UD Almería earned a valuable result in the first leg of the promotion play-off final, holding Málaga CF to a 0-0 draw in front of a packed La Rosaleda crowd of 30,000 spectators, including around 300 travelling UDA supporters who made themselves heard throughout the evening.

The tie will now be decided next Saturday at the UD Almería Stadium, where the return leg will determine which side secures promotion to the top flight. The result leaves UD Almería in a slightly stronger position, with home advantage for the decisive encounter. A win or a draw would be enough to earn promotion, while only a defeat would keep the Rojiblancos in the Segunda.

Head coach Rubi kept faith with the side that won their semi-final on Tuesday, making just one change as Arnau Puigmal came into the starting line-up in place of Baptistão on the right flank. UD Almería produced a strong all-round display, matching Málaga CF’s intensity while showing great discipline, commitment and teamwork. Their defensive performance was particularly impressive, keeping a clean sheet against a dangerous opponent.

The occasion lived up to expectations from the opening whistle. The first half was lively, competitive and evenly balanced. Although clear-cut chances were limited, both Andalusian teams threatened. Arnau Puigmal came close in the 7th minute after reacting to a loose ball in the penalty area, while opponent Niño was denied by Andrés Fernández in the 22nd minute. Shortly afterwards, Dion Lopy fired narrowly wide from Arribas' delivery and Niño was again unable to find a way past the keeper before the interval.

After half-time, UD Almería gradually took control of the contest. Maintaining their intensity and organisation, the visitors enjoyed more possession and managed the tempo of the game intelligently. Rubi’s substitutions also had the desired impact. Nico Melamed replaced Arnau Puigmal in the 55th minute, switching to the left wing while Adri Embarba moved across to the right. Léo Baptistão came on for Miguel de la Fuente after 65 minutes, and Jon Morcillo replaced Sergio Arribas in the 82nd minute.

The Indálicos came closest to breaking the deadlock late on when Morcillo delivered an excellent ball into the area. Melamed collected it on the edge of the box and struck a first-time effort that drifted just wide of the post, agonisingly close to giving UD Almería a crucial first-leg victory.

Málaga CF, backed by their passionate supporters, also had their moments in the closing stages, but UD Almería’s well-organised defence and another outstanding display from Andrés Fernández ensured the score remained unchanged.

The final chapter of the promotion race will now be written at the UD Almería Stadium next Saturday, with everything still to play for and a place in LaLiga EA Sports at stake.