1-1: Saved at the last gasp!
A 94th-minute strike from Sergio Arribas rescues a point in Albacete after Rubi’s changes ignite a late comeback when all hope seemed lost
UD Almería grabbed a crucial point in Albacete to remain, for another Matchday, within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots after a game of two very different halves. In the first, the Andalusians were on top; in the second, they 'disappeared' until Rubi’s attacking substitutions brought them back to life and earned an equaliser when defeat looked certain.
Head coach Rubi made two changes to the starting XI from the previous week. One was enforced due to Álex Muñoz’s suspension, with Centelles stepping in and the other was tactical, as Arnau Puigmal started on the right wing while Léo Baptistão switched to the left. Jon Morcillo began the match on the bench.
UD Almería arrived at the Carlos Belmonte stadium on the back of 4 consecutive victories, continued their fine run of form and were the better side early on. They dictated the tempo, dominated possession and created the clearest chances. With constant movement and sharp circulation, the visitors moved the ball well, lacking only the finishing touch to go into the break ahead.
Their first chance came in the 11th minute; Arnau threatened in the 31st minute, Baptistão a minute later and both Centelles and Arribas had efforts in stoppage time. Albacete BP managed a long-range strike that Andrés Fernández pushed away, but otherwise UD Almería kept them under control.
Shortly before half-time, in the 40th minute, Dzôdić was forced off with an ankle issue and replaced by Baba.
The second half told a different story and not in UD Almería’s favour. Just two minutes after the restart, Andrés Fernández had to produce a fine save to deny Álex Rubio, but in the 55th minute Rubio opened the scoring 1–0, finishing off a swift counter-attack with help from Bonini and a touch of fortune involving the visiting goalkeeper.
The lively, proactive UD Almería of the first half gave way to a static, uncomfortable side. They were imprecise, losing possession too easily and Albacete BP began to take control. Rubi responded with a triple substitution in the 64th minute, introducing Soko, Thalys and Jon Morcillo for Arnau, Miguel de la Fuente and Baptistão. The fresh attacking approach sparked a reaction and given how difficult the match had become, proved enough to salvage a point.
In the 70th minute, Morcillo nearly scored with a free-kick. With 85 minutes on the clock, a fine move between Arribas and Soko ended with the Basque winger failing to apply the finishing touch. Then, in the 90+4', relief at last: Jon Morcillo, who was in his element, delivered a cross that Sergio Arribas met to make it 1–1 and secure a dramatic late equaliser. Just in time!