0-1: Almería into automatic promotion after victory over Girona
The Rojiblancos clinch victory again in a tightly-contested away game
UD Almería once again occupy the second automatic promotion spot to LaLiga Santander after being able to ensure victory for themselves on one of the hardest second-tier pitches to win. The Rojiblancos showed a brilliant teamwork in a highly-contested game and edged their way past Girona FC (0-1) courtesy of Sadiq Umar, who scored his 14th goal this season.
The Indálicos made a lively start over the opening minutes and dictated the play with a series of attacks. In fact, they were close to put themselves in front after a one-on-one between Sadiq and keeper Juan Carlos, who had to make a worthwhile intervention. The Nigerian was unable to complete an excellent delivery from Manu Morlanes.
As the minutes went by, both sides stood up and put up a good fight. Girona would also have their goal-scoring opportunities to the point that, Bárcenas forced goalie Makaridze into a smart save inside 23 minutes.
There was nothing to separate the two teams at half-time with all to play for in the second half. The hosts and the visitors were evenly-matched until Brian Rodríguez occupied José Carlos Lazo’s place, a change made by José Gomes that would allow Almería to create more spaces and thus, a good play at the hands of the Rojiblancos ended with the home keeper denying Aitor Buñuel’s powerful strike and giving away a corner-kick.
At that time, UD Almeria were piling the pressure on the Catalans and firing warning shots of their own down the other end. Brian Rodríguez cut inside and spotted pacey Sadiq Umar on 71 minutes. The Uruguayan gave a pass between the lines and the Nigerian attacker, who span away his marker, slotted it home with a composed finish. After five minutes of VAR review, the scoreboard recorded the goal (0-1).
The UD Almería then had to pull their socks up to snatch all three points, notch up an away victory and of course, return to the second automatic promotion spot to LaLiga Santander. César de la Hoz, Petrovic and Ivanildo came on for Robertone, Morlanes and Samú Costa to stop the rivals’ attacks. Next, Juan Villar took over match-winner Sadiq in added time.
RCD Espanyol’s draw with Real Oviedo and UD Almeria’s vital triumph over Girona FC place the Indalicos into automatic promotion to the top tier.