0-2: First victory at last for UD Almería this season as they are in the hat for Spanish Cup second-round
Ramazani and Marezi etched their names onto the scoresheet in the Spanish tournament. The Rojiblancos kept a clean sheet for the first time this campaign. To win this game was a collective effort
UD Almería knocked out CF Talavera de la Reina of the Spanish Cup after beating them 0-2. The Rojiblancos are in the hat for the Copa del Rey second round after winning a match in which they showed a solid defence and were effective in attack. Both goals came in the first half, the opener courtesy of Ramazani, who took advantage of a Talavera's defender error and Marezi's second following a superb assist from Arribas.
As for the starting XI picked out by head coach Gaizka Garitano, as he had already announced in the press-Cup press conference, there was no representation from the UDA 'B' team. Maximiano put in the gloves, Pozo, Kaiky, Edgar and Mendes defended as a back-four; Lopy, operating as a defensive midfielder, and a little further forward, Melero and Arribas. In the attacking zone, Marezi made his debut as a No.'9' accompanied on the wings by Ramazani and Arnau Puigmal.
UD Almería started the match somewhat hesitant, but as the minutes went by, they felt more and more comfortable on the pitch as they gained momentum by pressing high in the final third and having a lot of touch in the box with some threatening shots. Largie Ramazani slotted the Rojiblancos in front through a clinical left-footed opener in the first quarter-of-an-hour as the Belgian took advantage of a defender's slip (0-1).
The Indálicos continued to create good plays while putting in an invigorated performance in the Toledo-based city. The hosts held on their guests to the 0-1 lead until the 45th minute, a minute in which Marezi, who had already miss-kicked a clear chance, doubled his side's lead as he etched his name onto the scoresheet to put and end to the first half (0-2).
Half-time: CF Talavera de la Reina 0-2 UD Almería
The second half kicked off with a similar game plan to the beginning of the Spanish Cup single-legged tie first half, with the Talavera's men looking desperately to pull one back, but this time, UD Almería remained as strong as the completed the opening forty-five minutes thanks to a confident defence and a dangerous attacking display. The highlight of the second period was how well organised UD Almeria to block the Segunda RFEF side's efforts. Léo Baptistão blew his chance to find the back of the net after a well-worked triangular play between Arnau Puigmal, Melero and the forward, however his strike went high.
Talavera, after the hour mark, began to found some good momentum and we're on the brink of reducing the deficit to 1-2 with an opportunity in which goalkeeper Maximiano was outside the goal, but Kaiky pulled the ball back from the byline. Thank God! The hosts kept on trying their hardest, but this time UD Almería went all out to taste victory again this year and keep a clean sheet to progress to the Copa del Rey second round.
Full-time: CF Talavera de la Reina 0-2 UD Almería
Match information:
CF Talavera de la Reina: Álex; Josema, Hugo (Dani. 67'), Charly, Fontán; Unai, Tass (Abeledo. 46'), Julen (Sergio Blazquez. 78'); Edu (Ramos. 67'), Dago and Caio (Symanowski. 46').
UD Almería: Maximiano; Pozo (Chumi. 67'), Kaiky, Edgar, Mendes; Lopy, Arribas, Melero (César Montes. 85'); Ramazani (Marciano. 80'), Arnau (Lázaro Vinicius. 80') and Marezi (Léo Baptistão 67').
Goals: 0-1 Ramazani (15'). 0-2 Marezi (45').
Referee: Mateo Busquets Ferrer. Hosts Tass, Dago and Fontán as well as visitors Mendes and Montes were yellow carded,. The Mexican was sent off for two yellow cards.
Observations: Copa del Rey first-round tie played against CF Talavera de la Reina at the El Prado Stadium.