0-1: No way through despite UD Almería’s best efforts
The Rojiblancos fell to an unlucky defeat to gritty CA Osasuna even though they began the game with clear ideas and blistering attacks
UD Almería began the match with clear ideas and a blistering attack against gritty visitors CA Osasuna. Rubi's men fashioned a glut of chances during the frantic first minutes with an eye to open the scoring on home turf (1-0), but did not manage to seize any. After those initial moments, none of the sides were actually in full control of the game. It was CA Osasuna who, about half an hour into the game, grabbed the opening goal that would grant Arrasate's team 3 points and although the Rojiblancos tried their best until the final whistle, they failed to beat keeper Sergio Herrera between the sticks.
As for UD Almería's line-up, head coach Rubi maintained the same formation as in the match against Real Valladolid CF with only two changes made to the starting XI. He brought on Eguaras for De la Hoz and Adrián Embarba for Léo Baptistão.
The Rojiblancos looked on it from the off as they commenced the match securing possession of the ball and looking for effective combinations with their attackers high up the pitch. Embarba had a great opportunity in the 10th minute; a great solo run that would end with the ball over the crossbar. Although the Indalicos showed themselves daring during the opening minutes, shortly after, the encounter entered a phase without a clear dominant side, both outfits competed fiercely for possession of loose balls, yet CA Osasuna were the first who produced the opener. Opponent Chimy Avila found the back of the net within 28 minutes (0-1) after beating Fernando through a low driven shot. With 30 minutes on the clock, Budimir was about to thump it home and double his team's lead, a big chance to an empty goal that he kicked over the goal defended by Fernando. The visiting team carried on creating danger and inside 39 minutes, Lucas Torró hit the woodwork. Before half time, a goal scored by CA Osasuna was chalked off for handball following a VAR review.
With the start of the second half, Rubi benched Eguaras and Embarba with Arnau and Portillo coming on. Right after, El Bilal made his UD Almeria debut, receiving a standing ovation from the supporters in the stands, while Lázaro Vinicius debuted in a second half that had no clear dominance. The Rojiblancos were the ones whose efforts were threatening to creep into the far corner., but were down on their luck. As time began to wind down, the in-form visitors continued to put in a brave battle to come away with three valuable points. Although UD Almería went all out, especially in the closing minutes, they did not reap the reward of the equaliser and would end up edged out on Matchday 5.