Loanees – P. Botelho Impresses As Salamanca Go Top

UD Salamanca knew that three points this evening would send them to the summit of the Segunda Division table, although a hard working SD Éibar outfit stood in their way at the Helmántico stadium.

After suffering an extra-time defeat in the Copa Dey Rey in midweek, manager David Armaral was forced to rotate his charges. Pedro Botelho played the complete 120 minutes in that encounter, he was returned to the bench, whilst Håvard Nordtveit was missing due to International commitments.

Torrential rain ahead of kick off warranted panic from both sets of fans, but the down pour stopped shortly before the teams emerged from the tunnel.

Both sides began with some neat early touches, before Salamanca took control of the fixture and probed for the opening goal. Veteran winger Quique Martín had only returned from injury recently, yet his influence was proving crucial. A lofted free kick was headed off the post at Sito Castro, and then Martín’s excellent run and cross presented Gorka Azkorra the chance to open his account for the Union, but he failed to make contact.

A brief spell of pressure from Éibar led to two flapped clearances from home stopper Alberto, until an injury to Isaac meant Salamanca had to make a change, French midfielder Stephen Cohen was introduced.

The half time whistle blew with the scores level, but the second period promised much more.

Indeed, with the second 45 in full flow, Quique Martín stuck the decisive blow, a goal which looked set to send Salamanca to the top of the table.

Salva Sevilla had a further chance to extend the advantage, before Armaral opted to close the game out, Pedro Botelho replaced Azkorra on 65 minutes.

The Brazilians first touch was a delightful flick to beat his marker, but Pedro was kicked to the floor by the frustrated right back. After spending a minute recovering, he shook off the problem. The 18-year-old then took possession of the ball on the left, he jinked past two players before dancing back to the wing, only a lack of space ended the intelligent run.

Operating on the left flank seemed to suit Botelho, who created the next big chance. A swift break saw Cohen reverse a pass down the touchline, ‘Pedrinho’ collected the ball and raced past the full back until he was pressed into a corner. He then bounced off two challenges and worked space for a right footed cross, Martín failed to climb high enough.

Éibar forced Alberto into action from a free kick won after Pedro’s clip on Martinez, although he more than made up for it by charging down the resulting shot. A late flurry from the visitors had Salamanca holding on, yet the majority of the supporters at the Helmántico stadium would go home happy, especially after a late penalty was awarded.

Mikel Dañobeitia was pulled down in the box attempting to glance in Cohen’s cross, Quique Martín drilled home the resulting spot kick to seal the points, and send the Union top of the table.

Article By – J.Sanderson