1-0: More valuable minutes for UD Almería in penultimate pre-season test
The Rojiblancos beat FC Cartagena and restore good vibes as they put into practice all they have learned from Rubi through an invigorated performance
UD Almería got off to a flying start in their penultimate behind-closed-doors test of the pre-season against FC Cartagena on the Anexo Power Horse ground. The Indalicos could have extended their lead but they ended up beating the visiting side 1-0. All that matters is the fact that the Rojiblancos restored the good vibes as they put into practice all they have learned from their head coach through an invigorated performance. Some players were not lined up thinking about Sunday's away assignment in England.
The 6th friendly of the off-season campaign could not have started better. With 3 minutes on the clock, the hosts began at a frenetic pace as Robertone put UD Almeria on the front foot following a brilliant assist by Sousa who controlled the ball within the box and calmly passed it to the Argentinian who was waiting to squeeze a shot past the goalkeeper (1-0). UD Almería were the ones who created the most effective plays and kept more possession of the ball with high pressure in a convincing display.
A few minutes into the second half, UD Almería were up 2-0, again with Sousa taking centre stage, who wanted to put it on a plate for Appiah as he did with match-winner Robertone in the first half, yet this time the English right-winger’s change-of-pace dribble was not good enough and missed a chance. FC Cartagena lacked the cutting edge while the Rojiblancos built a rock-solid defence including a couple of central defenders, César de la Hoz and Brazilian Kaiky.
After 71 minutes, head coach Rubi changed the 10 outfield players, keeping Fuoli in goal. The Rojiblancos commanded again after a period of end–to-end activity between one team and the other. First, Rodrigo Ely and then Ramazani could not hit the target in a bid to extend the lead on the scoreboard. Robertone’s early opener proved the difference between the sides at the final whistle (1-0).
Match Information:
UD Almeria: Fuoli; Pozo (Mendes, 71’), Kayky (Babic, 71’), Svidersky (Ely, 71’), Centelles (Akieme, 71’); Robertone (Gui Guedes, 71’), De la Hoz (Eguaras, 71’) Lazo (Carlos Rojas, 71’), Curro Sánchez (Arnau Puigmal, 71’); Sousa (Milovanovic, 71’) and Appiah (Ramazani, 71’).
FC Cartagena: Escandell; Left Jairo, Datkovic, Alcalá, Calero; Sangalli, Musto (Mikel Rico, 87’); Jansson, Neskes (Enrico H, 46’), David Ferreiro; Ortuño.
Referee: Pablo Morales Moreno from the Almería Referees School. Assistant referees Javier Sanjosé and José Manuel López. He booked Sangalli from FC Cartagena.
Goals: 1-0 (3)’. Robertone, inside the area, after an assist from Sousa, who controlled the ball with quality to put it on a plate for his team-mate.
Observations: 6th pre-season game for UD Almería, played behind closed doors on the Anexo Power Horse ground.