1-0: UD Almería gritted their teeth until final whistle

UD Almería edged out CD Castellón 1-0 with a second-half strike courtesy from Chirino, extending their unbeaten run to 6 matches. The Rojiblancos now sit atop the table, having secured 14 points from their last 18. It was an electric match, featuring a pace that defied the expectations of the second division and a result that did not reflect the equal opportunities both sides created. UD Almería demonstrated Goethe's wisdom: 'The advantage goes to those who seize the moment,' as wear and tear continued with the team facing the challenge of 3 matches in just 7 days.

Head coach Rubi had to adapt to last-minute setbacks, including Baba’s absence and various injuries within the squad. The Catalan painted a fresh tactical picture with Dzódic holding down the midfield with elegance and practicality, while Soko led the attack, and Baptistão returned to his natural role on the wing. Despite these changes, the team’s performance remained unshaken. Each player was committed to excelling in their individual roles, as if in a classroom where every student is determined to earn top marks.

The opening half was a whirlwind. Both outfits went straight into battle, with no hesitation. They took risks early, opting for a fast-paced, high-pressure game. The ball zipped across the UDA Stadium turf; if a radar had been tracking it, it would have been a blur in the photographs. UD Almería were the only team to threaten the opposition’s goal in the first 45 minutes, creating two near chances within minutes of each other. In the 18th minute, Chirino created a chance on the right, cutting into the box and delivering a dangerous pass to Arribas, who narrowly missed. 4 minutes later, Bonini delivered a pinpoint pass from 20 yards to Chirino, who, after adjusting to his left foot, fired wide from a difficult angle.

The visitors did not just sit back. Before the half-hour mark, Barri tested goalkeeper Andrés Fernández from distance, but the keeper, in what would turn out to be an inspired performance, made the save with ease.

The first half was full of intent but lacked the precision to match. UD Almería’s attack, led by Soko’s intelligent runs and Chirino’s constant movement, created threats, but the final pass was often missing. The midfield, though fluid in its attack, lacked the clinical edge to break through CD Castellón’s defence. At the back, Bonini and Monte were rock solid, acting as the backbone of a defence that stood firm under pressure.

The second half started with less space and more tension. CD Castellón were the first to come close to taking the lead. Barri again found himself in a dangerous position just outside the area, firing a shot that looked destined for the net. However, Andrés Fernández, standing tall and unyielding, denied the guests with a spectacular save in the 54th minute, keeping the score level.

It was then that Chirino provided the moment of magic. Less than ten minutes later, he showed skill and composure to break the deadlock. After a dazzling dribble past two defenders, Chirino fed the ball to team-mate Arnau Puigmal, who, despite an awkward touch, played it to Arribas. The play appeared to have fizzled, but Chirino’s quick thinking brought it back to life. With a deft nutmeg past the keeper, Chirino slotted the ball into the net for what would be the match-winning goal (1-0).

From there, the match became a battle of attrition. Both teams pressed, but neither could find a way to find the back of the net again. UD Almería, while maintaining their defensive solidity, grew more confident, determined to secure a clean sheet at home for the first time this season. And so it ended: a gritty victory, earned through determination, resilience and teamwork.

With 6 matches unbeaten, Rubi’s men now sit atop the standings with a perfect record for October. As the head coach had predicted earlier in the season, his teams thrive in the autumn months and he has delivered on that promise with another impressive set of results.