1-1: Last-gasp penalty salvages point for UD Almeria
Cádiz CF took the lead inside 49 minutes and sat deep afterwards. Melero grabbed a dramatic, extra-time equaliser from the penalty spot.
UD Almería pegged Cadiz CF back on 90’+3 in a game with intense play at both ends. It was all square at half-time but as soon as the second period began, the Cadistas took the lead after a throw-in that Roger took advantage of to open the scoring at the Power Horse Stadium. The Rojiblancos, after conceding this goal, went on the attack, but they were not clinical when they fed the ball into the box. UD Almeria were awarded a last-gasp penalty for a foul on Luis Suárez that Melero converted to take a share of the spoils (1-1).
As for the starting line-up, head coach Rubi made substitutions to the side that lost to Seville FC on the previous Matchday. Defender Centelles replaced injured Akieme while Pozo once again operated as a right-back, De la Hoz returned to midfield after serving a one-game ban, Embarba teamed up with striker Luis Suárez and Leo Baptistao who made his return to the starting XI.
The opening half saw two evenly-matched teams, neither was the dominant side. Cádiz CF were a tough team to overcome over the first minutes, but after half an hour, UD Almería were in the ascendancy with notable chances and control of the ball. Rodrigo Ely was about to score the opener heading in from a corner-kick, and shortly after, Luis Suárez squandered a great opportunity after an assist from Embarba, but the striker finished off under pressure inside the small area and his shot went inches high. Just before the break, UD Almería slapped the turf in frustration as three consecutive big chances were spurned. One after the other, though, were nowhere near good enough.
Eguaras soon caught a dribbling ball from the edge of the box and missed his opportunity to take the lead within 44 minutes. Cadiz CF debutant keeper David Gil pushed it round the post. After a corner kick, Ely’s strike rattled the crossbar and on the rebound, Baptistao hit the ball, but again the goalkeeper denied them.
The second half kicked off in the worst possible way for the Rojiblancos with a goal from opponent Roger after a throw-in. A sensational set-piece that the Amarillo team had been putting into practice and that worked out perfectly after the restart to open the scoring (0-1).
UD Almería, after this setback, went all out looking to tie as soon as possible, yet the attacking display did not reward them with the leveller. The most threatening situations were created by Lázaro Vinicius and Melero, both finishing off crosses from the wings with thumping headers, but without luck.
An penalty was awarded to UD Almería to their delight on 90’+3 for a foul on Luis Suarez, who had scurried into space. Melero was in charge of striking sweetly from 12 yards to secure a hard-fought point on the road. Direct rivals Cadiz CF were held to a point on the road against resilient UD Almeria (1-1).
