In a tightly contested friendly match held at the Country Club on 24 August 2025, Catala Vermell and Mirabelli 2 played out a 1-1 draw. The match kicked off at 2:45pm and showcased a blend of tactical discipline and individual flair from both sides.
Catala Vermell lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, featuring Mauricio O. in goal, flanked by central defenders Ucar B. and Felix A. The midfield trio comprised Jaycob M. on the right, Diego B. in the centre, and Tiago L. on the left, while Julian S. led the attack as the lone striker. This setup was designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions and support for the forward line.
The substitutes for Catala Vermell included Derik V., Fabian A., Sebastian J., and Mauro A., who were poised to make an impact as the match unfolded.
The match began with an early scare for Catala Vermell as Julian S. was caught offside just four minutes in, a mistimed run that highlighted the need for precision in the attacking third. Moments later, Julian attempted to make amends with a shot that was saved, showcasing his determination to find the net.
As the first half progressed, Mauricio O. was called into action, diving at the feet of an opponent in the 13th minute to keep the scores level. Julian S. continued to be a focal point for Catala Vermell, but his efforts were thwarted again with two more saved attempts in quick succession, both occurring in the 16th minute. Diego B. also joined the fray, but his attempts were similarly denied, reflecting a frustrating period for the home side as they struggled to break through Mirabelli 2's defence.
In a tactical move, Catala Vermell made their first substitution in the 21st minute, bringing on Derik V. for Tiago L. This change aimed to bolster their midfield presence. Shortly after, in the 22nd minute, Fabian A. replaced Julian S., who had been active but unable to find the back of the net.
The first half concluded with a scoreless stalemate, but not before Diego B. had one last attempt saved just before the break. As the teams regrouped, the second half promised to be just as intense.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions for Catala Vermell, with Sebastian J. coming on for Fabian A. in the 31st minute, followed by Ucar B. making way for Fabian A. shortly after. Mauro A. then replaced Felix A. in the 33rd minute, as the home side sought fresh legs to turn the tide.
Mauricio O. was called upon again in the 38th minute, to defend a crucial penalty call. The shot went wide and kept Catala Vermell in the game. However, Diego B. found himself repeatedly thwarted, with another shot saved just a minute later.
As the match approached its climax, Tiago L. re-entered the fray in the 41st minute, replacing Derik V. The tension mounted as Tiago L. was flagged offside in the 42nd minute, a moment that could have shifted the momentum.
In the 44th minute, Ucar B. had a chance to put Catala Vermell ahead, but his effort was saved. Just moments later, Mirabelli 2 capitalised on a defensive mistake, scoring from close range in the 47th minute to take a 1-0 lead.
Catala Vermell responded with urgency, and in the dying moments of the match, Julian S. converted a penalty in the 49th minute, ensuring the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The final whistle blew shortly after, leaving both teams with plenty to ponder as they look ahead to future fixtures.
