0-2: Darwin Núñez’s rigorous and controversial sending-off marks the game
The UD Almeria’s striker was shown the red card in the 38th minute. Until that time the rojiblancos ruled the match. Elche took advantage of playing with 11 players
After 38 minutes, a controversial and rigorous sending-off of Darwin Núñez, after being booked twice, enraged the Almeria’s crowd and marked the match against Elche in the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium with more than 11,000 spectators and a First Division atmosphere. Until that moment the rojiblancos were performing well and creating chances, but things changed once Almeria went down to 10 men. Our contenders never gave up. Elche also play really well and took advantage of having one more player on the pitch than us.
José María Gutiérrez could not count on some of his players to face the match and decided to make changes in the line-up. David Costas made his debut at the centre of the defence accompanied by Maras; while Balliu and Iván Martos were placed on the sides. Kaptoum and Vada in action at the centre circle, the wingers Appiah and Lazo ahead, and last but not least, the forwards Juan Muñoz and Darwin Núñez were high up on the pitch. With this starting XI, Almeria were ready to face a dangerous and quality club.