1-3: Undeserved defeat for UD Almería against Real Sociedad
The Rojiblancos faced bravely the Champions League side and had a chance, not only to peg them back, but to achieve victory. Ramazani was not awarded a possible penalty in the 84th minute
Unfortunately, UD Almería are still on a winless run this season and this time, despite facing bravely Real Sociedad, it was not possible to achieve a victory. The Basque Country team took the lead through Oyarzabal's opener in the second half and although the Rojiblancos managed to tie, a penalty awarded at the request of the VAR in the 88th minute triggered a very undeserved 1-3 final score.
As for the starting XI, Gaizka Garitano opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Maximiano as goalkeeper; Mendes, Chumi, Edgar and Akieme on defensive duty; a midfield protected by Lopy, Robertone, Ramazani and Embarba; Arribas and Léo Baptistão were placed in the attacking area of the pitch.
During the first period, Real Sociedad were the team that had the most possession of the ball, as UD Almería head coach warned, 'they play by memory,' and they demonstrated it, however, the Indálicos remained solid, defending in a low block and repelling goals. Former Rojiblanco Sadiq was the player who came closest to scoring the opening goal with a great solo play that hit the woodwork and with a strike from outside the area that Maximiano blocked with a great save.
The Rojiblancos did not go much deeper in attack, the most notable opportunity being a header from Edgar that went over the goal defended by Remiro and a free-kick from the edge of the area by Adrián Embarba that narrowly missed.
In the second half, UD Almería came out with more clear ideas in attack and composure, creating chances through good football, however, Real Sociedad quickly regained momentum and netted a goal that would be disallowed at the request of the VAR for handball. However, two minutes later, in the 62nd minute, Oyarzabal earned his name onto the scoresheet thanks to his header (0-1).
UD Almería were not going to give up, far from it, they began to look for through-ball passes into the area and creating overloads to spread the ball wide and deliver crosses into the box... and the equaliser came courtesy of Arribas, who made the most of a rebound from keeper Remiro after a shot booted by Lázaro Vinicius. It was 1- 1 on the scoreboard to the joy of the home crowd.
UD Almería continued to go on the attack looking for the winner by all means, yet once again, another blow would come for the Almeriensistas. The penalty that should have been awarded to the hosts when Ramazani was tackled and muted appeals were waved away led to a penalty whistled for the Donostiarras. The VAR indicated it in favour of the Basque Country team that would be converted by Carlos Fernández from 12 yards (1-2).
This setback came as a complete shock for the Indálicos, who shortly after conceded the third (1-3). Opponent Zubimendi put the game to bed with a thumping header to pick up all three points on the south coast.
