2-2: UD Almería battle back against Valencia CF to grab deserved point

UD Almería came from behind twice in a match that they could have won due to the countless chances created. The Rojiblancos were close to winning the game with a last minute play by Lázaro Vinicius after a corner-kick, but Mamardashvili made himself big to deny the Brazilian. 

Vicente Moreno picked out the same Starting XI as in Villarreal considering the eye-catching display during the previous encounter. The starters were the following: Maximiano in goal, Chumi, Edgar, César Montes and Akieme defended the box; Lopy, Robertone and Melero took charge of protecting the midfield, while Embarba, Arribas and Luis Suárez linked up high up the pitch.

UD Almería were in ascendency in a defiant atmosphere over the opening half with ball possession and well-timed runs in behind looking to put Embarba, Arribas and Akieme clean through on goal with just the keeper to beat. As a result of these commanding minutes, Luis Suárez's shot lacked the precision to trouble Mamardashvili after a great pass from compatriot Embarba, although the ball went past the striker's boot. However, the first to scare was Diego López, who finished on point against keeper Maximiano after dribbling past Chumi (0-1). 

This setback left the Rojiblancos somewhat hopeless, but after a few minutes, they got back into the game. Arribas squandered a big chance in the 31st minute with a thumping header since Mamardashvili stretched to save from the Madrid-born player. Luis Suárez also tried his luck with another header that the goalie repelled. On the stroke of half-time, the Colombian hit the post and wasted another clear sight at goal so the hosts headed down the tunnel at the break trailing 0-1. 

Half-time: 0-1

At the beginning of the second half, there would be a change in UD Almeria ranks, Ramazani entered the pitch replacing Embarba, who had received a blow to the head at the end of the opening half. In the 58th minute, the well-deserved goal reward for UD Almería arrived at last! Arribas made the most of a good play by Melero, which was repelled by the rival goalkeeper, and in that rebound, Arribas scored a slick equaliser volley from close-range (1-1). Football once again was cruel to the UD Almeria lads when Javi Guerra broke the deadlock to put the Ché team in front (2-1).

UD Almería did not give up and Arribas, who was at his electric best, produced another piece of magic to the delight of the fans. He levelled it up with a very similar goal to the first, finishing off another rebound (2-2). 

From there, it was UD Almería who moved up a gear and engineered more chances with an eye to record a comeback. Lázaro Vinicius slapped the turf in frustration from a corner-kick that could have been the third for the Indálicos. Well, at least UD Almería grabbed a deserved point. 

Match information:

UD Almería: Maximiano; Chumi; César Montes, Édgar, Akieme; Lopy (Koné. 61'), Robertone (Baba. 75'); Embarba (Ramazani. 46'), Melero, Arribas (Baptistão. 85'); and Luis Suárez (Lázaro Vinicius.76'). 

Valencia CF: Mamardashvili Correira, Mosquera, Diakhaby, Gayá; Fran Pérez (Amallah.65'), Pepelu, Javi Guerra (Guillamón. 65'), Diego López (Hugo González. 97'); Hugo Duro (Domínguez 97') and Almeida (Gozálbez. 87'). 

Goals: 0-1 Diego López (13'). 1-1 Arribas. (58'). 1-2 Javi Guerra (63'). 2-2 Arribas (68'). 

Referee: Busquets Ferrer. He booked hosts César Montes, Ramazani and Baptistão and visitors Fran Pérez and Diakhaby. 

Observations: Matchday 6. LaLiga EA Sports match played at the Power Horse Stadium in the presence of 14,266 spectators. Before the start of the match, a minute of silence was observed in memory of Mostafa Yilmaz's father (Club's director of operations) and Largie Ramazani was given a framed shirt after featuring 100 games for UD Almería.