The match, played in Portugal, was initially very tight, reaching halftime at 0-0. Although the team from Lleida fell behind (1-0 and 2-1) in the second half, they showed great experience and skill to stage a comeback.
The reaction was swift, moving from 2-1 to 2-3 in just two minutes. The decisive goal that sealed the 2-4 victory came from a direct free hit masterfully executed by Nico Ojeda, consolidating their lead.
“"It has been a very serious match on our part. We were very aware of the game we had to play here to get a good result or, above all, for the tie to be decided at home, and I believe we achieved that."
Coach Edu Amat highlighted that the first half was "practically excellent" defensively, noting that the opponent barely generated any danger. He also described the direct free hit save by Xavi Bosch as a "key point of the duel" that helped the team realize it was their moment.
Despite the positive result, Amat sought to temper the euphoria, reminding everyone that "there is still a long way to go" and that a "two-goal difference against these teams is absolutely nothing," urging caution ahead of the return leg.
In the other Catalan-Portuguese duels, Calafell and Caldes also secured home victories, defeating Braga 1-0 and Juventude Pacense 6-5, respectively.
