Barça Atlètic aim to hold top spot against bottom side

Barça Atlètic will look to retain top spot in Segunda RFEF Group 2 on Saturday when they host bottom-placed CD Arnedo. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 at Estadi Johan Cruyff in the ninth round. Juliano Belletti’s side are seeking a response after losing 2-0 away to Olot in their most recent match.

That result was Barça Atlètic’s first defeat in the competition. Third-placed Olot, with 15 points, ended the reserve side’s unbeaten run. Before the match against Olot, Iker Rodriguez had conceded only two goals, according to the figures cited in connection with that game.

Belletti acknowledged that his team had areas to address despite taking positives from its performance. “Even though we didn’t win, we valued important tactical aspects and managed to shut down the best parts of the opposition’s game. We conceded two goals from set pieces; those are defensive duels in the area that of course need adjusting, and we are always working on that,” the coach explained.

The coach also urged his players to keep their confidence and trust the work they do each week. He pointed to the chance to play at home and called on supporters to come to the stadium and help the team. Belletti added that the side must continue to develop its game with and without the ball, particularly at set pieces, while maintaining what he described as a positive momentum.

Barça Atlètic will still need to be wary of an opponent whose recent improvement Belletti acknowledged. CD Arnedo have had a difficult start to the season, but the coach said they had defended well in their last three matches and improved their play. He expects them to defend and look for opportunities on the counter or from corners and free kicks. Belletti also suggested that playing at Barça Atlètic’s ground could give them extra motivation.

The task is to respond to that first league defeat without surrendering top spot. Barça Atlètic will pursue all three points in front of their home crowd, while CD Arnedo arrive looking for a reaction of their own.