1-0: UD Almería lose to CA Osasuna as they end winless first half of season
The Rojiblancos started the match with energy, but a controversial goal by Budimir on 27 minutes due to a previous foul on Ramazani earned the Rojillos the victory. The Indálicos defended effectively but lacked attacking threat
Despite UD Almería applied themselves to try and win the game, they struggled to take a foothold in the contest. The Rojillos clinched the victory through a controversial goal at the hands of Budimir in the 27th minute. In spite of the second-half substitutions, the Rojiblancos lacked the cutting edge and ended up losing 1-0 to CD Osasuna.
Marc Pubill was one of the highlights of the starting XI. After being on the treatment table for three months, he finally operated on the right flank, but as Mr Garitano had already assured, the defender was the one in the best shape of those now recovered. The rest of the players regained starting spots: Maximiano in goal; Akieme, Edgar, Montes and the above-mentioned Pubill defending; Lopy, Robertone and a little further forward, Sergio Arribas protected the midfield; Embarba placed on the right wing, Baptistão on the left and Ramazani played as a false 9.
UD Almería toughed it out over the first half. During the opening 15 minutes, they were well organised on the pitch looking for the spaces that CA Osasuna left by moving the ball to the attacking third in as little touches as possible, however, after this first quarter of an hour the Rojiblancos lost momentum and the Rojillo team regained possession of the ball and forced UD Almería to defend in wide areas, having a clear-cut chance after a corner with a header from Catena that narrowly missed.
The hosts were sending warnings that reaped their reward. Budimir opened the scoring 1-0 on 27 minutes following a controversial goal since Ramazani was fouled prior to the opener. This success notched up by CA Osasuna did not encouraged them to carry on with their offensive strategy in a bid to put the game to bed before the end of the first half.
The second half began with two changes to the UD Almería squad, Arribas and Ramazani came on for Pozo and Marezi, who also made his injury return at El Sadar Stadium. That did not improve the guests' performance while Osasuna kept possession of the ball preventing Garitano's side from shooting on goal.
CA Osasuna's goal separated the sides after a game in which they dug deep to pick up the three points and leave UD Almería empty-handed as they got 2024 off to a negative start.
