1-0: SK Sturm Graz edged their way past UD Almeria in winter opening friendly
Rubi's men competed fiercely against rivals with European competition experience, although they lacked the cutting edge.
After a few weeks without playing football, UD Almería were back in action with energy, desire, strength, speed and drive but lacking precision. Vigorous Bundesliga side SK Sturm Graz, with European competition appearances, went into the game on the back of two previous and recent victories. The Rojiblancos dominated at times and created some chances, however the Austrians edged their way past UD Almería to claim their third victory on the bounce of the winter break thanks to match-winner Emmanuel Emegha (1-0).
The practice game started at 'La Quinta' (Marbella Football Center) with the
Die Schwoazn fashioning their first clear sight at goal and UD Almería enjoying possession of the ball while showing excellent team-work but without making their presence known in the final third. The opponents, the other way around. Within 4 minutes, stretching Fernando Martínez made the first save to deny Otari Kiteishvili, who cut inside the full-backs to shoot. A proven ability to avoid danger even when getting game practice.
Until the 17th minute, the passes from UD Almería and the more direct style from SK Sturm Graz defined this winter showing. The Austrians found that physical spark. Emegha made most of the gap left between central defenders and latched onto a ball aiming to put it past Fernando, who once again, snuffed out the danger with his left glove. The game of ours but their chances.
With 26 minutes on the clock, Otari found one of those balls that can become a real threat in the box. He delivered it to Ajeti and the Swiss striker decided to leave it on a plate for Emegha to make the first Christmas gift to his team. One more chance squandered following Embarba's free-kick from long range.
Embarba and Portillo operating as interior attacking midfielders created spaces on the wings that Centelles and Mendes took advantage of. The Andalusians' time came and that's how the great goal-scoring opportunity of the first half arrived. On the left wing, the Rojiblanco No. 10 teamed up with Portillo looking to open the scoring. The former Betis and Getafe player narrowly missed just before half-time.
Half-time (0-0)
The break lasted only 5 minutes...'pre-season' stuff. Cristian Ilzer rang the changes and the second period began as the first ended. UD Almería bossed things in the area. Plenty of passes and intention, especially on the right flank that Mendes did not stop running up and down in the opponents half. UD Almería piled on the attack with SK Sturm Graz surviving until they won the ball back and Emegha grabbed the match-winning goal that he couldn't score in the first half.
UD Almería did not let that goal ruin their game plan. Rubi made aggressive moves on chessboard. The 'Sons of the Desert' would not give up and Milovanović, who played his first minutes after months and months without doing so, showed one of his best qualities: shooting fast. The Serbian welcomed a pass from Ramazani like Otari's in the opening 45 minutes that was fired over the crossbar. Then, Svidersky, who had recently came on the field, was looking for an equaliser when his shot from the area hit Ramazani's lower back unluckily on 44 minutes. The Indálicos were narrowly defeated in the end despite every effort (1-0).
Match Information
UD Almeria: Fernando, Mendes (Pozo, 76'), Kaiky (Ely, 60'), Chumi, Centelles, De la Hoz (Samú Costa, 60'), Melero (Eguaras, 76'), Gui (Svidersky, 60' ), Portillo (Ramazani, 76'), Embarba (Léo Baptistão, 60'), El Bilal Touré (Milovanović, 60').
SK Sturm Graz: Schützenauer, Stankovic, Wüthrich, Prass, Ajeti, Kiteishvili, Horvat, Emegha, Gazibegovic, Schnegg, Geyrhofer. Subs: Giuliani, Borhovic, Jantscher, Homposch, Schendl, Ingolitsch, Hierländer, Lang, Fuseini, Affengauber, Danté
Goal: 0-1 (60') Emegha.
