Academy
0-1: UD Almería 'B' edge out Al-Ain U21
The UDA Academy prospects played their first pre-season friendly in Murcia and clinched victory thanks to a match-winning goal from Valen Sorare
UD Almería 'B' kicked off their pre-season by winning their first summer friendly against Al-Ain U21 with a match-winning goal from Valen at the start of the second half. Alberto Lasarte's boys played with confidence throughout the full 90 minutes. The lads managed to withstand the strong start of their opponents and imposed their football style. A good test for the youthful Rojiblancos against a side that made it really difficult for them in Murcia.
The first forty-five minutes began with Al-Ain U21 coming out on the pitch with very clear ideas, an attacking style and looking eagerly for an early opener, however, UD Almería 'B' made their adversaries lose momentum by having more possession to become the ones bossing the ball. Nevertheless, until the first 30 minutes, the UDA Academy prospects hardly fashioned any big chances.
From then on, there were two opportunities, first for Bian and then for Fede Oliva, who had left the pitch in the 30th minute. Both chances went wide though and no one could break the deadlock before half-time (0-0).
In the second half, it was UD Almería 'B' who started stronger and in the 51st minute, Valen took advantage of a well-timed pass from Ballestero and beat the goalkeeper.
After that goal, there was no clear dominating side... a lot of play in midfield, but few chances. Finally, Valen's match-winning goal would be the sole goal of the match, so Alberto Lasarte's youth side narrowly defeated Al-Ain U21 to clinched their first pre-season victory.
Match information:
Al-Ain U21: Hassan; Eisa Darwis, Dramane, Khaled Ali, Adham, Ahmed Mohammed, Solomon, Shehab Mohammed, Hamed Mohammed, Ali Saeed and Tomas. Sultan, Ghanem, Manea, Mohammed, Yaqoob, Abdel Aziz, Sarki and Yousef also played.
UD Almeria 'B': Jorge; Peñalver, Aarón, Edu, Marcos Peña, Avelino, Cantón (Abel 30'), Luis (Fede Oliva.30') Hugo Neves, Dani Albiar and Bian. At the beginning of the second half, Ballestero, Paco, Varó, Torres, Joan, Valen and Rachad came on. Two players were subbed again Fede Oliva (Youness. 60') and Abel (Marsu. 60') and Rachad.
Referee: Garcia Acosta. He booked visitor Joan
Goals: 0-1. 51' Abel.
Observations: UD Almería 'B' first pre-season friendly against Al-Ain U21 at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia.