Palamós' dream of returning to the Liga Élite has become more complicated after losing 1-3 to Viladecans in the first leg of the promotion play-off semi-finals. The team from Baix Empordà, who scored first from a penalty, could not maintain their pace in the second half and must now come back away from home.

The objective for Palamós, the oldest club in Catalan football, was clear: to return to the Liga Élite, a division they were relegated from last season. From the first minute, the team coached by Marçal Juanola showed their intention to secure an advantage in the tie, dominating possession and creating chances. A foul inside the rival box was punished with a penalty, which Mercader successfully converted, delighting the home crowd.

Despite the initial dominance, a hydration break around the hour mark disrupted Palamós' rhythm. Just before halftime, Etido, a standout player for Viladecans, scored the equalizer with a shot that surprised the home goalkeeper. In the second half, the psychological blow became evident when Akram scored the visitors' second goal, converting a pass across the goalmouth.

Viladecans had opportunities to extend their lead, but it wasn't until added time that Serrano sealed the match with the definitive 1-3, following an error in Palamós' ball distribution. Now, the team from Baix Empordà will need to secure a victory by more than two goals in Viladecans to aspire to promotion.