1-0: UD Almería 'B' pull off first home win built on skillful play, grit and late drama
Iker Burgos grabbed the winning goal in the 19th minute of the match held in Huércal against Yeclano, who had been on a brilliant run. Jesús López saved a late penalty
UD Almería 'B' pulled off their first home win of the season defeating Yeclano Deportivo 1-0 in an epic match with late drama. After taking the lead in the 19th minute and holding onto it until the final whistle, Jesús López made a crucial penalty save in the 97th minute, the last play of the game, with time already well over. The match sparked wild celebrations and rightly so.
The youthful Rojiblancos faced their 11th league fixture at the Francisco Pomedio Stadium in Huércal de Almería, as their home ground Anexo is undergoing a pitch returfed.
Their opponents, Yeclano Deportivo, were on a brilliant run of form, having secured a draw and 4 wins in their last 4 fixtures, which had propelled them into the promotion play-offs positions. Meanwhile, UD Almería 'B' were bottom of the table despite a draw in Jerez in Salmerón's debut as head coach. Up to that point, 7 defeats inn a row and zero points in their 5 home games.
UD Almería 'B' brought composure to their game, effectively countering the high press from their adversaries, who were looking to intimidate the then bottom-placed side. Moreover, the Indálicos always played with grit and courage, functioning as a cohesive unit.
José María Salmerón stated in his official presentation that there was significant room for improvement in both penalty areas and they have achieved it. At the Chapín stadium, victory slipped away in the final stages, but this time it was not the case. Iker Burgos opened the scoring in the 19th minute (1-0) and although there was still a long way to go, the hosts played to their strengths, particularly the defensive work that the team so desperately needed. They also had chances to extend their lead, but lacked the finishing touch.
The referee added 5 minutes of added time... and in the 90+7' he awarded a late penalty against UD Almería 'B'. It seemed like a repeat of the Chapín debacle a week earlier was imminent. However, Jesús López saved the penalty in spectacular fashion and pandemonium erupted. The 3 points stayed at home. A truly epic moment!
Match information:
UD Almería 'B': Jesús López; Vicente Agulló (Torres, 81'), Edu Pla (Taufek, 46), Pedro Fidel, Miguel Operé, Martim Alberto; Romera (Marsu, 75'), Joan Gázquez, Hugo Martín (Luis Martins, 58'); Marciano and Iker Burgos (Hou, 75').
Yeclano Deportivo: Guille Acín; Borao, Fadel, Josema, Navarro, Nani; Totti (Babacar Feidor, 56), Carrasco; Asier Seijo (Jordan, 73'), Jorge Domínguez and Álvaro Cordero (Blanco, 56').
Goals: 1-0 (19'). Iker Burgos.
Referee: López del Amo, from the Balearic Referes Association. He booked Edu Pla, Hugo Martín and Pedro Fidel from UD Almería 'B' and Josema of Yeclano.
Match details: Matchday 11. Fourth-tier Segunda RFEF. Group IV. Game played at the Francisco Pomedio Stadium in Huércal de Almería. The Anexo ground is currently being reseeded.