UD Almería extend their excellent run of form with a hard-fought 1-0 win away against RCD Mallorca, making it 4 consecutive victories and 3 games in a row without conceding.

It was a performance built on defensive organisation, patience and clinical finishing. UD Almería had to weather some early pressure before making their chance count, while Andrés Fernández came up big when it mattered most to preserve all 3 points.

First half

RCD Mallorca came into the game having kept 5 clean sheets in their opening 6 league fixtures and the hosts started on the front foot at the Son Moix stadium.

Their first clear opening came after 15 minutes when Roca raced through on goal, but Andrés Fernández stood tall and blocked his effort with his legs.

Antoniu Roca then found space behind the UD Almería defence, but once again the Rojiblanco keeper was equal to the task, narrowing the angle and keeping the forward at bay.

Head coach Xavier García Pimienta made 4 changes to his starting XI, with Mikel Vesga, Daijiro Chirino, Quim Junyent and Sergio Arribas coming into the side.

UD Almería gradually grew into the game and registered their first effort in the 24th minute. Arribas fired towards goal from inside the box, but his shot was blocked by a RCD Mallorca defender.

The Islanders went close again shortly afterwards when Pablo Torre’s low effort from the edge of the box struck the post.

Then came the breakthrough. In the 34th minute, Embarba’s dangerous free-kick caused problems in the RCD Mallorca box. The ball fell loose after taking a deflection and Miguel de la Fuente reacted quickest, smashing the ball home from close range to put UD Almería in front.

The Bermellón side almost hit back immediately, but Andrés Fernández produced another superb save to keep out Pablo Torre’s free-kick and send UD Almería into the break with their lead intact (0-1).

Second half 

UD Almería started the second half brightly and almost doubled their advantage straight away.

De la Fuente drifted into the right channel before finding Arribas, who turned sharply and fired a left-footed effort just past the far post.

Arribas went close again in the 56th minute. A slick move involving Javi Muñoz, Arribas and De la Fuente ended with the striker’s shot being saved by Tenas. Arribas followed up on the rebound but could not find the target from close range.

The Indálicos were now firmly in control and beginning to dictate the tempo. RCD Mallorca struggled to break down a well-organised back line as the visitors defended their lead with increasing confidence.

The hosts continued to push for an equaliser, but clear-cut chances remained difficult to come by.

Darder came close in the 73rd minute when he arrived late into the box, but his effort lacked the power to trouble Andrés Fernández, who gathered comfortably.

With the game entering its final stages, RCD Mallorca threw men forward in search of an equaliser.

And then came the moment of the match. In the 90+1', Andrés Fernández produced a sensational save from point-blank range, somehow keeping out a close-range effort on the goal line to preserve UD Almería’s advantage.

The goalkeeper’s heroics proved decisive as UD Almería held firm through the final moments to secure a huge three points on the road.

The final whistle confirmed a 4th consecutive LaLiga Hypermotion victory for UD Almería, along with another clean sheet and a result built on character, discipline and a clinical edge in front of goal.

1 goal. 3 points. Another clean sheet.