Football was the occasion, but remembering Jesús de Miguel was the real reason. UD Almería marked the occasion with a prestigious and hugely valuable 0-1 away victory against Girona FC. De la Fuente delivered at one end, while Andrés Fernández stood firm at the other to secure another triumph, a clean sheet and to top it all off, a place at the summit of the table.

10 consecutive matches unbeaten and a team that know exactly how to handle every kind of challenge.

First Half

Girona FC against UD Almería was a mouth-watering fixture for LaLiga Hypermotion. Although the opening 45 minutes produced no goals, there was certainly no shortage of quality or attacking intent. UD Almería looked the more threatening side, with every visit to the Girona FC penalty area carrying a sense of danger for the hosts.

The immaculate Montilivi stadium surface provided the perfect setting for excellent first touches and moments of outstanding technical quality. Head coach Xavier García Pimienta's men moved the ball quickly and were willing to take risks in possession as they looked to prise open the Girona FC defence.

Sometimes you beat an opponent with individual brilliance; at other times, you disrupt their defensive shape by inviting them to press high. The latter approach almost proved costly for UD Almería around the 20-minute mark. An error playing out from the back allowed the hosts to create their first, and ultimately only, clear-cut opportunity of the half. Abel Ruiz broke into the box and got his shot away, but Bonini's excellent anticipation put him in the right place at the right time to divert the ball behind for a corner.

That warning fired up the home crowd and encouraged the Catalans to push further forward. However, they almost paid the price when the Almeriensistas launched a superb counter-attack. Dzôdić drove forward before switching play to Arribas on the right, who linked up with Javi Muñoz just outside the penalty area. Cipenga received the ball moments later, but could not find the right solution. A promising move that deserved a better ending.

García Pimienta's side then enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure. Just past the half-hour mark, Cipenga tried his luck from outside the box, sending a low effort towards the right-hand post. Gazzaniga could only watch as the ball narrowly missed the target, skimming past the upright.

The Indálicos moved the ball from one side to the other with precision and purpose. They were getting closer and on occasions their only failing was not bringing their attacking moves to a conclusion.

It was an entertaining first half, full of intensity and competitive edge, but without the goals to show for it. Both sides went into the break with the score level.

Second Half 

The second period began with a sensational save from Andrés Fernández to deny Girona FC their clearest opportunity of the match. A dangerous move down the hosts' left ended with Abel Ruiz receiving the ball at close range. His effort looked destined for the net until the Murcia-born keeper reacted brilliantly, throwing himself across the turf and producing a strong left hand to keep the ball out and prevent UD Almería from falling 1-0 behind.

The game then shifted up a gear. There was less control and more urgency, with both sides increasing the tempo and creating more attacking opportunities. The match had everything except a goal.

That was a problem Miguel de la Fuente was ready to solve as the talented striker showed his instinctive finishing ability in the 66th minute. Alert to the loose ball inside the 6-yard box, he pounced on the opportunity and made no mistake, steering it home to give UD Almería a priceless 1-0 lead.

Another goal for the UD Almería No.9, taking his personal tally to 8 for the season. It was also the 10th occasion in 13 league matches that UD Almería had scored first, a statistic that underlines the team's ability to take control of games.

From that moment on, it was time to dig deep, battle for every ball and put in the hard yards. Just another day at the office for a UDAlmería side that have become increasingly comfortable with this kind of challenge.

Girona FC threw men and balls into the guests' penalty area in search of an equaliser, but García Pimienta's side stood firm once again. The Rojiblancos showed their defensive resilience, while Andrés Fernández produced another assured performance to keep his team in front and preserve his clean sheet.

The visitors could even have avoided a nervy finale altogether when a superb team move ended with Baptistão getting a shot away, only for Gazzaniga to deny him.

In the end, the scoreline remained unchanged. UD Almería had done it again: another away victory, another clean sheet, three precious points and a place at the top of the table.

A magnificent result, delivered with authority and resilience, against a former UEFA Champions League side.

Matchday 13 | Girona FC 0-1 UD Almería

Goal: 66' Miguel de la Fuente (0-1).