Granada CF B 2-1 Atlético Marbella — Spanish Tercera División RFEF — 11 October 2026

Granada CF B secured a valuable 2-1 victory over Atlético Marbella in the Spanish Tercera División RFEF on Sunday evening, producing a mature home display that underlined their growing reputation as one of the most watchable young sides in the division. At the Ciudad Deportiva del Granada CF, the hosts scored twice in a dominant first-half spell and then held off a determined Marbella comeback to claim all three points.

The win lifts Granada CF B into the upper reaches of the early-season table and extends their encouraging run of form. Atlético Marbella, meanwhile, will rue a slow start that left them chasing the game, though their second-half response offered plenty of positives for the weeks ahead.

Match overview

Granada CF B began with purpose, pressing high and forcing Marbella into rushed clearances. Their midfield diamond caused problems for the visitors’ back four, and the opening goal arrived in the 18th minute when Pablo Sáenz timed his run perfectly to meet a low cross at the near post. The finish was clinical, and the confidence visibly flowed through the home side.

Marbella tried to respond immediately, but Granada B’s defensive line held firm. The second goal came in the 34th minute after a sweeping counter-attack. Aitor Molina, the young forward, carried the ball from midfield, exchanged passes with the right winger, and calmly slotted into the bottom corner. It was a goal of real quality and gave the hosts a comfortable cushion at the break.

Atlético Marbella improved after the interval. They changed shape, pushed their full-backs higher, and began to win the ball in advanced areas. Their reward came in the 61st minute when Dani Torres headed home from a well-delivered corner. That goal set up a tense final half-hour, but Granada CF B managed the game smartly, dropping deeper and protecting their lead with disciplined defending.

Key moments

• 18’ — Granada CF B take the lead: Pablo Sáenz converted a low cross at the near post.
• 34’ — A second for the hosts: Aitor Molina finished a rapid counter-attack with a composed low finish.
• 61’ — Marbella pull one back: Dani Torres rose highest to head in a corner.
• 74’ — Marbella nearly equalise: A goal-bound shot was blocked bravely by a Granada defender.
• 88’ — Granada B close it out: The goalkeeper claimed a dangerous cross to ease the pressure.

Tactical story

Granada CF B’s success was built on their aggressive pressing and quick vertical passing. They used a narrow midfield to overload the centre and then released their full-backs into space. The two-goal lead was no accident; it came from a clear game plan that targeted Marbella’s slow defensive transitions. After the break, however, Granada B showed a different side to their game: resilience. They conceded territory but not many clear chances, and their back four dealt well with Marbella’s increased crossing volume.

Atlético Marbella’s 4-3-3 initially struggled to contain Granada’s midfield runners. Their manager adjusted to a back three for the final 30 minutes, which gave them more width and allowed their wing-backs to push forward. The change nearly produced an equaliser, but a lack of sharpness in the final third cost them. It was a reminder that in the Tercera División RFEF, slow starts are often punished.

Standout players

Aitor Molina was the standout performer, combining pace, direct running, and a calm finish for the decisive second goal. Pablo Sáenz also impressed with his movement and link-up play. In defence, Granada CF B’s centre-back pairing was excellent in the air, snuffing out Marbella’s late aerial threat. For the visitors, Dani Torres was their most dangerous player, scoring one and forcing a fine save with another header.

Table and season impact

The three points move Granada CF B up the Tercera División RFEF standings and strengthen their case for a promotion push. For Atlético Marbella, the defeat is a setback but not a fatal one; their second-half display showed they can compete with the division’s better sides. Both teams will now prepare for their next fixtures, with Granada B looking to build momentum and Marbella eager to turn improved performances into results.