0-1: Almería spurn a 70-minute goalscoring opportunity and pay deadly for it in stoppage time
The Rojiblancos could have been able to get ahead with a double chance in a tightly-contested match against Mallorca
What a good run it was! Mallorca end Almería’s record run of 10 consecutive games undefeated in a tightly-contested match. The Rojiblancos could have been able to go ahead within 70 minutes following a strike from Samú Costa that unluckily hit the woodwork and a follow-up failed shot from Umar Sadiq in the rebound. This cost Almeria dearly in injury time when Abdon’s sensational bicycle kick inspired Mallorca to a hard-fought 0-1 victory over the hosts.
Jose Gomes once more unleashed a new approach since the team coach introduced up to 9 changes in relation to their last visit to Real Oviedo. Umar Sadiq and Cuenca remained as starters, welcoming Fernando putting on the gloves between the sticks; Aitor Buñuel, César de la Hoz, Petrovic, Centelles, Robertone, Lazo, Carvalho and Chumi into the starting XI.
The opening forty-five minutes did not stand out because of numerous goalscoring chances. But rather, two sides deeply involved in constant duels to gain dominance. Thus, Almeria’s tiki-taka was the real highlight with Lazo finishing off, and later on, João Carvalho’s failing a free-kick as Manolo Reina used his clinched fists to punch the ball away into a corner.
It was nip and tuck as to who would win the match. Both second-tier teams demonstrated on the pitch why they are considered unquestionably clear candidates for promotion. Needless to say, it was action-packed encounter with too many interruptions, which did not allow that fight of the contenders to be translated into a pacey competition.
José Gomes sought a reaction with the inclusion of top scorer Corpas coming on for César de la Hoz on 59 minutes and a triple substitution, in the 67th minute, with Akieme, Morlanes and Samú Costa arriving on scene, while Centelles, Petrovic and Robertone were getting benched.
That was the ticket! Well, not that much. Time was ticking away and with 70 minutes on the clock, there was a very clear opportunity in which Samú Costa shot with power from close range and the post was the only one to blame. Although that action would go beyond, the rejection found Umar Sadiq’s spot, who put Reina to the test.
A lacklustre game looked destined for a goalless draw until a 90-minute winner sealed a frantic conclusion. Lago Junior crossed in, next, team-mate Abdon surprised everyone under the Juegos Mediterraneos lights with a wonderful overhead kick that found the back of Fernando’s net (0-1).
It was a lottery. However, one small detail would make Almería fall behind after a historic record winning streak and after a top-of-table clash, in which not only the Indalicos, but also the islanders, announced their candidacy to continue at the top of the table in the foreseeable future within LaLiga SmartBank.