1-0: UD Almería showcase potential despite narrow defeat to Elche CF

UD Almería impressed in their 5th pre-season friendly despite a narrow 0-1 loss to LaLiga EA Sports side Elche CF at the Francisco Artés Carrasco Stadium in Lorca. The Rojiblancos were the superior side for most of the match, but a single defensive lapse led to the only goal of the game, as they now look to address the minor issues ahead of the upcoming season.

Head coach Rubi continued his policy of rotating players in the starting XI, testing different combinations and giving opportunities to a variety of players in preparation for the new campaign. Fernando started in goal, with Chirino, Pedro Fidel, Dzodic, and Alex Centelles forming the defensive line. The midfield featured Selvi, Gui Guedes and André Horta, while Arnau and Nico Melamed were deployed on the wings, and Soko led the attack.

Despite trailing 0-1 at the break, UD Almería played some excellent football, controlling possession and outplaying their top-tier opponents for most of the opening half. They whipped in several chances but lacked the precision to convert them. Portuguese midfielder André Horta continued to shine with his game awareness and quality, while the defensive pairing of Dzodic and Pedro Fidel looked confident and composed in possession.

However, in the 28th minute, a moment of defensive hesitation allowed Álvaro Rodríguez to take advantage of a brilliant pass from Luis Roldán and slip past both defenders to score past Fernando, giving Elche CF the lead (1-0).

Shortly after, Horta had a great opportunity to level the score, but the half-time whistle blew with the score still 0-1.

Rubi made his first substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing on Alex Muñoz for Centelles at left-back and Lopy for Selvi in midfield. By the 60th minute, Rubi made further changes with Lázaro replacing Soko in attack and Arribas taking over for Horta in midfield. As the game reached the 70th minute, Chumi replaced Dzodic at centre-back, and Embarba came on for Nico Melamed. Leo Baptistao replaced Arnau, and Perovic came on for Pedro Fidel in defence.

At this point, Rubi adjusted the formation, moving Alex Muñoz to centre-back alongside Chumi, while Perovic took over at left-back. The changes allowed UD Almería to continue their attacking style, with the Rojiblancos dominating possession in the final stages of the match.

In the dying embers, Quintanilla and Marcos Luna replaced Gui Guedes and Chirino, respectively, as the gaffer made his last adjustments. The result was a completely revamped team, with only Fernando remaining between the sticks.

Though Elche started the second half with a stronger spell, UD Almería regained control and created several clear chances, with Lopy and Arribas both going close. However, Elche CF’s keeper Iturbe made a series of excellent saves to preserve his team’s narrow lead.

UD Almería’s performance showed that they are progressing well despite the loss. There were positive signs in attack and defence, although the Indálicos will need to improve their finishing before the season kicks off.

This summer friendly also saw a strong presence of UD Almería travelling fans in the stands, further emphasising the growing support for the team.

The Rojiblancos now turn their attention to their final pre-season match against Al Nassr FC at the UD Almería Stadium this Sunday, as they continue to fine-tune their squad for the 2025/26 season.