0-1: UD Almeria didn’t think it could happen, but seeing is believing

Seeing is believing! The 90 minutes of the UD Almería vs Girona FC encounter was another example of how football sometimes is really unfair to a team who undeniably merited better results. Incomprehensibly, Girona FC edged past the Rojiblancos at the Mediterraneo on a Matchday in which it was impossible for the hosts to find the back of the net.  To make matters worse, not only did the Indálicos miss two penalties and an absolute sitter, they hit the woodwork and rued countless spurned chances. It was definitely a bad day at the office for UD Almeria (0-1).

UD Almería started the game by putting in an invigorated performance and engineering numerous chances throughout the match. In fact, shortly after the kick-off, Rubi’s side could have already gone ahead twice when first Dyego Sousa missed an absolute sitter in a one-on-one duel against the keeper and then, Robertone’s strike went wide. Only 5 minutes had passed.

The Indalicos continued to fashion chances one after another. However, Borja García put the visitors ahead within 12 minutes. Not happy with that, shortly after the 0-1, the hosts could have been able to cancel out the adversaries’ lead, but the keeper made a great save to deny Pozo's fine attempt. Goalie Juan Carlos should be, without a doubt, the opponent to take home the POTM honours in this match on the south-coast.

With all to play for in the second half, things did not change much. UD Almería carved out the best opportunities, yet they were down on their luck. Keeps Juan Carlos jumped high to produce a fantastic save and deny a shot from Robertone, who was looking for the top corner of the net and then, became a hero again against Juan Villar, who came on for Dyego Sousa. It was the 63rd minute.

The Rojiblancos fought tooth and nail to at least bag one point. A crazy final stretch began in which it was unbelievable that the home team did not take any points. In the first place, within 85 minutes, they were awarded a penalty that skipper César de la Hoz failed to convert. Immediately afterwards, a VAR check ruled that some players moved too soon, and the penalty had to be retaken. The player in charge of trying his luck was Juan Villar, but the right-winger also missed from 12 yards as the ball went high.

Eight minutes of injury time were added. Although Girona FC had options to double their lead, there would still be clear-cut chances at the hands of UD Almeria, such as a thumping header by Rodrigo Ely that hit the crossbar. The full-time whistle was blown with those attendees at the Juegos Mediterráneos leaving the Stadium with that kind of feeling…Seeing is believing.