Algeciras secured a vital 0-1 away win against already-relegated Atlético Sanluqueño, keeping their playoff hopes firmly alive. Javi Vázquez’s side clinched the victory with a spectacular bicycle kick from Juanma García in the second half, though Rastrojo and Obeng missed chances to extend the lead.
Coming off a controversial draw against Cartagena, the Nuevo Mirador outfit faced a Sanluqueño side that had already been relegated. With the playoff dream still burning, Vázquez’s men traveled to El Palmar determined to keep their options open until the end. The lineup featured forced changes, with key players like Turrillo, Tomás, and Arauz suspended.
The hosts relied more on grit than flair, throwing up a concrete wall in defense that made it difficult for the albirrojos to reach Rubén Domínguez’s goal. The first real chance fell to Sanluqueño when Julio Cabrera shot in the 24th minute, only for Iván Moreno to clear it away.
In a match where clear opportunities were scarce, the stands provided a touching moment of unity between Algeciras and Atlético Sanluqueño fans. Visiting supporters displayed a banner reading: “Keep your head up, Sanluqueño, you’ll be back soon,” following their team’s relegation to Segunda Federación.
Controversy emerged just before halftime when referee Expósito Jaramillo awarded a penalty to Algeciras for a handball by Samu Almagro. However, after consulting the Football Video Support system, the penalty was overturned due to a prior handball by Rastrojo, leaving the visitors empty-handed.
The second half began with a different tempo from Vázquez’s side. Juanma García nearly opened the scoring in the 48th minute after capitalizing on a poor clearance, but Rubén Domínguez stretched to save. Avilés threatened again in the 51st minute, but the home keeper stood firm. An even clearer chance came in the 59th, but it flew high.
As the albirrojos gradually improved and Sanluqueño threatened through Marcos Denia, the playoff dream rested on finding a goal. That moment arrived in the 71st minute: Juanma García — Algeciras’ standout performer — latched onto a lateral free kick from Obeng and unleashed a stunning bicycle kick from inside the box to make it 0-1 in Sanlúcar.
With three points in hand and eager to keep promotion hopes alive, Rastrojo nearly added a second in the 73rd minute, but Rubén denied him. Iván Moreno then turned hero, making a crucial save to deny Luis Simón and preserve the slender lead.
Now, with the playoff dream intact, Javi Vázquez’s men must focus on fifth-placed Europa and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their promotion bid alive.
