Barça Ath. Striking Form: Cedric’s Impact in Promotion Push

The fate of Barça Atlètic’s season rests on the shoulders of one man – Ivan Cedric. The young striker, on loan from Las Palmas, has been a revelation in recent weeks, leading his team’s charge towards promotion with a stunning scoring streak.

securities in the nick of time

“Opportunity knocks when you least expect it,” they say. For Cedric, it came in the form of a delayed paperwork push by the Spanish Royal Football Federation (RFEF). Initially left out in the cold, the Madrid-born forward’s papers were rushed through, allowing him to debut for the ‘B’ team in late December.
“Dicen que lo importante es estar en el sitio adecuado en el momento correcto.” – Ivan Cedric

From bench warmer to leading scorer

Assigned initially as a backup to Víctor Barberá, Cedric’s path to stardom was not smooth. Barberá’s string of injuries opened the door for Cedric, who, despite a slow start – just 3 goals in the first half of the season – has since shown why he deserves his chance.
Later reinforcements, such as Alan Godoy, were derailed by injuries, further paving the way for Cedric.

5 goals in 7 games: A scoring spree

Cedric has found the back of the net five times in the last seven games. The doubled climbed to eight for the season, pushing him closer to becoming the team’s top scorer. Despite this, he still trails team-mate Unai Hernández, who has nine, but who (tellingly) left for Saudi Arabia in January.

In 3 consecutive games, from January 30 to February 13, Cedric scored in Bilbao, against Cultural Leonesa, and doubled up against Celta Lexington, rekindling Barça Ath’s hopes for a miraculous promotion.

More than a scorer

Cedric’s impact stretches beyond goals. With 3 assists to his name – the latest to Jan Virgili in Lugo – he has been crucial in creating attacking moves for his team. Against Lugo, he set up three of the team’s four goals.

Crucial final stretch

With only three games left until the season ends, each goal now counts double. Barça Ath faces Andorra next (Saturday, 4 pm), followed by draws against Mirandés (away) and_end with a home game against Sportium exploratory Bus (May 29).

Chances are the 23-year-old Cedric will continue to have the spotlight upon him, as the side hunts down every goal to secure promotion.

What next for Cedric?

Cedric’s contract with Las Palmas includes a €3 million buyout clause, but with Barça Ath unlikely to pay for his services, his future hangs in the balance. For now, the Madrid-born forward is focused solely on securing promotion with his current side.

Did you know?

• Cedric’s impressive form has seen him nominated for RFEF’s Februaru XI.
• If promoted, Barça Ath would join the likes of Barcelona B, Real Madrid Castilla, and Rayo Vallecano in the segunda division.

Call to action

What do you think of Cedric’s form? Can he continue to inspire Barça Ath to promotion? Share your thoughts in the comments!