1-2: UD Almería’s consolation goal not enough to earn points
The Rojiblancos, who were close to grabbing a late equaliser, succumbed to Athletic Club de Bilbao defeat even though they fought to the death until the final whistle
UD Almería lost to Athletic Club de Bilbao even though they fought to the death until the final whistle. Despite creating some first-half chances, the players from Bilbao put themselves in front (0-1). Shortly after the restart, the visitors doubled their lead (0-2) but in the dying embers, UD Almería netted a late consolation goal (1-2) that made Athletic defend deeper as the hosts went all out to level it up on the south coast.
Rubi made two changes to the starting XI that were defeated by Atlético de Madrid last weekend. Arnau Puigmal and Chumi were handed back starting spots on the right wing; Fernando, Ely, Babic, Centelles, Samú Costa, Melero, Robertone, Luis Suárez and Baptistao were named in the teamsheet again in a 4-3-3 formation.
It was the hosts who made a stronger start to the game after getting through a difficult beginning since Nico Williams picked up a fine assist from team-mate Sancet to beat Fernando, who saw the ball slip from his gloves.
After Athletic Club’s opening goal, the Rojiblancos lost control of the game for a few minutes. However, they began to gather momentum from the 25th minute, designing effective plays that scared the players from Bilbao, who drifted down the tunnel leading at half-time (0-1).
In the second half, Athletic Club showed some neat footwork to ghost past a couple of home team members into a shooting position. Opponent Iñigo Martínez was denied by the woodwork and shortly after, in the 56th minute, De Marcos was teed up by Sancet to beat keeper Fernando and double their lead in a bid to climb up positions to reach the European leagues (0-2).
As time began to wind down, most of the notable chances were fashioned by Los Leones, who put together neat exchanges. Needless to say, the Indalicos did not give up and went the extra mile to create threatening situations that would put Unai Simón's goal in danger. Teamwork paid off and inside 92 minutes, Centelles made it 1-2 through an explosive consolation goal booted from the edge of the box that gave hope. Straight after, Robertone curled a corner-kick that was about to level things up at the Power Horse Stadium.
There was no more time for UD Almeria to grab that leveller that would earn them a massive point in their bid to save the campaign.
Match facts:
UD Almería: Fernando; Chumi, Centelles, Ely, Babic (Well. 74’); Samú Costa, Robertone, Melero (Portillo. 64’); Arnau Puigmal (Embarba. 56’), Baptistao (Lázaro Vinicius. 64’) and Luis Suárez (Dyego Sousa. 74’).
Athletic Club de Bilbao: Unai Simón; From Marcos, Yuri, Yeray, Íñigo Martínez; Vesga, Ander Herrera (Zárraga. 62’), Sancet (Vencedor. 80’), Nico Williams (Raúl García. 80’), Iñaki Williams (Berenguer. 45’) and Guruzeta (Vivian. 88’).
Referee: Valentín Pizarro Gómez, from the Madrid Referees Association. The match official booked hosts Rodrigo Ely and Pozo as well as visitors Sancet, Zárraga, Berenguer and Vesga.
Goals: 0-1 (8)’ Nico Williams. 0-2 (56’) De Marcos. 1-2 (92’) Centelles.
Observations: Matchday 30. UD Almería U19s ‘A’ were honoured at half-time after becoming Spanish Cup Under-19 runners-up.
Attendance: 13,271 spectators.
Once inicial del Almería.
Arnau volvió a jugar de inicio. Fue una de las novedades.
Los rojiblancos empezaron fuertes, creando ocasiones de gol.
Los jugadores del Almería pelearon en todo momento ante un gran rival.
Samú Costa hace indicaciones durante el partido.
Embarba salió en el segundo tiempo.
Dyego Sousa pelea con los defensores del Athletic Club.
