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1-0: Almería fail to defeat in a game with hardly any scoring chances

Almeria edged out in a clash that seemed to end up in a goalless draw. Girona scored the winner in the second-half

UD Almería suffered a defeat in the first leg of the play-off for promotion to LaLiga Santander in a match that seemed to end up in a goalless draw. Everything was decided when Girona managed to find the net. Until Stuani scored the goal, none of the teams created too many opportunities, yet the hosts were right in that superb action and Almeria will have to stage a comeback at the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium on Sunday.

José Gomes’ fresh ideas for his first game in the driving seat together with some important absences -eight players missed the match for different reasons- led to a new starting XI in which the presence of three centre-backs stood out, Ozornwafor, Maras and David Costas, as well as the ownership of Callejón in midfield.

The clash began with Girona taking the initiative by attacking, but without creating too much trouble over the goal defended by keeper Sivera. In fact, in general terms, in the first-half there would be no great scoring opportunities. In this sense, the Almeria’s footballers would go through phases in which they would enjoy approaching the opponents’ goal and effective passing plays, while the Catalans would also have moments of dominance.

Already in the second-half, the match picked up a bit more pace. Shortly after returning from the dressing rooms, it would be UD Almería who would give the first warning, since Lazo tried his luck with a shot from the front, which unluckily went over the crossbar, and defensive midfielder César de la Hoz forced goalie Riesgo to deny him shortly after.

It was going to be Girona who would find the opener with 53 minutes on the clock following a first touch performed by Francisco's men which ended with goal scorer Stuani making it 1-0. It is true that the Rojiblancos had started the second period way better. Nonetheless, the Catalan side knew how to be more effective.

José Gomes tried to react with a double substitution with Petrovic and Vada coming on for Callejón and Ozornwafor. This also changed the whole picture. However, the Girona’s players did not let Almeria to find the equaliser. Thereby, without creating big chances, the UD Almería head coach replaced Villalba so that Corpas would take his position on the field of play. That injection of attack speed was also sought with the entry of right-winger Appiah on the pitch.

All in all, the Rojiblancos could not find their way to score in the final stretch. In this way, the conclusion of the match confirmed the 1-0. If Almería happened to win next time, they would be closer to gaining promotion to Primera as a result of their better ranking. From there, any victory by more than one goal means moving onto the next round.