Valero’s Late Penalty Drama Sees Atlètic Edge Mornar 2-1

Atlètic Club d’Escaldes snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with two stoppage-time penalties from David Valero, stealing a 2-1 win against Mornar in the UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round. The Andorran visitors left it heart-wrenchingly late to overturn Jovan Dasic’s first-half opener in a match that exploded into life when it mattered most.

Mornar’s Early Dominance Rewarded

The Montenegrin hosts started brightly, their press forcing Atlètic into early errors. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Darko Zoric’s incisive pass found Dasic, who coolly slotted past Adrià Fernandez. Mornar’s Stefan Denkovic saw yellow five minutes later for a reckless challenge, the first sign of tension creeping in.

Atlètic’s frustration grew as Nélson Vieira and Marcos Blasco both entered the book before half-time. Marti Riverola’s side had managed just one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes – a stark contrast to Mornar’s organised 4-3-3 shape.

Atlètic’s Tactical Reshuffle Bears Fruit

The introduction of Hamza Bouharma at half-time gave Atlètic fresh impetus. Suddenly Mornar keeper Benjamin Krijestarac was called into action, tipping over a dipping volley from Juan Barragan in the 58th minute.

Mornar coach Vesco Stesevic reacted with a triple substitution between the 63rd and 72nd minutes, but the changes disrupted their rhythm. The hosts’ discipline wavered too – Petar Vukcevic’s yellow card for dissent in the 64th minute proving costly later on.

Valero’s Penalty Pandemonium

Just as Mornar fans began celebrating, the unthinkable happened. Deep into stoppage time, Atlètic won a penalty after a VAR check for handball. Valero sent Krijestarac the wrong way in the 90th minute to equalise.

The Andorrans weren’t done. Three minutes later, another spot-kick was awarded for a clumsy challenge in the box. Valero stepped up again, firing high to complete an unlikely turnaround. The shell-shocked Mornar players collapsed to the turf as Atlètic’s bench erupted.

What This Means For Both Sides

For Mornar, this was ultimate football heartbreak after controlling much of the match. Their European adventure hangs by a thread heading to the Estadi Nacional next week. Atlètic, meanwhile, have life where there was none – but they’ll need more than late drama to progress over two legs.

Key Moments

20′ ⚽ Mornar — J. Dasic (assist: D. Zoric)

90′ ⚽ Atlètic Club d'Escaldes — D. Valero

90+3′ ⚽ Atlètic Club d'Escaldes — D. Valero

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.