1-0: UD Almería keep promotion hopes alive with win over league leaders

UD Almería keep their promotion hopes alive with a win over LaLiga Hypermotion leaders Levante UD, who had won their last five matches in the league. The three points helped the Rojiblancos secure a place in the play-offs and cut the gap on the top-two spots in the standings. Luis Suárez converted a penalty awarded by VAR in the 80th minute to score the match-winning goal. The fans (almost 11,000 in the stands) cheered on the team with chants of 'Yes, we can!, Yes, we can!,' Yes, we can!'. 

 

With the addition of the international players and the recovery of Lucas Robertone, Rubi picked out a starting XI similar to the one that thrashed Real Zaragoza two weeks ago, a formation also similar to the one that lost in Burgos, but with tactical nuances. The head coach, as he stated beforehand, wanted to continue on the same path as the Zaragoza side and try to secure the 3 points, which were vital for the Rojiblancos' aspirations in a very demanding match due to Levante UD's potential and momentum.

 

UD Almería were clear they couldn't afford to let down the leaders, and they didn't. From the get go, they came out determined to overcome the current pacesetters. Possession and control belonged to the hosts, but they couldn't find a way to beat a Levante side that were well-organised at the back and didn't give any opportunities. Brugué, in the 15th minute, gave a scare with a header inside the box after a cross from the left wing that Maximiano brilliantly saved. It was the visitors' only chance against an Indálicos team that were confident at the back, controlling from midfield and searching for the opposing goal with vertical football. 

 

The Rojiblancos did a good job, but only created danger from set pieces, as it happened in the 29th and 40th minutes after corners taken by Arnau Puigmal that were finished by Radovanovic and Marc Pubill, with the Granota goalkeeper having to save in the first instance and a defender on the goal line in the second. There was nothing to separate the sides at half-time (0-0)

 

Things continued the same after the restart, although Levante UD had more chances in this period, taking advantage of UD Almería's incompleteness in their attacking plays, allowing them to create quick transitions. The pacesetters created a greater sense of danger, although it was UD Almería who continued to have more possession. 

 

Luis Suárez tried his luck in the 60th minute, a one-on-one save by the Levante keeper. As in the first half, Levante UD created their best chances from set pieces. After a corner from Robertone, Marc Pubill was tackled by Ignasi Miquel within the box; the referee didn't see it, but VAR warned him. A clear penalty was converted by Luis Suárez in the 80th minute to delight of the fans. 

 

From then until the end, there were strong emotions as guests Levante UD went all out desperately in search of an equaliser. The changes continued, and there was uncertainty until the referee whistled the end of the match.