1-0: First-half red card condemns UD Almería 'B' to defeat against La Unión Atlético
The Academy prospects played for nearly an hour with 10 men in Totana and return home empty-handed, now 14 points from league safety
UD Almería 'B' suffered another league setback, this time away to La Unión Atlético in Totana, Murcia, on Matchday 25. After ending a long wait for victory the previous week, the Academy prospects were hoping to build momentum with back-to-back wins and keep their slim survival hopes alive. It was not to be.
The gap to the safety zone and the relegation play-off positions now stands at 14 points with 9 matches remaining. In addition to the points deficit, several teams sit between the youthful Rojiblancos and their objective, further complicating the challenge ahead.
The game proved demanding from the outset. The artificial surface presented an added difficulty for the 'B' team, while an experienced La Unión outfit began on the front foot, pressing high and testing the visitors’ defensive resolve.
Just as the contest began to settle into a more balanced rhythm, UD Almería 'B' were reduced to 10 men. Carlos Jiménez was shown a straight red card in the 35th minute, leaving José María Salmerón’s side facing almost an hour of football a man down.
The youthful Rojiblancos showed resilience to reach half-time with the score still goalless, but despite their effort and organisation after the break, they were unable to hold out. Mike struck in the 55th minute to score what would prove to be the decisive goal.
La Unión Atlético Starting XI:
Joel Jiménez, Espínola, Mena, Roan, Diego Ruiz (Yerai Dávila 82’), Guille Bernabéu, Santos, Karim El Kounni, Mike (Ekhiotz 92’), Cambil and Josema Raigal (Jesús 77’).
UD Almería 'B' starting XI:
Jesús López, Sergio, Koné, Pedro Fidel, Martim Alberto (Agulló 31’, Taufek 88’), Carlos Jiménez, Josema (Marsu 60’), Joan Gázquez, Curro (Yago Paredes 88’), Hou (Iker Burgos 60’) and Marciano.
Referee Héctor Bouzas, from the Canary Islands Referees Association, issued a straight red card to Carlos Jiménez in the 35th minute. He also booked Diego Ruiz, Espínola and Santos for the hosts, and guests Sergio and Yago Paredes, as well as head coach José María Salmerón.
The match was played at the Valverde Reina Sports Complex in Totana, Murcia and corresponded to Matchday 25 of Group IV in the Segunda RFEF.