0-3: Luckless UD Almería lose out to slick Deportivo Alavés
The Rojiblancos finally succumbed at the Power Horse Stadium after being pounded with the Alavesistas' heavy artillery. The Indálicos' efforts were denied over and over by goalkeeper Sivera
UD Almería suffered a tough defeat at home against Deportivo Alavés, who were much more effective than the hosts, who were denied over and over by the opponents' goalkeeper. Sivera showing his good gloves together with Samu Omorodion, were the best players of the guests that stood out for a seamless game plan at the Power Horse Stadium.
Gaizka Garitano's starting line-up had three new additions compared to the match against Real Madrid CF: Léo Baptistão regained his starting spot after serving a one-game ban, César Montes, after shaking off his muscle discomfort and Embarba, who replaced Ramazani, who miss out due to accumulation of yellow cards.
The start of the match was unfavourable for the Rojiblancos since in the 10th minute, adversary Samu beat Maximiano with a low shot, taking advantage of a counter-attack that came from a corner-kick taken by the Indálicos. It was a hard blow, especially because UD Almería had started the match with a strong offensive display towards Sivera's goal. Despite this unexpected setback, UD Almería showed an energetic reaction, intensifying their high pressing and creating dangerous situations, but without neglecting their defensive weapons to avoid a second goal from the opposing side from Vitoria-Gasteiz.
As the first half began to wind down, in spite of the home team's huge efforts to cancel out the Alavesistas' early opener, the Rojiblancos drifted down the tunnel at half-time trailing 0-1.
The second forty-five minutes started with a promising opportunity for the Indálicos. Marc Pubill entered the Alavés box and struck a powerful shot that hit Sivera's hand, but the keeper made an outstanding save to prevent the Rojiblancos from levelling it up. As in the first half, a new counter-attack led by Samu Omorodion ended in a penalty that Luis Rioja converted with precision from 12 yards.
In search of a reaction to peg them back, UD Almería made a triple substitution, introducing Melero, Marezi and Centelles onto the pitch. Constant attempts by Garitano's side were blocked by an inspired visiting goalie who proved his might between the sticks, who stood out with superb saves to deny Embarba, Robertone, Lázaro, Melero... The ball seemed to refuse to cross the goal line, leaving a luckless UD Almería empty-handed as they did not manage to find the back of the net.
Deportivo Alavés were on fire as they used their heavy artillery to slam in the third and put the game to bed. Samu made it 0-3 by beating Maximiano at the near post.
