1-1: Almería rue missed chances but salvage a point
The Rojiblancos cancelled out Albacete’s opener but it was honours even in the end
UD Almería battled hard for a share of spoils with Albacete Balompie and dropped two points at the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium. The Rojiblancos were able to cancel out Ortuño’s opener, however they were down on their luck and this loss makes it six back-to-back matches without winning on home turf.
Rubi rang the changes within the starting line-up so goalie Makaridze; Balliu, Chumi, Cuenca, Akieme, Morlanes, Aketxe, Carvalho, Ramazani, Lazo and Sadiq were handed starting spots this time around.
UD Almeria made a lively start for the opening few minutes with a series of powerful attacks which had the Rojiblancos pedalling, yet El Alba managed to put themselves in front with quarter of an hour gone, since Ortuño took advantage of a defensive error to make it 1-0.
It was not difficult for UD Almería to equalise with Lazo being in charge of a stunning goal on 26 minutes. Shortly before, Sadiq Umar’s goal was ruled out for offside. The Rojiblancos would take full control during the remaining time of the first half.
As soon as both sides returned from the changing rooms, youngster Ramazani staged a great individual action down the right wing and provided Lazo with a sublime assist but he missed the chance to double their lead. Immediately afterwards, La Mancha goalkeeper denied Chumi's thumping header.
While the UD Almería contenders were growing into the game and making their presence known in the final third, Makaridze would have to avert danger when Fran García approached the box. Albacete were down to 10 men after Álvaro Peña was sent off following a straight red card.
Head coach Rubi refreshed the attacking positions with the additions of Brian Rodríguez and Robertone first, as well as Fran Villalba and Corpas shortly after. As time began to wind down, Bernabé was forced into a handful of good saves to make sure Akieme and Sadiq could not find the back of the net.
UD Almería squandered chances and were unable to break the deadlock before full-time. The Rojiblancos went nearest to taking the win under the Juegos Mediterraneos lights but it ended a point apiece.