1-1: Nothing but good vibes in friendly encounter against Malaga CF
Samú Costa led the team and found the opener (0-1). UD Almeria put up a brave battle in Marbella
Nothing but good vibes in UD Almeria’s fourth pre-season friendly encounter which was the first one over the course of the training camp in Marbella. Both Andalusian sides were as good as each other and so had an equal chance of winning in the first half, while Rubi's men bossed things in the second period. The Rojiblancos put up a brave battle with Samú Costa scoring the opener (0-1).
UD Almería grew into the game as it went on during the opening 45 minutes even though Malaga CF started the match dominating possession. Samú Costa, who took the leading role in the full 90 minutes, scored the early opener on 14 minutes after getting on the end of Appiah’s delivery. Shortly after, Malaga CF grabbed a leveller through Pau within 19 minutes.
The Indalicos, who were suited to their style of play, played out from the back with brilliant Samú Costa well supported in the midfield by Robertone. The Portuguese look to create goal-scoring opportunities on the wings and the central areas so the Rojiblancos were close to doubling their lead, however they blew another chance to score. They actually knew how to keep their adversaries at bay in their defensive third.
Head coach Rubi did not make changes to his starting XI in the beginning of the second half, but made some with 63 minutes on the clock. The Rojiblancos were dominant and took the initiative at all times, although they struggle to create chances due to the attitude of the Malaga team who committed many fouls, so the UD Almeria contenders did not manage to develop the football tactics practised in the training sessions.
UD Almería ended up bossing things versus Málaga CF and in the 85th and 88th minutes thanks to Sadiq and Akieme, respectively, who were close to break the deadlock.
Málaga CF: Gonzalo; Bilal, Lombán, Juande, Christ; Escassi, Ismael Gutiérrez, Jozabed; Paulino, Brandon and Hicham. Dani Martín, Quintana, Oso, Santos and Dani Lorenzo also played.
UD Almería: Fernando; Aitor Buñuel, Chumi, Juan Ibiza, Akieme; Samu Costa, Robertone, Javi Robles (Curro Sánchez, 80’); Raúl Caballero (Lazo, 63’), Ramazani (Sadiq, 80’) and Appiah (Portillo, 63’).
Referee: Francisco Sáez Vital from the Andalusia Referees School. He booked Cristo y Oso and Jozabed from Málaga CF, as well as Samú Costa from UD Almería, and also head coach Rubi for protesting a hard tackle from the rivals.
Goals: 0-1 (14’). Samú Costa, after a great assist from team-mate Appiah, entered the box and beat the Malaga CF keeper with a low driven shot. 1-1 (19’): Pau drew level with a powerful shot.
Observations: Fourth pre-season friendly match for UD Almería which was the first one played in their training camp held at the Marbella Football Center facilities.