0-0: Despite scoreless draw, Almeria regain second automatic promotion spot
The Rojiblancos deserved some reward but failed to put chances away. VAR rules out Juan Villar’s late goal
It was not meant to be. UD Almería merited the victory but had to settle for a goalless draw with Alcorcón after failing to put chances away. By and large, despite the Rojiblancos dominated the game, they did not manage to break the deadlock. Almeria found the back of the net with five minutes to go, however, the ref chalked it off at the VAR’s request. The Indálicos regained second automatic promotion place.
Brian Rodríguez started for the first time since his signing in the January transfer window. Apart from the Uruguayan, José Gomes decided to include keeper Makaridze; Balliu —who returned after serving a one-game suspension— Ivanildo — occupying Maraš position— Cuenca, Akieme; Morlanes, Samú Costa, Corpas, Aketxe —replacing Robertone in relation to Girona— and Sadiq in the starting XI.
The Rojiblancos dominated at the start and earned their first sight of goal 6 minutes in with Sadiq taking a leading role. The centre-forward partnered with Brian and ended up finishing high, while shortly after he dared with an individual action in which his shot went wide.
UD Almería based their game on one touch football looking for spaces. With 26 minutes on the clock, José Corpas enjoyed a new goal-scoring opportunity for the hosts, yet his strike was well saved by goalie Dani Jiménez.
As the time began to wind down, both sides become evenly-matched to keep parity in the contest with both keepers staying out of trouble and eager to keep a clean sheet. Alcorcón grew into the game and started to pile the pressure, making it difficult for the Rojiblancos when passing in the final third looking for the opener. It was all square at the break (0-0).
A big second half awaited. It was not until the 60th minute when at full stretch, Dani Jimenez’s finger tips denied Aketxe’s long-range shot. This would be the last contribution of the Basque midfielder in the game, since his place was taken by João Carvalho. Similarly, Villalba came on for Brian.
A big up for the Alcorcón keeper who portrayed himself as the visitors’ saviour between the sticks. Dani Jiménez spoilt a powerful shot from João Carvalho on 73 minutes.
José Gomes then decided to bring in more forwards up front. Subs Juan Villar and Schettine took to the pitch while José Corpas and Samú Costa were benched. Almeria made their presence known high upfield with this modification.
With five minutes to go, the joy of victory was experienced just for a moment. Juan Villar, picked up a pass into space from team-mate Morlanes and beat the goalkeeper. There was no time to get hopes up as the VAR review decided that the player was ruled offside and so the goal was disallowed. The scoreboard did not record the goal and the home team missed all three points.
UD Almería and AD Alcorcon took a point apiece at the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium, so that the Rojiblancos had to settle for a goalless draw to regain the second automatic promotion spot guiding them one point closer to current leaders Mallorca.