Jimbee Cartagena secured another impressive 1-2 victory in the second game of the playoff final for the First Division title. With this win, the Meloneros team has neutralized ElPozo’s home advantage and now leads the series 0-2. Under the guidance of Eduardo Sao Thiago, known as Doubt, Jimbee is just one victory away from clinching their first-ever championship.
In the first game, Chemi was the standout player, but in the second, an error by the Mazarrón goalkeeper allowed Bruno Taffy to open the scoring. The Brazilian forward intercepted a pass to Mellado, recovered the ball, and netted a goal in the 5th minute. The visitors tied the game in the 12th minute when Motta exquisitely finished a free kick taken by Bebe. Motta skillfully controlled the ball, evaded Gadeia and Marlon, and beat Juanjo and Felipe Valerio with a powerful shot.
Top Scorer
Motta, who is Cartagena’s top scorer with 21 goals, turned the scoreboard with a goal after a slalom by Javi Mínguez and an assist from the Madrid winger, silencing the packed Sports Palace of Murcia. With 24 seconds left in the first half, Gadeia had a double penalty, but Chemi saved it. After a review, the referees ordered a retake, which Gadeia hit the post.
In the second half, ElPozo struggled against a disciplined Jimbee, who has mastered the art of closing out tight games. This was evident in their matches against Barça (2-3) and the two games in Murcia. ElPozo’s strategy of using a goalkeeper-player was ineffective.
The series now moves to Cartagena, where on Friday the 21st at 7:00 p.m., Jimbee could win their first League title. Having already won the Spanish Super Cup and finishing as Copa del Rey runners-up, they could cap off a spectacular season by securing their debut in the UEFA Futsal Champions League. ElPozo Murcia needs a win to force a fourth game on Sunday the 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Burela Pescados Rubén has returned to the First Division after defeating UMA Antequera in a dramatic penalty shootout (7-6) in the promotion playoff. The Galician team rejoins the top tier of Spanish futsal after a two-year absence. After winning the first game (1-5), David Rial’s team led 4-1, but Malaga forced extra time (5-5) with a goal from Leandrinho in the 36th minute. In the penalty shootout, Malaguti scored the decisive goal, sealing their return to the elite of Spanish futsal.