Match Reports
0-1: UD Almería lose out to brave Málaga CF
The Rojiblancos dominated and created chances, yet they did not manage to overcome their neighbours who became stronger after taking the lead on 18 minutes
UD Almería came up against a brave Málaga CF in their third pre-season friendly and although the Rojiblancos dominated and created chances, they could not materialise them. The Malaguistas took the lead in the 18th minute and despite the continuous attempts by UD Almería, who did not look comfortable on the pitch, it was impossible for them to find their way through their solid defence. A practice game to draw conclusions and take note in this period of summer preparations.
Head coach Vicente Moreno, who in previous games opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, changed the system to try another one in which Édgar González was positioned ahead of a defence of four, while Samú Costa and Robertone played higher up the pitch. The wings were bossed by Ramazani and Embarba, while Luis Suarez played as a No.9.
UD Almería put in a commanding display from the get go against Málaga CF, a courageous team with young players that have been relegated to third-tier Primera RFEF, although with some more experienced footballers to attempt promotion next season. The Rojiblancos, who passed the ball effectively putting into practice what had been tested in the training sessions, enjoyed numerous opportunities from the kick-off. With 3 minutes gone, Embarba, after a well-timed play by Ramazani and Luis Suárez, finished off, but his shot grazed the post.
With 5 minutes on the clock, Rodrigo Ely tried to beat the Málaga keeper from their half of the pitch and inside 10 minutes, Ramazani's effort was denied by the goalkeeper from Málaga in a one-on-one. However, it was the Blanquiazules who took the lead after 18 minutes after a loss of the ball from UD Almería that opponent Cristian took advantage of to score the opener with a shot taken from a wide position. Despite this setback, the Indálicos had possession and the initiative. Then, Luis Suárez's strike was blocked by the Malagueño goalie, who was a key player.
In spite of their dominance, UD Almería began to run into problems in a bid to reach the opponents' attacking third and continued creating dangerous situations due to the positive attitude of the players from Málaga, who after the opener felt stronger. The Rojiblancos were trailing
0-1 at half-time.
Vicente Moreno, as against UD Las Palmas, left his starting XI unchanged in the second half, with the only change of Lázaro for Rodrigo Ely, who had suffered a blow to the head. Édgar González was positioned as a centre-back along with Babić. The Brazilian was placed on the right flank and Ramazani in the centre. UD Almería continued to have the ball, although they were still unable to clearly reach the final third due to the fierceness of Málaga's game. In the 55th minute Embarba was about to grab the equaliser, yet the goalkeeper from Málaga excelled once again. It was the 60th minute when Babić was forced to come off the field injured and sub Kaiky came in, changing the plans outlined by Vicente Moreno, who 67 minutes in, changed the team with nine subs in action.
UD Almería did not stop trying to find the back of the net, but Málaga became stronger at the back, closing lines, and did not leave any spaces. UD Almería bet on a 4-4-2 system with two powerful players up front, Marezi and Sousa, but it was impossible to draw level in the end.
Match information:
UD Almería: Diego Marino; Pozo (Mendes, 67'), Rodrigo Ely (Lázaro, 46'), Babic (Kaiky, 61'), Alex Centelles (Akieme, 67'); Édgar González (Chumi, 67'), Samú Costa (Eguaras, 67'), Robertone (Gui, 67'); Ramazani (Rojas, 67'), Luis Suárez (Dyego Sousa, 67') and Embarba (Marezi, 67').
Malaga CF: Alfonso Herrero; Jokin Gabilondo, Juande, Galilea, Murillo; Genaro, Sangalli; Alex Calvo, Lorenzo, Cristian, and Dioni. Juanpe, Kevin, Roberto, Carlos López, Víctor, Olmo, Iza Merino, Loren, Rafa, Andrés Caro, Bilal, Moussa Diarra and Jesús Martín also played.
Referee: Juan Antonio Manrique, from the Andalusian referees committee. He booked Samú Costa and Lázaro.
Goals: 0-1 (18') Cristian, with a shot taken from a wide position.
Observations: Third pre-season friendly for UD Almería played at the facilities of the Marbella Football Center. Mohamed El Assy, who is still in the team's training camp, saw the Andalusian meeting together with Ibrahim Ewis and Mohamed Adel. Around 600 spectators, the total capacity of the stands, with some Rojiblancos' supporters.
