0-1: Maximiano, key in second victory of season
The Rojiblancos achieved a well-deserved win with a sensational performance by the goalkeeper and striker Choco Lozano scoring for the third consecutive game
UD Almería achieved the second victory of the 2022/24 season after playing a great away game against Rayo Vallecano, especially goalkeeper Maximiano, who kept the Rojiblancos alive until the final whistle, literally, as he saved a dangerous Last-gasp chance by Baby in the 90+4' minute. Effectiveness and a clean sheet were the keys to a long-suffering but well-deserved victory in which it was clear that the Rojiblancos were determined to fight with pride and without giving away any points until the end.
The Starting XI presented several fresh faces compared to their last match, many of them due to the myriad of injuries that affected the squad ahead of this match. In defence, the first change was Centelles instead of Bruno Langa; the biggest changes were noticeable in the midfield: Marcos Peña, Edgar and Arribas, replacing suspended Robertone and Jonathan Viera. The same players as in the previous match remained in the attacking zone; Embarba, Baptistão and Choco Lozano.
The match kicked off with UD Almería somewhat piling on the attack and looking vulnerable in defence, which allowed Rayo Vallecano to dominate the first minutes. Álvaro García was the first opponent to put Maximiano's reflexes to the test, after winning the ball back from Pubill and firing a low shot near the post that forced the keeper to stretch to palm away his effort.
Shortly after, Leujene was close to opening the scoring with a direct free-kick, but once again, the outstanding performance of the Maximiliano prevented the goal. However, once these minutes had passed, in the 30th minute, the Rojiblancos managed to make the most of a terrible mistake in defence and Choco Lozano, with a well-timed cross from Embarba, slammed the opener in expertly (0-1).
From this goal onwards, the visiting team were more solid in the defending third and more daring in attack; Rayo Vallecano also kept trying, but Maximiano's sensational display kept a clean sheet throughout the first half.
The second half was pretty much the same as the first forty-five minutes, but with a much more effective UD Almería squad in a low block that repelled all the threatening situations, yet without neglecting their offensive plot that was getting joy with balls spun behind the Rayo defence.
In the 75th minute there was going to be great news for the Rojiblancos since gaffer Pepe Mel decided to bring on Luis Suárez after shaking off his fibula injury. The squad were boosted by the Colombian's fitness, who in the subsequent play squandered a great opportunity to make it 0-2 with a shot from Embarba that went just wide. Meanwhile, Maximiano continued to be the MVP since shortly after the Rojiblanco player's opportunity, the Vallecano team rued a missed chance, however, the UD Almería goalie showed his gloves again to avoid a clear tie.
Unbelievably, the Portuguese, who was undeniably a titan between the sticks, made the most important save of the night as he blocked Baby's thunderbolt in the 90+4' minute to earn UD Almería the second victory of the season and another clean sheet.
