UD Almería stood firm against UD Castellonense's repeated attempts to break through, with Yaakobishvili turning the goal into a fortress. The Rojiblancos finally settled the Copa del Rey first-round tie in the dying embers after extra time, responding when they were under the greatest pressure. Thalys' header and Arribas' penalty completed the comeback, sending UD Almería through to the next round and extending their unbeaten run.

First half

Just 30 seconds into the match, UD Almería already had an idea of what lay ahead. A scrappy move inside the Rojiblancos' penalty area ended with a shot that clipped the top of Yaakobishvili's crossbar, an early statement of intent from the home side.

García Pimienta's team had to adapt to a match that was very different from their usual league fixtures. With Hungarian goalkeeper Yaakobishvili making his debut, Popović starting at centre-back and Guedes returning to the engine room to a warm reception, UD Almería took to the pitch under the floodlights at the Eliseo Pla Ramírez stadium. They knew they would have to be particularly alert against the home side's determination.

UD Castellonense were well organised with a back three, while their play out wide repeatedly lifted the expectant crowd in Villanueva de Castellón. Every long ball seemed to be driven forward by the supporters and UD Almería's makeshift backline had to work hard to deal with the hosts' attacking moves, while still trying to play their way out on the artificial surface.

The Indálicos weathered the storm as Quim and Lelo tried to get their side moving. They repeatedly attacked down the right but struggled to find space or break through the well-organised 5-man defensive line set up by Iñaki Rodríguez.

The most dangerous spell of the first half came towards the end, when the Castellonense players created two clear chances. The first followed a corner and a loose ball that Yaakobishvili could not deny, with a possible foul on the goalkeeper in the build-up. The second came moments later, with a shot narrowly missing the left-hand post.

Despite UD Castellonense's excellent start and disciplined performance, UD Almería held firm and the sides went into the break goalless.

Second half 

The hosts showed no signs of letting up after the restart and continued to test an outstanding Yaakobishvili. In the 55th minute, Winstanley met a cross from the left with a diving header, but could not beat the Hungarian keeper. 7 minutes later, Diego de Pedro tried his luck from distance, only for the inspired shot-stopper to make another save.

That was when UD Almería began to find their feet. It was as if a switch had been flicked, changing the course of the match. Shortly after weathering the hosts' pressure, Baptistão got a shot away, but Thalys could not reach the rebound.

The Brazilian came even closer moments later, creating the clearest chance of the match. He lifted the ball over the advancing goalie, only for it to strike the woodwork and bounce agonisingly close to the goal line. It was the 73rd minute, with an exciting finale still to come in a competition that so often delivers drama.

The opponents refused to back down and continued to threaten the Rojiblancos' penalty area. UD Almería, meanwhile, dug in defensively and worked hard to contain the hosts' attacking momentum. Neither side could find a breakthrough and the tie went into extra time.

Extra time 

The additional 30 minutes felt like a completely different match, with all 3 goals arriving during extra time. UD Castellonense struck first in the opening period, taking the lead in the 90+3' after a well-delivered corner into the heart of the box was headed home by Murillo to make it 1-0.

The home crowd dared to dream of a famous upset, but UD Almería hit back. With the Rojiblancos under increasing pressure, García Pimienta's side found an equaliser in the second half of extra time. Once again, the goal came from a header. Álex Sola, who started the match as a right-back before moving further forward, delivered the assist for Thalys to produce a clean, well-timed finish and make it 1-1 in the 112th minute.

Then, in the dying embers, Miguel de la Fuente surged forward on a superb run before Álex Sola was brought down to win a penalty. Sergio Arribas stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 122nd minute, sending UD Almería into the next round.

It was a classic David-versus-Goliath contest, but this time the ending was different. UD Almería had achieved their objective and booked their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey.

Spanish Cup: UD Castellonense 1-2 UD Almería (after extra time)

Goals

• 1-0, Murillo (93')

• 1-1, Thalys (112')

• 1-2, Sergio Arribas (pen. 122')