The Rojiblancos showcased their superiority in both penalty areas, extending their unbeaten run to 9 games. Head coach Rubi caught many by surprise with a tactical switch. Embarba produced a 28-yard rocket, while Chirino and Arnau also found the back of the net. Another clean sheet kept
Head coach Rubi surprised everyone with his starting XI, not so much due to the number of changes, only Aridane and Baba came in, but for the tactical set-up he employed. Opting for a back 3 of Nelson, Aridane and Bonini, the gaffer deployed dynamic wing-backs in Chirino and Centelles, with a midfield shielded by Baba, Gui Guedes, Embarba and Arribas. Thalys led the attack. CD Leganés, although struggling at home, are a side with considerable potential, having been recently relegated from LaLiga EA Sports. Rubi was determined not to let them find their footing against UD Almería.
CD Leganés, fresh off a win against AD Ceuta FC, were eager to make an impact in front of their home fans and they came out all guns blazing. However, UD Almería absorbed the pressure and struck early. In the 11th minute, Embarba unleashed a stunning 28-yard rocket that flew past the goalkeeper to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Although the Pepineros enjoyed more possession and created several dangerous chances, Rubi’s men remained solid and organised, with goalkeeper Andrés Fernández playing a key role in keeping CD Leganés at bay. The Rojiblancos were forced to weather some difficult moments, but their disciplined defending and quick transitions saw them maintain their advantage as the first half ended 1-0.
The second half saw Rubi make two early changes, bringing on Dzôdić and Álex Muñoz for Baba and Centelles, both of whom had picked up yellow cards. CD Leganés again came out in search of an equaliser, but just 5 minutes after the restart, the Indálicos doubled their lead. Chirino controlled the ball with his back to goal inside the box, deftly dribbled past his marker and finished with a low, angled shot to make it 2-0. Shortly after, Embarba thought he had his second, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Still, the game was well under control for UD Almería. Despite the opponents having more of the ball and continuing to create danger, Rubi’s side held firm with solid defending, a confident performance between the sticks from Fernández and dangerous counter-attacks.
In the dying embers, UD Almería put the game to bed when Arnau Puigmal finished a well-executed counter, started by team-mates Soko and Léo Baptistão, to make it 3-0.
The result was a comprehensive victory and another 3 points for UD Almería as they maintain string push up the LaLiga Hypermotion table.