Márquez Calls for Fan Support Against Arenteiro: ‘With Them, We’ll Be Stronger

The Arenteiro, the last team to defeat the reserve team, visits Johan Cruyff Stadium this Sunday as Barça Atlètic aims for promotion (7:00 PM) Under Rafa Márquez’s guidance, Casadó and Darvich return, but Gerard is suspended and Fort remains with the first team January 13, 2024. Arenteiro 2 Barça Atlètic 0. This marks the last defeat for the Blaugrana reserve team. Since then, under Rafa Márquez, they’ve enjoyed an 11-match unbeaten run, with 9 wins and 2 draws, securing 29 out of 33 possible points. The Blaugrana reserves seek a victory against the Galician side to keep challenging Deportivo de la Coruña for the top spot. Márquez and the players have appealed, through the club’s media, for fan support for Barça Atlètic.

A Formidable Opponent Márquez’s side will step onto the Johan Cruyff turf (Sunday, 7:00 PM) aware of Deportivo’s result at Riazor against Unionistas de Salamanca (Sunday, 5:00 PM). The historic Depor leads the Blaugrana reserve team by a point, as they dream of overtaking them for a direct promotion place.

Arenteiro remains one of the revelations in Group 1 of the Primera RFEF, vying for playoff spots and clinching wins in their last two away matches. They secured a 1-2 victory in Tarazona and a 0-1 win in Sabadell. They won’t be an easy opponent, and Barça needs their fans’ support.

A Key Absence The main absence for Barça Atlètic is Gerard Martín. The left-back, who had played every minute of the league, will miss this match due to suspension. Extremaduran Edu Sánchez is expected to make his debut as a starter in the ‘B’ team. On the other hand, after serving their suspensions, Mamadou Mbacke and Diego Percan return. The Senegalese defender is a fixture in the center of defense, and the Leonese forward might reclaim his spot as a center-forward, pushing Pau Víctor to the left. Darvich has recovered from his discomfort and could be a great option for the second half if circumstances demand it.

Márquez Warns of Arenteiro’s Danger The Mexican coach of Barça Atlètic has requested fan support: “We need the support of the people; I believe the players give everything so that the fans feel proud. Hopefully, people come to cheer us on; with them, we’ll be stronger.”

Regarding Arenteiro, Márquez highlighted that “although they are stronger and more consistent at home, they have players with good technique, and they are an adventurous team.” The dangers posed by the Galician team include “depth, transitions, and the quality they possess upfront.” To maintain the streak, Márquez hopes to “maintain the group’s competitive mindset.”

Where to Watch and Probable Lineups The match between Barça Atlètic and Arenteiro will take place on Sunday, April 7, at 7:00 PM at the Johan Cruyff Stadium and will be televised by Esport3 and FEF TV.

Barça Atlètic: Astralaga; Marc Casadó, Mbacke, Faye, Edu Sánchez; Moha, Unai, Bernal; Naim, Percan, and Pau Víctor.

Arenteiro: Diego García, Jordan, Javi Moreno, Germán, Álvaro Ramón, Tiago, Esquerdo, Iván Ramos, Luis Chacón, Álex Cardero, and Christian Santos.