At long last, UD Almería return from an away trip with all 3 points. What began as a gritty, tactical battle eventually turned into an electric and chaotic encounter. The Rojiblancos rose to the occasion in both phases of the game, securing their first away win of the season thanks to second-half goals from Cipenga and Thalys. Late on, Quim was shown a second yellow card, forcing the team to dig deep and defend as a unit to preserve a clean sheet and put the finishing touches on a memorable night.

García Pimienta’s tracksuit on the touchline was a sign of things to come. The gaffer settled into his technical area, fully aware of the battle that lay ahead if UD Almería were to win in Córdoba, leaving the suit and tie for another occasion. And so it proved, as his side ran, battled and fought until the quality football finally began to shine through.

First half 

Dull. Flat. And uneventful. The game at the Bahrain Victorious Nuevo Arcángel Stadium began like a combination lock that refused to open. Neither side could find the right combination to turn the dial, and defensive organisation decisively outweighed attacking flair. Córdoba CF enjoyed the better of the play but rarely threatened a UD Almería side that, despite struggling to create in attack, defended superbly. Both head coaches also stuck with largely unchanged starting XIs from the previous week, with just one change for the home side.

Ivan Ania’s men looked to stretch the play, using the wide channels to create danger with crosses from either flank. But their efforts came to nothing. Pimienta’s side had the situation under control, dealing comfortably and confidently with every delivery into the box. Cross in, clearance out.

Córdoba CF dominated possession, while the Rojiblancos remained compact and disciplined. UD Almería’s main attacking threat came from Cipenga’s bursts down the left flank, including a lung-busting run in the 21st minute that ultimately came to nothing, as the final decision failed to match the quality of the run.

The Andalusian derby drifted towards half-time without much excitement. The need to shore up their defensive structures took precedence over attacking ambition for both sides, producing a more subdued opening 45 minutes than expected. Plenty of defensive shape, very little risk-taking. The status quo.

Second half 

With plenty of pieces still on the chessboard, the game demanded a more attacking approach and the start of hostilities. Pawns had to be sacrificed, and someone had to deliver a check.

Cipenga would provide the decisive turning point in the 51st minute, putting Almería 1-0 up and scoring his first goal of the season after registering three assists the previous week. The ‘Cipengazo’ came after a cross from Baptistão, followed by a superb first-time finish with his right boot. The celebration, much like the player himself, was a show in its own right. UD Almería’s first flowing team move, built through a series of passes, and their first effort on target were converted into the opening goal.

Around the hour mark, the first changes were made on the touchline. Arribas, back after recovering from an ankle problem and Chirino came on for Baptistão and Luna. García Pimienta also took the opportunity to withdraw the full-back, who was already on a yellow card, to reduce the risk of playing with ten men, while bringing on last season’s top scorer to increase the threat at the other end.

The goal breathed new life into a match that was finally beginning to live up to expectations. Cipenga’s strike prompted an immediate response from Córdoba CF. In the 61st minute, Kevin Medina went close to finding the top corner past Andrés Fernández. Shortly before that, the Murcia-born goalkeeper had made an excellent save to prevent Córdoba CF from levelling. The derby was finally coming to life. And with the lead in hand, UD Almería simply had to wait for the chance to deliver the knockout blow.

That moment arrived when Thalys, introduced in the 68th minute, put the game beyond doubt just two minutes after stepping onto the pitch. Played in by Javi Muñoz, the Brazilian kept his cool in a one-on-one and slotted the ball into the Córdoba CF net. It was a hugely important goal for both the team and the striker himself. After enduring the frustration of recent weeks, Thalys finally reaped the rewards of his patience and hard work.

From that point on, UD Almería had their first away win firmly within reach and threw everything into securing it. They had to work for it, as Córdoba CF launched wave after wave of attacks towards Andrés Fernández’s goal. The goalkeeper dealt with the home side’s dangerous moments superbly. The ball spent plenty of time around the Rojiblancos’ penalty area, but their defence stood firm like a wall of solid brickwork, never once giving way. Quim was eventually sent off after picking up two yellow cards in the space of just a few minutes.

This new-look UD Almería needed a victory like this to kick-start their ambitions: an away win, a clean sheet, and proof that they can defend as well as they can attack.