1-1: Almería are making progress in the pre-season and shine against Cádiz
The Rojiblancos played a brilliant game by showing clear leadership and remarkable ability. Albiar, scored a screamer from about 25 metres away
UD Almería are making progress in the pre-season and all the hard work done at the training camp in Marbella was noticeable during the friendly against Cadiz. The newly-promoted opponents have been stepping up preparations ahead of their opening game in the top-flight this Saturday. Nonetheless, the Almeria team were brilliant becoming powerful leaders by retaining possession of the ball and playing quality football, although lacking attacking spark given that forwards were missing. In addition, Almeria’s defence stood out against high-potential rivals.
Despite Almería completed an excellent first-half, they went into half-time losing by a penalty committed by Juan Ibiza on Negredo; the latter scored a penalty kick after 44 minutes. Anyway, it is early days considering that we are in the pre-season and therefore practising and friendlies are that counts. José Gomes lined up a starting XI with regular players from last season with the exception of Ramazani. Basically, he was the only new signing who was lined up since Aketxe and Manu Morlanes have just arrived.
It was Cádiz who began creating danger thanks to a shot from Pombo hitting the crossbar in the 10th minute. Nevertheless, it was Almeria who dominated, took the initiative and also kept the Cadiz attackers at bay by tightening up their defence. The Rojiblancos played football very well, displaying extraordinary attacking skills, which is what head coach Jose Gomez seeks. Almería gained a competitive advantage since they had the most ball possession and effectively managed moments of transition ... on a negative note, plays were still missing.
In any case, the players wearing the red and white striped jersey created big chances. With 19 minutes on the clock, Petrovic’s shot from outside the box was well saved by the Cadiz goalie; in the 28th minute, Balliu hit the crossbar after a great offensive action, and last but not least, after 38 minutes, Lazo stroke the ball from the edge of the area, yet the Cádiz keeper denied him with difficulties though. However, on 44 minutes, Negredo made it 0-1 just before the break through a penalty committed by Juan Ibiza, or rather, caused by Negredo himself, after the Rojiblancos lost the ball in midfield.
In the resumption, José Gomes only gave César de la Hoz and Lazo continuity, changing the rest of the starters and including five Almeria B homegrown players ready for action. The formation continued to shine and aimed at breaking the lines of defence by being more direct. Moreover, Almeria did a good job when defending, not allowing the Cadista forwards to beat either Lluis or René, who played in this second period.
Almeria B player Dani Albiar was absolutely outstanding in the last 45 minutes of the game. The attacking midfielder found the equaliser for a one-all draw with a screamer from 25 metres away. It was a stunning goal scored in the top corner.
In the second-half, both sides had opportunities, but as aforementioned, UD Almería maintained a high level and of course, had good vibes about their performance.
UD Almería: Fernando; Balliu, Maras, Juan Ibiza, Jonathan Silva; Petrovic, César de la Hoz; Corpas, Fran Villalba, Lazo; and Ramazani. In the second-half, Lluís (René, minute 72); Romera, Peybernes, Iván Martos, Fermín; Aguza, César de la Hoz; Dani Albiar, Javi Robles, Lazo (Ramazani, minute 76); and Rubén Enri played.
Cádiz CF: David Gil, Iza, Fali, Satur, Espino, José Mari, Bodiger, Nano Mesa, Pombo, Javi Navarro and Negredo. Alberto Cifuentes, Salvi Sánchez, Alex Fernández, Perea, Jonsson, Malbasic, Choco Lozano, Lautaru and Carrasco also played.
Referee: Alejandro Ruiz Aguilera, from the Andalusian referees committee. He admonished Espino, from Cádiz CF.
Goals: 0-1 (Minute 44). Negredo, from a penalty. 1-1 (Minute 54). Albiar scored in the top corner from about 25 metres away
Observations: Third pre-season friendly game for UD Almería, played at Marbella Football Center. The match was interrupted for 7 minutes in the final stretch because Cádiz protested that Almería would have Ramazani back into the pitch in the 76th minute because he had been substituted at half-time before. He finally played.