Barakaldo slipped into the Primera Federación relegation zone on Sunday after suffering a 1-0 away defeat against a previously winless UD Ourense side at O Couto. Baldrich scored the game’s only goal in the 52nd minute, extending Barakaldo’s winless run to four matches and dropping manager Imanol de la Sota’s squad to 17th place in the standings with just six points.
Barakaldo Struggles to Find Rhythm at O Couto
The visiting side failed to display their characteristic high-intensity and vertical style of play during a cold afternoon in Galicia. UD Ourense controlled the opening twenty minutes of the match, dictating possession and neutralizing Barakaldo’s midfield. The visitors’ primary penalty appeal arrived early in the first half when Endika Mateos went down following a challenge from Samu Pardo inside the area. The referee reviewed the incident using the FVS system and dismissed the claims, costing Barakaldo one of their two available review challenges. Neither goalkeeper faced significant pressure during a quiet first half, though Barakaldo’s Gaizka Campos handled a close-range header from Baldrich to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
Baldrich Breaks Deadlock Minutes After Halftime
The decisive breakthrough arrived seven minutes into the second half. Samu Pardo advanced down the right flank in the 52nd minute and delivered a precise pass behind Barakaldo’s defensive line. Baldrich met the ball and beat Campos with a left-footed finish to put the hosts ahead 1-0. The goal forced Barakaldo to push higher up the pitch, having failed to test Ourense goalkeeper Manuel Vizoso during the opening hour. Manager Imanol de la Sota responded by introducing attacking substitutes, including Jon Cabo, Álvaro Peña, Okolo, and Carlos Mattheus, in an effort to alter the match’s momentum.
Late Push Falls Short Despite Debutant’s Effort
Barakaldo increased their pressure and earned multiple corner kicks as Ourense retreated to defend their lead. Despite enjoying territorial control during the final stages, the visitors struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Jon Cabo, making his official debut for Barakaldo after recovering from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for nearly 18 months, registered his team’s first and only shot on target in the 88th minute. Vizoso stopped Cabo’s left-wing strike, and a subsequent header from Okolo sailed over the crossbar. The loss leaves Barakaldo with zero points away from home this season, following previous road defeats against Coria (4-1) and Racing Ferrol (1-0).
Upcoming Match Against CD Mirandés at Lasesarre
Barakaldo returns to Lasesarre next Saturday to face CD Mirandés in search of their first victory since the opening stages of the campaign. The team has maintained an undefeated home record at Lasesarre throughout 2026, a run they will rely upon as they attempt to climb out of the 17th-place relegation positions currently holding six points from one win, three draws, and three defeats.
