0-3: Almería do not let automatic promotion out of sight in Malaga
The Rojiblancos stroll to victory again after a spirited performance in Andalusian derby
UD Almería did not let automatic promotion out of their sight thanks to a spirited performance at La Rosaleda Stadium. After a 4-week winless run of results, the Indalicos, wanted to taste victory once more by getting back to old selves with teamwork and effectiveness. In this way, goals courtesy of Robertone, Lazo and Sadiq sealed the Rojiblancos' approach to the second automatic promotion slot (0-3).
José Gomes named an unchanged squad to the one that shared the spoils with CD Leganes last weekend. It was a fast-paced encounter with two evenly-matched sides in action.
The game hung in the balance until the 11th minute when José Carlos Lazo recovered the ball at the heart of the pitch and unmarked Robertone slotted Almeria ahead after latching onto Lazo’s pass to beat keeper Dani Barrio (0-1).
The Rojiblancos found more spaces. Sadiq Umar fell down inside the box and the match official awarded a penalty, however, the VAR stepped in and overturned the on-field referee’s decision.
UD Almeria did not have to regret that play at all, since shortly after that action, Lazo took a leading role once more by getting the ball back. He did not think twice to try his luck from long range. It ended up being an unstoppable goal to double his team’s lead (0-2).
Almeria were gradually returning to their old selves thanks to their effectiveness and defensive order. In fact, Malaga did not make Makaridze work much after the restart. Robertone left for César de la Hoz and after a series of goal attempts from the Boquerones, skipper Corpas took Brian Rodríguez’s position on 58 minutes.
As time began to wind down, Malaga seemed to be growing into the game although there were no clear goal-scoring opportunities that could change the result. The Indálicos were on fire and Sadiq made a well-timed run in behind to create space. A defender avoided under sticks the Nigerian’s shot, but the deflection found Manu Morlanes who brilliantly assisted the striker. Sadiq slammed in the third which takes his tally to 15 goals this season (0-3).
Overturning a 3-0 deficit against Almeria was a mountain to climb for the hosts. After a 4-week winless run, Almeria strolled to victory once more not losing sight of automatic promotion following a spirited performance based on their characteristic style of play. 3 goals, 3 points.