0-2: Two penalties in 8 minutes condemn UD Almería to harsh defeat

Two penalties scored in just 8 minutes, on the 20th and 28th minute, condemned UD Almería to defeat in the season opener against rivals Rayo Vallecano; a harsh punishment for a team that despite trailing 0-2 in the first half had the capacity to react and create clear-cut chances so as not to have lost. However, the lack of pinpoint precision and the brilliant saves by the visiting goalkeeper prevented them from pulling one back. Despite the loss, the Rojiblancos employed tactics that put their technique to good use while they still have a lot of room for improvement. 

 

Vicente Moreno opted for almost the same starting XI as in the last pre-season friendly against Granada CF with the only changes of Babić for Chumi as a centre-back and Baba debuting, who has recently arrived from Mallorca, to replace transferred Samú Costa. A 4 (Pozo, Édgar, Babić, Akieme)-2 (Baba, Robertone)-3 (Lázaro, Ramazani, Embarba)-1 (Luis Suárez) formation with which the hosts had a good start to the match. In fact, the beginning of the first encounter of the 2023/24 campaign was electric with two top-tier flight playing vertical football in the sweltering heat.

 

With 29 minutes on the clock, it would be 0-1 through a messy penalty since Édgar was going to clear a ball, but he did not see the opponent even though he knocked him down unintentionally. Isi converted from 12 yards. Within 24 minutes, Robertone failed to equalise, yet his thunderbolt from the edge of the area was repelled by goalie Dimitrievski. Very quickly, inside 28 minutes, another penalty was awarded as Akieme was penalised for handball...what luck! This time, rival Nteka converted from the spot (0-2).

 

Despite the 0-2 draw, UD Almería did not sink; on the contrary, they went all out to level things up as it did not seem impossible. With 30 minutes gone, summer signing Édgar sent a header high from a corner; then in the 34th minute, Luis Suárez failed to beat the Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper in a one-on-one after a great play by Akieme, and last but not least, after 39 minutes, the Colombian once again fashioned a big chance after an assist delivered by team-mate Ramazani, who was very active and took a leading role as a centre-forward. 

 

The first half ended with more protests from UD Almería when they claimed the second yellow card for Unai López, who should have been sent off. The referee forgave him and opponents' head coach Francisco subbed him at half-time… significant. 

 

UD Almería were willing to give it their all in the second period, and they did so with the unconditional support of the fans, because despite finding themselves on the losing side on Matchday 1, the team offered good vibes. Arribas came on to bring more physicality and bite to UD Almería's attack. The Indálicos tried to kill Rayo Vallecano's time-wasting with courage and tactics, however Dimitrievski was a titan between the posts.