been ElPozo’s third goal off the woodwork, Gadeia assisted Taffy in equalizing at 1-1 in the 30th minute. Jimbee responded with Lucao, who, facing Gadeia, scored a crucial left-footed shot, bringing the score to 2-1 with five minutes remaining. ElPozo switched to a five-man game, but Rafa Santos’ potential tying goal came too late.
The second match is set to take place on Monday, the 17th at 8:00 p.m. at the same venue.
In another exciting playoff, Futsi Atlético Navalcarnero won the first match of the First Iberdrola title final. They defeated Pescados Rubén Burela in a penalty shootout (6-5) after regulation time ended 2-2, with goals from Becha, María Sanz, and a double from Brazilian Emily Marcondes. Ju Delgado tied the game at 3-3 just before the end of extra time. From the penalty spot, Cilene’s miss and Futsi’s win mean the Madrid team has the chance to clinch the title on Saturday, June 22, at 12:00 p.m. in the La Estación de Navalcarnero pavilion.
