Atletico Baleares creates cup upset – Palma dreams of a big one

Atletico Baleares creates cup upset – Palma dreams of a big one

A cool December evening, 13 °C, a few clouds over Palma – and suddenly the air at the Estadi Balear was electric. Hours before kickoff the streets around Son Güells filled up, cars searched in vain for parking spaces, and the voices of fan groups mixed with the smell of fried tapas from the snack stalls. The scene felt like an island version of a classic cup night: familiar, chaotic and full of anticipation.

A goal that reverberates

Atletico Baleares, a club with a long tradition and owner Ingo Volckmann, defeated Espanyol Barcelona 1:0 on Thursday night and advanced to the round of 16 in the Copa del Rey. The only goal came shortly after halftime when Jaume Tovar finished a cleared ball from close range and sent the stadium into jubilation. The goal changed more than the scoreline: nervous tension turned into determination, and hope became certainty.

Coach Luis Blanco relied on a compact defense and a midfield that closed down space. Center-backs Pol, Castel and Ullrich were highly focused, and goalkeeper Juli Rivas produced a performance that will be remembered: several crucial saves preserved the lead. Espanyol brought on fresh players in the final phase, but the big chance never came – thanks to a united team effort from the Balearicos.

What this evening means for Mallorca

Sportingly, the victory is a sensation that resonates far beyond the pitch. If the draw now brings one of the four big clubs – FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid or Athletic Bilbao – to Palma, it would be an event with a strong signal. Such a match would bring not only media attention but also full hotels, more walk-in customers in the bars on the Paseo Marítimo and income for vendors around the stadium. For small businesses in Son Güells, an evening like this can make a visible difference.

For the people on the island, the success is above all one thing: a moment of shared joy. On the steps of the stadium people danced, patted old and new acquaintances on the shoulder. Parents with children, pensioners, students and workers – everyone mixed together. Scenes like these remind us how locally rooted football is here: it is a meeting place, an anchor of identity and sometimes a door opener to something bigger.

Outlook: seize opportunities, plan realistically

The draw is on Tuesday at 1 pm, and all of Mallorca will be listening. The logistical challenges would be real: ticket allocation, travel, security, pricing. Clubs, the municipality and local businesses should start discussions early so that a possible match against a top club is profitable for all sides. That means transparent communication, fair ticket quotas for regular fans and a security concept that also considers the small side streets around the stadium.

Youth development is also important: a home match against a big opponent would be an excellent stage for the youth departments. If clubs use this moment to give visibility to their juniors, the success can have a lasting effect – more children in training, better club work, new volunteers.

In the end, there remains a simple, almost banal observation: football can bring together things in one evening that otherwise lie scattered. Son Güells smelled of fried snacks, the fans' voices echoed long after, and in many bars people talked late into the night about that moment in the 54th minute. For Mallorca these are not just big headlines, but a reminder that there are places here where community is alive – and sometimes history is made.

More: Atletico Baleares is now in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. The draw will decide which of the big clubs comes to Palma. For the island it would be more than a game: a chance to put local football and the community in the spotlight.