UD Almería continued to show positive signs under García Pimienta, despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Betis. The Rojiblancos produced their most convincing football of pre-season, dominating long spells through possession and creating several clear opportunities after the break, only to be denied by an inspired Betis goalkeeper.

The only goal of the game came through Corralejo, but the scoreline did not reflect UD Almería's performance. While there was no reward on the scoreboard, the visitors left with the satisfaction of taking another step forward in their development. If victory was out of reach, they at least stayed true to their identity, controlling possession and pushing Betis until the final whistle.

First Half

With the Rock of Gibraltar overlooking proceedings at the Nuevo Estadio de La Línea, UD Almería delivered another encouraging tactical display. García Pimienta lined his side up in a familiar 4-3-3, but the midfield trio of Baba, Dzódic and Gui gave Melamed the freedom to operate between the lines and dictate play.

Against a Real Betis side preparing for the UEFA Champions League, UD Almería enjoyed lengthy spells of possession and looked increasingly cohesive. Clear-cut opportunities were limited, but both teams came close to breaking the deadlock.

UD Almería's best chance arrived in the 26th minute when Jon Morcillo whipped in a dangerous cross-shot from the right after a poorly cleared set piece. Betis goalkeeper Manu González almost diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to clear. The visitors then pinned Betis back with a succession of crosses and corners.

From one of those corners, however, Betis almost struck on the counter. Corralejo led a superb break before setting up a teammate whose powerful low effort was brilliantly saved by Andrés Fernández, who once again proved to be a reliable last line of defence.

UD Almería ended the first half unable to find the breakthrough but demonstrating exactly how García Pimienta wants his side to play, highlighted by an excellent team move in the closing minutes.

Second Half

Betis started the second period with greater urgency. Within the opening minute, Morante tested Bruno Iribarne, who had replaced Andrés Fernández at half-time, with a powerful low strike, but the young goalkeeper reacted superbly. Moments later, Pablo García came within inches of opening the scoring as his diving header skimmed the outside of the post.

UD Almería responded in the 55th minute when Embarba delivered an inviting cross from the right that Arribas met with a header, narrowly missing the target.

As the game opened up, Betis finally found the breakthrough. Pablo García drove into the area before unselfishly squaring for Corralejo, who had the simple task of finishing into an empty net to make it 1-0.

Despite the setback, the Rojiblancos refused to fold. Cipenga made his debut, while the combinations between Arribas, Embarba and Quim injected fresh energy into the attack. UD Almería piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, forcing Manu González into three outstanding saves that ultimately preserved a hard-fought victory for Betis and left Almería wondering what might have been.

Match Summary

Although the result went against them, UD Almería delivered their most complete performance of the summer. Their possession-based approach, tactical organisation and attacking intent were all evident against top-level opposition, providing further evidence that García Pimienta's ideas are beginning to take shape.

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