0-2: Almería to start play-offs for promotion on a positive note
The Rojiblancos put in a commanding performance at El Molinón to clinch victory with Aketxe’s brace. Rubi rang the changes in the starting XI
UD Almería put in a commanding performance and rediscovered their best form during the away game played at El Molinón Stadium to finish in fourth position in the standings after beating play-off chasers Sporting de Gijón by 0 goals to 2. Attacking midfielder Ager Aketxe was the only scorer on both occasions to seal a win that UD Almeria merited from practically the kick-off of the last Matchday (42) with a totally different starting line-up.
Head coach Rubi did not hesitate when it came to rotating the squad, betting on a starting XI formed by keeper Fernando captaining the game; Aitor Buñuel, César de la Hoz, Ivanildo, Petrović, Samú Costa, Aketxe, Corpas, Fran Villalba and Brian Rodríguez. It was an encounter in which the Indalicos were well organised at all times taking advantage of their goal-scoring opportunities to find the back of the net.
It all started with two evenly-matched sides over the opening forty-five minutes. Both teams were looking for attempts at goal insistently, but it looked that the game was meant to end up in an unsatisfying goalless stalemate. On the other hand, the visiting team were about to do so as soon as they returned from the dressing room with a cross-shot by Djuka to which Fernando responded brilliantly between the sticks to avert danger.
Almería were playing a brilliant game with confidence. They took over the ball, bossed things and created big chances so it was no surprise that the native of Bilbao Aketxe found the opener in the 56th minute (0-1). The attacking midfielder tried his luck from long range and goalie Mariño could not block his superb shot.
The players from the Andalusian South Coast were managing to remain in fourth position –CD Leganés were thrashing their opponents and sitting third was actually impossible- and therefore, having the home-field advantage, at least, in the first knockout stage.
With 70 minutes gone, Aketxe was unquestionably on fire last night as he slotted the second home to double his team’s advantage (0-2). There would be no more clear goal-scoring opportunities from either side, so after full time the regular championship came to an end and opened the door to the play-offs for promotion to Primera Division, which kick off next Wednesday, 2 June with UD Almería visiting Girona FC. .