Disappointment, frustration, helplessness and heartbreak. Those emotions summed up the mood among the Rojiblancos after a painful home defeat that ended UD Almería's promotion hopes. A spirited reaction after falling 0-2 behind offered a glimpse of an unlikely comeback, but in the end it proved insufficient. Baptistão's goal gave the UDA Stadium renewed belief that one final push could change the outcome, but the equaliser never arrived.

As is often the case in major finals, tension and emotion took centre stage. Following an evenly contested first leg, the return fixture unfolded in similar fashion. Both Andalusian sides were well organised, disciplined and determined not to give away any advantages. The match itself began 30 minutes later than scheduled, adding another layer of anticipation to an already charged atmosphere.

The best chances of the first half fell to Málaga CF and striker Chupe. The forward went close in the 4th and 10th minutes, failing to convert from promising positions near the penalty spot. Possession and momentum swung from side to side throughout the opening period, with both teams threatening but neither able to find the breakthrough. Despite several dangerous moments at either end, the score remained goalless at the interval.

The play-off tie took a dramatic turn just before the hour mark. A misplaced pass in UD Almería's build-up play was intercepted by Joaquín, who immediately played Chupe through on goal. This time the Málaga CF striker made no mistake, finishing clinically to put the visitors ahead and swing the tie firmly in their favour (0-1).

Just 6 minutes later, the situation became even more difficult for the home side. A lightning-fast Málaga CF counterattack ended with Larrubia finding the net to make it 0-2 and leave UD Almería with a mountain to climb.

Yet when the challenge appeared greatest, UD Almería found renewed hope. In the 76th minute, Baptistão reacted quickest inside the area after Embarba's flick-on. Showing outstanding composure, the Brazilian evaded both goalkeeper and defender before calmly slotting the ball into the net to ignite the Stadium and set up a dramatic finish.

Unfortunately, time was not on UD Almería's side. The closing stages were filled with effort and determination, but a late red card for Thalys effectively ended any hopes of a final comeback. The final whistle confirmed Málaga CF's promotion to the top flight and left the UD Almería players devastated on the pitch after seeing their dream come to an end.

Full-time: UD Almería 1-2 Málaga CF