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Match Reports

1-2: Good test for UD Almeria against top-tier Real Betis

Game dominated by the well-organised Indalicos with strong attacking talent and Sadiq netting a first-half superb brace

UD Almería passed the demanding pre-season test against top-tier Real Betis with flying colours (1-2). The Rojiblancos dominated the game at all times and did not feel endangered in their defensive third. It was a game in which the well-organised Indalicos showed their strong attacking talent through a brilliant brace from Sadiq Umar.

Head coach Rubi named goalie Makaridze; Aitor Buñuel, Maras, Juan Ibiza, Álex Centelles, Robertone, Samú Costa, Curro Sánchez, Lazo, Ramazani and Sadiq in the starting line-up. With five minutes gone, two potential goal-scoring opportunities were created through Lazo, who crossed in and Ramazani did not manage to finish because the ball was forced out for a corner, while shortly after, Sadiq dared with an individual play, but Rui Silva made a smart stop to push away the Nigerian’s strike.

Never mind as Sadiq was in charge of putting his name onto the scoreboard to make it 0-1 after 10 minutes. Largie Ramazani made a run in behind to drive the ball and find the No.9 ready, who leaped beyond his marker to score the opener. 

UD Almería were well-organised and made things difficult for the Sevillian team to create danger. In addition, the Indalicos’ quick combinations were putting the Verdiblancos defenders in trouble, however Robert González was lucky and grabbed the leveller (1-1). 

It was not until minute 30 when the final 1-2 would arrive, but before that, a new brilliant play by Ramazani who threaded it through to peer Robertone, who blew his chance to score. The Argentinian's shot went wide. Yes, Sadiq was right after half an hour, who beat goalie Rui Silva with a low driven shot. The performance of the Nigerian - like that of the entire team - was undeniably outstanding. In fact, when he was subbed in the second period, he was given a standing ovation from the Betic supporters.

Manuel Pelegrini’s side were determined to break the deadlock in the second half and Rubi made some changes without affecting his boys’ style of play. Quite the contrary, the red-and-white presence was known in the opponents’ area.

Keeper Fernando; Chumi, Martos, Akieme, Nieto; César de la Hoz, Samú, Arnau, Lazo, Portillo and Sadiq were the ones who started the second forty-five minutes. Robles and Caballero also got minutes before the final whistle.

UD Almería seemed like a solid team and continued to control the game. In essence, UD Almeria created fewer chances in the second period highlighting a shot from Arnau Puigmal over the crossbar. It was not necessary for Fernando to intervene on any occasion, although the Murcia-born keeper was lucky enough to have team-mate Iván Martos close to avoid danger at the hands of the Verdiblancos.

The conclusion of the sixth friendly game for the Indalicos made it clear that UD Almeria did really well in their pre-season test at the Nuevo Mirador Stadium in Algeciras. It is worth noting that this victory against Real Betis is the fourth win of this summer’s competitive action clinched by the Rojiblancos ahead of the upcoming 2021/22 season.

Match facts:

Real Betis Balompié: Rui Silva; Montoya, Paul, Víctor Ruiz, Borja Iglesias, Canales, Tello, William, Robert González, Calderón y Hermoso. Juanmi, Sidney, Fekir, Joel Robles, Y. Fekir, Guarded, Rodri, Sabaly and Loren also played.

UD Almería: Makaridze: Aitor Buñuel, Maras, Juan Ibiza, Álex Centelles, Robertone, Samú Costa, Curro, Lazo. Ramazani and Sadiq. Fernando, Juanjo Nieto, Iván Martos, Chumi, César de la Hoz, Arnau, Portillo, Appiah, Robles and Caballero also played in the second half.

Goals: 0-1, 10’: Sadiq. 1-1, 17’: Robert González. 1-2, 30’: Sadiq.

Referee: Guzmán Mansilla from the Jaén Referees School. He booked Hermoso from Real Betis.

Observations: UD Almería's 6th preseason friendly game played at the Nuevo Mirador Stadium (Algeciras) with approximately 3,000 spectators in the stands.