Palencia CF returned to winning ways this Saturday at La Balastera, continuing their chase for direct promotion. The team secured the match against Colegio Diocesanos with two early goals.
Walter Pandiani’s side controlled the tempo to maintain their lead, even after the visitors reduced the deficit in the second half. Palencia CF remain second in the table, five points behind direct promotion, and will visit Villaralbo next week.
Early Goals Set the Tone
Palencia CF started strongly at La Balastera. They struck first within five minutes. Vallecillo drove forward from the halfway line, capitalising on a slip from Sola to fire a powerful, diagonal shot into the net. This gave the home side an ideal start, but they pushed for more. A free-kick on the edge of the box for Palencia CF led to their second goal. Canario took the free kick, firing a powerful shot past the goalkeeper into the corner of the net, with only ten minutes played.
Chances at Both Ends
Palencia CF continued to create clear chances. A training ground routine from a short corner almost resulted in a third goal. Canario set up Samu Ríos, whose shot was cleared off the line by Josito.
The second half began with another opportunity for the hosts. Vallecillo found himself one-on-one with the visiting goalkeeper but shot wide under pressure. The visitors grew into the game and their persistence paid off. Fer’s shot was blocked by the defence, but Hugo volleyed the loose ball into the net to reduce the deficit and add excitement to the final minutes.
Late Pressure and Missed Chances
Colegio Diocesanos pushed for an equaliser in the final quarter of an hour. Their best chance came from a set-piece, with Sergio’s flicked header from a corner being saved by Unai. Palencia CF could have sealed the win on the counter-attack, but a lack of composure prevented them from extending their lead.
The Palencia CF were unable to kill the match off on the counter, with lack of clarity or errors in the final decision preventing Walter Pandiani’s team from enjoying a more comfortable end to the match.