2-1: UD Almería suffer late defeat to Villarreal CF

UD Almería lost to Villarreal CF in a match that they could and should have won since they fashioned numerous chances and also bossed the game... however, the hosts grabbed all three points. 

Football continues to be unfair to the Rojiblancos, and this is what Villarreal CF newly appointed head coach Pacheta admitted, but it is also true that, as UD Almería head coach Vicente Moreno said, this is all about scoring goals, and the hosts netted one more. UD Almería took the lead in the 44th minute, and Villarreal CF equalised in the stoppage-time of the first half and sealed their victory in the 90'+4. Unbelievable but this is football...

Vicente Moreno announced in the pre-match press conference that there would be changes in the Starting XI, some due to injuries and others due to a tactical decisions to get the best possible performance. Chumi played as a right-back in the absence of Pozo and Marc Pubill; César Montes made his debut alongside Édgar as centre-backs, and Akieme was placed on the left wing. Lopy and Robertone were the defending midfielders while Arribas, Melero and Embarba were attacking up front just behind Luis Suárez. A line-up picked to try to shock powerful Villarreal CF. 

UD Almería had a brilliant start to the game since from the get go, they bossed the ball and their pressure was mounting towards Villarreal CF's goal. In the 3rd minute, Luis Suárez squandered the first great chance, but his explosive shot within the area was rejected by the host goalkeeper. After that corner kick, Édgar headed slightly high. The Rojiblancos were well organised and defended comfortably their box, they had a sense of anticipation and attacked with speed through quick transitions and an effective positional game. In the 17th minute, Arribas did not finish off a play that had been started by Luis Suárez after winning the ball back. In the 31st minute, Arribas first and Luis Suárez next, once again spurned clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities.

Robertone assisted Akieme within 44 minutes, who made a lung-busting run in behind and beat Jorgensen with a powerful shot. It was 0-1 on the edge of half-time and when it seemed that this result would remained at the end of the first half, after 50 minutes, the hosts tied after Gerard Moreno found himself alone in the box...he benefited from that rebound. What a pity! 

UD Almería had the better of the restart. In the 49th minute, Robertone, from the edge of the area, fired a thunder that was blocked by Jorgensen for a corner. The Indálicos were still very solid defensively and commanded in the final third. Embarba, 58 minutes in, tried a free kick and again the Villarreal CF keeper averted danger. UD Almería continued to press high and look for the second goal. With 63 minutes on the clock, Luis Suárez stood alone against Jorgensen, but the Colombian sniffed danger. In the 64th minute, Melero's shot was denied by a defender.

With 68 minutes on the clock, the one who tried his luck was Lopy from the edge of the area; Jorgensen again parried it and pushed it over the crossbar, like in the 70th minute against Ramazani, who had just jumped in the pitch. Incredible!

In the last 10 minutes, it was Villarreal CF who pushed to break the deadlock. They managed to to do so in the 90'+4 minute as opponent Sorloth headed in at the far post, a cross from Alberto Moreno. The Rojiblancos could not believe it. Once again, football was unfair... very unfair to them, as on previous Matchdays.

Match information:

Villarreal CF: Jorgensen, Foyth, Gabbia (Cuenca, 84'), Raúl Albiol, Carlos Romero (Alberto Moreno, 62'), Parejo, Capoue (Santo Comesaña, 62'), Alex Baena (Akhomach, 72'), Gerard Moreno (Brereton Díaz, 84'), Sorloth and Yéremi Pino.

UD Almería: Maximiano, Chumi, César Montes, Edgar, Akieme, Lopy, Robertone (Baba, 75'), Embarba (Ramazani, minute 65), Melero (Arnau Puigmal, 75'), Arribas (Léo Baptistão, 87') and Luis Suárez (Koné, 87').

Referee: Hernández Maeso, from the Extremadura referees association. He booked Capoue and Yéremy Pino from Villarreal CF as well as Embarba, Chumi and Arnau Puigmal, from UD Almería. 

Goals: 0-1 ( 44'). Akieme, with a powerful shot. 1-1 (45'+5). Gerard Moreno, alone, inside the area. 2-1 (90'+4). Sorloth, with a header, at the far post, after a cross from Alberto Moreno

Observations: Matchday 5. LaLiga EA Sports. Game played at the La Cerámica Stadium. Before starting the meeting, a minute of silence was observed in memory of journalist Pepe Domingo Castaño, as well as victims of the earthquake in Morocco and the Libyan floods.