Barakaldo CF continued their promising pre-season preparations with a commanding 2-0 victory over La Liga side Mirandes at their Estadio de Lasesarre headquarters on 1 August 2026. The Basque club, currently preparing for their league campaign, produced an energetic display that will give supporters plenty of optimism ahead of the new season.

Match Overview

In a friendly that carried genuine intensity despite its pre-season billing, Barakaldo CF took the game to their higher-division opponents from the first whistle. The home side's pressing game unsettled Mirandes, who struggled to find rhythm in midfield. Barakaldo broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a well-worked goal featuring a one-two on the edge of the box and a composed finish. Mirandes improved after the interval but were undone again on the counter-attack as Barakaldo doubled their advantage.

The result marks a strong statement for Barakaldo, who are building momentum in their preparations. For Mirandes, the match provided valuable minutes for their squad players and highlighted areas that will need sharpening before competitive fixtures begin.

Key Moments

Barakaldo's opener: A slick passing exchange carved open the Mirandes defence, with the final shot placed calmly past the advancing goalkeeper.
Mirandes' best chance: A curling effort from the edge of the area forced a solid save from Barakaldo's keeper, preserving the clean sheet.
Second goal: A rapid counter-attack caught Mirandes caught high up the pitch, allowing Barakaldo's winger to slot home from a narrow angle.

Tactical Story

Barakaldo set up in an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, with the front three constantly interchanging positions to stretch the Mirandes backline. Their midfield trio dropped deep to receive the ball and then advanced quickly, creating numerical advantages in central areas. Mirandes, meanwhile, aimed to control possession but found their passing lanes blocked by a disciplined Barakaldo midfield. The second half saw Mirandes switch to a more direct approach, but Barakaldo's centre-backs stood firm and dealt comfortably with aerial balls.

Standout Performances

Barakaldo's number 10: Pulled the strings in midfield, involved in both goals and dictating the tempo of the match.
Barakaldo's goalkeeper: Commanded his area well and made one crucial save to keep Mirandes from getting back into the game.
Mirandes' substitute forward: Brought energy to the away side's attack in the second half and looked the most likely to score.

Friendly Context and Looking Ahead

Pre-season friendlies are about building fitness, embedding tactical ideas, and giving squad players minutes, and this match served those purposes for both teams. Barakaldo will take confidence from a clean-sheet victory over a top-tier side, while Mirandes can use the game as a measuring stick ahead of their own competitive start. Both managers rotated heavily in the second half, with several younger players given valuable senior opportunities on a sunny August afternoon in Barakaldo.