Match Reports
0-0: UD Almería pass stern test with flying colours
Good performance by the Rojiblancos against UD Las Palmas, rivals they will face in LaLiga EA Sports. Marciano was forced to come off the pitch with a knee injury
UD Almería passed the first pre-season stern test with flying colours, the second friendly of this period of preparations against UD Las Palmas, rivals they will face in LaLiga EA Sports. The Rojiblancos showed effective football skills and tactics, still having room for improvement. Marciano's knee injury at the end of the first half, forced him to come off the pitch. Opponent Fabio picked up an ankle injury and was taken to a hospital.
Head coach Vicente Moreno, who against Poli El Ejido lined up two different squads in the game, one in each half, opted for a different starting XI against the islanders. The presence of Édgar González, again ahead of the defence, and youngster Marciano were some of the highlights.
UD Almería put in a great attacking and defending display in the first half, one of the objectives pursued. They were a solid team at the back and high up the pitch with a 4-2-3-1 system. Although UD Las Palmas had more possession, the Rojiblancos created chances with more vertical build-up passing, so there were to evenly-matched sides on the pitch.
With 18 minutes on the clock, Embarba nearly scored from a free-kick, but also the islanders through their forward Sandro, although Mariño clawed their efforts away. When the first half was over, Marciano in a gesture of pain, had to come off the pitch with a knee injury.
The UD Almería starting XI remained unchanged in the second period with the only change of Ramazani for the injured 'B' team player. UD Las Palmas completely renewed its line-up with eight changes. After 60 minutes, Vicente Moreno changed the line-up with the exception of Ramazani: Fernando, Mendes, Kaiky, Chumi, Alex Centelles, Samú, Eguaras, Appiah, Marezi and the above-mentioned Ramazani were in action.
It was a game with plenty of end-to-end activity and chances following one another. In the 65th minute, Samú Costa tried his luck from the edge the box, but the Las Palmas goalkeeper blocked the powerful shot by the Portuguese. In the 85th minute, Ramazani's shot grazed the post following a brilliant play down the left flank with a tackle by Alex Centelles.
Until the final whistle, the Indálicos made their presence felt in the final third to earn a goalless draw through speed, physical strength and positive attitude despite the sweltering heat.
Match information:
UD Almería: Diego Mariño (Fernando, 62'), Pozo (Mendes, 62'), Rodrigo Ely (Kaiky 62'), Babic (Chumi, 62'), Akieme (Alex Centelles, 62'), Édgar González (Samú Costa, 62'), Robertone (Eguaras, 62'), Arnau (Appiah, 62') (Gui Guedes, 82'), Embarba (Rojas, 62'), Marciano (Ramazani, 46'), and Luis Suárez (Marezi 62').
UD Las Palmas: Valles, Lemos, Hergoz, Coco, Sinkgraven, Fabio (Iñaki, 17'), Javi Muñoz, Jonathan Viera, Pichi (Pau 40'), Sandro and Herrera. In the second half, Cardona, Alex Suárez, Curbelo, Moleiro, Loiodice, Kirian, Pejiño, Palanca, Benito and Álvaro left.
Referee: Pablo Morales Moreno, from the Andalusian referee committee. He booked Benito, from UD Las Palmas.
Observations: Second pre-season friendly for UD Almería and the first played at the La Quinta Football Center, where the pre-season training camp is taking place. UD Almería Managing Director Mohamed El Assy watched the game.
