1-0: Almeria ‘B’ find themselves on the losing side against Atlético Malagueño
An early opener seals victory for the hosts. The Academy Rojiblancos were denied two penalty claims
UD Almería ‘B’ returned empty-handed from their visit to Atlético Malagueño. The Academy players were not able to cancel out an early opener from the hosts. As the game progressed, there were some opportunities created by the young Indálicos that could lead to a tie, but they failed to find the back of the net unfortunately. Óscar Fernández's boys claimed two possible penalties that were not awarded by the ref in the end.
The visitors were slow out of the traps at the beginning since opponent Haitam’s 9-minute opener fired the Blanquiazules in front forcing the UDA Academy side to dig deep against competitive rivals who created a lot of danger to prevent the visiting players from equalising.
After the 1-0, the majority of the clear goal-scoring opportunities were at the hands of the hosts, highlighting an explosive shot that went over the crossbar and an overhead kick that was about to surprise Fuoli between the sticks.
Almería ‘B' gained momentum towards half-time. So much so that the draw was close, but Carlos Rojas failed to win a one-on-one after a brilliant solo play. With the arrival of the second period, a more daring Rojiblancos squad was seen and with more presence up front within a clash with plenty of end-to-end activity.
Five minutes after returning from the dressing room, the first controversial action took place. Raúl Caballero entered the area and was knocked down by a defender. The Indalicos claimed a possible penalty without the match official deciding to award it. On the other hand, Atlético Malagueño's offensive response was immediate and, in the 59th minute, a shot grazed the post.
The Almeria ‘B’ contenders effectively managed moments of transition, making forward progress towards the opposing goal line in a bid to find the leveller when time was running out, forcing the guys from Malaga to sit back. It was the 68th minute when Aitor Puñal nearly scored after taking a corner-kick. Óscar Fernández brought more players in the attacking third. Hugo Neves, Víctor Blanco and Lokosa replaced Gilbert, Vertiz and Ginés. The latter had to come off the pitch due to a head injury. Málaga CF's medical services helped the Rojiblancos in caring for the player. UD Almería do really appreciate this gesture.
With the lads from Almeria fully focused on the final third came the second controversial action of the day: within the 88th minute a penalty was claimed yet again. The referee did not blow his whistle and in the protests, head coach Óscar Fernández was shown a yellow card.
Although in the last play, Rojas put the Malaga keeper to the test after taking a free-kick, the scoreboard would not change confirming the 1-0 and the defeat of Almería ‘B’, who will be hosting Real Jaén next week first and next, they will pay a visit to CF Motril.
Match Information:
Atlético Malagueño: Carlos; Benítez (Bilal, 79’), Daniel Lorenzo, Murillo (Moussa, 81’), Quintana, Haitam (Julio, 72’), Larrubia (Juan Manuel, 81’), Álex Pico, Olmo, Lorenzo (Vicario, 79’) and Caro.
UD Almería ‘B’: Fuoli; Vertiz (Víctor Blanco, 78’), Ginés (Lokosa, 78’), David Cuenca (Mario Mañas, 91’), Fermín, Aitor Puñal, Andrei (Jean Marco 64’), Kevin, Gilbert (Hugo Neves, 78’), Rojas and Raúl Caballero.
Goal: 1-0, 9:’ Haitam.
Referee: Alonso Ramírez, from the Cádiz Referees School. Hosts Benítez and Caro were booked as well as visitor Kevin. UD Almeria ‘B’ head coach Óscar Fernández was also awarded a yellow card.