The Jaén team faced matchday 31 of Group IV in the Segunda Federación under pressure to avoid dropping more points, especially after last week's defeat against Atlético Malagueño. Fans, who had expressed some doubts about promotion chances, expected a strong reaction from their team against a tough opponent.
From the opening whistle, visitors FC La Unión Atlético showed their intent to make the game difficult, displaying higher intensity in the early stages. Midfield duels favored the team led by José Campos, causing some frustration among the home crowd. Despite the visitors' pressure, Jaén's goalkeeper, Jaime Morillas, was not overly tested.
It wasn't until the final ten minutes of the first half that Real Jaén, under Manolo Herrero, began to feel more comfortable with the ball and create dangerous approaches to the opponent's goal, though without troubling goalkeeper Héctor. Halftime arrived with a goalless draw, reflecting the match's evenness and toughness.
Real Jaén was uncomfortable against a rough team, playing with a knife between their teeth.
Fortune favored Real Jaén at the start of the second half. In the 47th minute, Mauro capitalized on a loose ball in the box after several deflections to score the only goal of the match, igniting euphoria at La Victoria. This goal shifted the game's dynamic, allowing the white-clad team to have a greater presence in the opponent's territory and create some opportunities to extend their lead.
However, Real Jaén's good momentum faded around the hour mark. The absence of key players like Mario Martos, who was serving a suspension, became noticeable. La Unión Atlético grew back into the game, pushing Real Jaén into their own half and forcing them to suffer to defend the result. Ultimately, Manolo Herrero's team managed to weather the storm and celebrate a hard-earned victory that keeps their playoff hopes alive in what promises to be an exciting final stretch of the season.
