0-0: Almeria could not get it done
The Rojiblancos are knocked out of the play-offs. The team could have taken the lead, but they lacked precision in front of goal
UD Almeria could not get it done. The Rojiblancos missed the great opportunity to move up to LaLiga Santander next season after failing to recover from a 3-0 first-leg loss against Girona FC. Rubi’s men eagerly walked out onto the Juegos Mediterraneos pitch as they welcomed their fans back in the stands after more than a year, however they did not find the back of the net. Both sides created enough big chances during the game but it ended honours even after an unsatisfying goalless stalemate. Now it is time to work towards the objectives for the 2021/22 campaign in second-tier LaLiga SmartBank.
Head coach Rubi unleashed a fresh approach with a total of seven new faces compared to those players who started in the play-off semi-final first leg. Fernando; Aitor Buñuel, Chumi, Ivanildo, Centelles, Samú Costa, Morlanes, Aketxe, Ramazani, Juan Villar and Sadiq Umar were drafted in for the play-off semi-final second leg.
It was a fast-paced first half with plenty of end-to-end activity. Girona FC would be the team that fired the first warning shots. Keeper Fernando got out of the box to avert danger first and then punched the visitors’ efforts clear a couple of times determined to keep a clean sheet.
It was then that Almería looked to put themselves in front through Juan Villar's boots. It all started with Centelles cutting through and the Huelva-born forward leaped beyond his marker ready to wind his way past the defence but finished off wide.
Although the contenders from Almeria made their presence known in the final third, Rubi was pretty aware that he needed to shift some cogs because his team had no choice if they wanted to progress to the final and keep their promotion hopes alive. After the break, Corpas, Balliu, Akieme and Robertone replaced Buñuel, Juan Villar, Aketxe and Centelles.
The first half finished 0-0 at half time with all to play for in the second half. At some point, it seemed that UD Almeria were close to pulling off the heroic. With 49 minutes gone, Samú Costa fired home becoming the first player of the night to get his name onto the scoresheet. The VAR took a look and interpreted that there were a few millimetres of the ball that had not completely crossed the goal line. The goal was disallowed in the end.
Time was ticking away. UD Almería continue to push for a much-needed comeback. The players in red and white dug in but lacked passing accuracy and pinpoint precision in front of goal. Without giving up, Lazo was the one who would be closest to slotting home on 84 minutes. His shot grazed the post and there was still nothing between the teams.
After the final whistle, the gutted Rojiblancos lay face down on the ground with visible facial expressions of sadness after not being able to get through to the final. Almeria said Adios to the possibility of competing in LaLiga Santander next 2021/22 season.