Real Balompédica Linense 0-2 Cadiz C.F.

Date: Wednesday 21^st July 2021

Competition: Pre-season Friendly

Venue: Estadio Municipal

Football came home for fans of Balona as they played on the hallowed turf of the Estadio Municipal for the first time under the management of Antonio Ruiz.

The opponents were Alvaro Cervera’s Cádiz C.F. and as the team sheet dropped it showed that Cervera meant business fielding the likes of Jose Mari, Alex, Negredo and Lozano.

OH OH OH OSMAJIC

After the game the name on everyone’s lips was Milutin Osmajic. The 21-year-old Montenegro international scored one and assisted the other in a virtuoso performance after coming on as a second half substitute. It safe to say with the box of tricks he displayed Osmajic is magic! It remains to be seen what impact he will have in La Liga this season. After this performance I’m sure those in attendance will be keeping a close eye on this developing talent.

Alvaro Negredo it was who had the first big opportunity of the game he latched onto a square ball from Nano. He lifted the ball over the onrushing Nacho Miras. With the ball goal bound Jesus Muñoz who had sprinted back headed to safety to the relief of the Balona players and fans.

The midfield battles between Coulibaly and Bandaogo for Balona and Jose Mari and Alex Fernandez for Cadiz were fiercely fought considering this was a friendly game and whilst there were some nice touches from Alhassan Koroma Balona didn’t create too many chances against their La Liga opponents.

Nacho Miras for many the player of the year last season at Balona was once again in fine form. Firstly, diving a full stretch to tip Nano’s curling effort out for a corner. Then Negredo bullied his way to the by line he cut the ball back to Jose Mari who’s shot was expertly saved by Nacho Miras who palmed it away to safety. That one will have stung the palms. Miras was back in action before the break this time diving and collecting at the feet of Nano. The linesman had flagged for offside but Miras was unaware, so it was another excellent piece of goalkeeping from him.

The second half brough with it the introduction of Osmajic and many more substitutes including a debut for Cadiz for new signing Tomás Alarcón. The Chilean another young starlet with a big future under the tutelage of Cervera.

A change in goal for Balona saw new signing Mateusz Kania take over between the sticks. Like Miras he was busy, and he did not disappoint. He pulled off some excellent saves of his own.

On 78 minutes Osmajic picked up the ball wide and with a real turn of pace he got to the goal line. He clipped the ball back towards the penalty sport where Ivan Chapela steamed in and headed into the goal.

Osmajic was on the charge again soon after this time Kania did fantastic to save his shot. He was not to be denied his goal though and with a ball floated over the top Osmajic ghosted in between two defenders. He plucked the ball out of the air with his right foot and in one motion prodded it past the on rushing Kania into the back of the net. He took the adulation of his team mates for a cracking goal.

All in all, both sides will have been happy with their evening’s work. It’s very early to read too much into what the friendlies played so far mean longer term for Balona. There are more new players yet to pull on those famous black and white stripes. The early indications are that Romerito’s promise of a team that will never quit and keep fighting seems to be ringing true.

Players like Nacho Miras, Alhassan Koroma and Aly Coulibaly look like they will be key to the success of La Recia once again this season.