1-1: It wasn't meant to be!
Stalemate wrecks UD Almería's promotion dream. The Rojiblancos played a flawless opening half and headed down the tunnel at half-time leading 0-1, but Cazorla equalised after the restart. They fought to the death for a comeback until the final whistle and came close to forcing extra time
It wasn't meant to be! Despite UD Almería's brilliant, invigorated performance against Real Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, with an impeccable opening half, the Rojiblancos have been eliminated from the play-offs for promotion to the top flight. The 1-1 stalemate in the second leg was insufficient, although they deserved to win and the bragging rights until the very last minute as they came close to forcing extra time.
Head coach Rubi surprised everyone with up to 5 changes to the starting XI fron the previous leg, opting for two different wings: Kaiky played as a right-back with Arnau Puigmal in front of him, while Bruno Langa and Nico Melamed played on the left flank. Lázaro played as a No. '9' , and Arribas was in charge of the central channel this time, behind Melero and Lopy. The centre-backs were the usual Edgar and Chumi and Fernando between the sticks.
UD Almería put in an impeccable first-half display that led them to level the tie with a penalty scored by Gonzalo Melero in the 23rd minute. The Indálicos outclassed Real Oviedo and had possession, always passing the ball with sensibly and conjuring up the best chances. They bossed with the ball and were savvier when defending, also putting in tons of hard graft.
The half-time score remained 1-0, although the lead could have been greater. With 8 minutes on the clock, Nico Melamed attempted a shot on goal taken from a wide area, yet the keeper sent it out for a corner. He also had to avert danger on two shots from the edge of the box by Lopy in the 40th and 45th minutes.
In the second half, it was the Oviedistas who, buoyed by a jam-packed stadium, began to have opportunities and 3 minutes after the restart, Cazorla equalised through a direct free-kick. Once again, Rubi's men needed a two-goal lead; they had to start all over again, albeit with less rest and against powerful rivals.
The Carlos Tartiere stadium was pressing with the Rojiblancos, despite facing a very difficult challenge, not giving up. They courageously went in search of a comeback to turn the tie around.They regained momentum against the Asturias outfit that parked the bus, trying to surprise, exploiting the spaces left by UD Almería forced to take risks.
Melero, who was in the zone, almost broke the deadlock 2-1 inside 66 minutes, but the home goalkeeper adjusted his position quickly to unexpected ball movements, handled deflections, fast-paced passes and rebounds.
With 71 minutes on the clock, Nico Melamed hit the woodwork. The Indálicos did not give up, but the promotion goal was slipping through their fingers. Rubi made some substitutions and brought on all his attacking players, including Léo Baptistão, who was injured in the first leg.
In the 85th minute, Milanovic headed in off the post and in the 87th minute, a penalty was claimed for the Serbian striker. UD Almería were close, very close to forcing extra time to keep their promotion to the Primera dream alive.
