1-2: UD Almería stumble again at home

UD Almería endured their second home defeat of the season as they were edged 1-2 by Burgos CF in a disappointing and lackluster encounter. The match was marked by constant stoppages and a distinct lack of inspiration from the Rojiblancos, whose struggles allowed their opponents to capitalise on minimal chances. Despite the grim weather warnings issued by Aemet (the Spanish State Meteorological Agency) about Storm Emilia, it was a warning from head coach Rubi about failing to convert chances that turned out to be eerily accurate. UD Almería’s bid for automatic promotion suffered a serious blow in a match where mistakes far outweighed successes.

Rubi’s side started with clear intent, showing their desire to secure automatic promotion from the outset. Within 5 minutes, Álex Muñoz came close to scoring twice in quick succession. The first attempt, a header following a cross from Arribas, was thwarted by a brilliant save from Burgos CF’ keeper. The second, from a subsequent corner, saw Muñoz’s header narrowly miss the target. However, that early promise quickly dissolved, and the match turned into a chaotic and unorganised affair. The game descended into a series of interruptions, with neither side able to establish any rhythm or fluidity.

As the half wore on, the Rojiblancos' focus began to slip and in the 39th minute, Burgos CF made them pay for their mistakes. A lapse in concentration allowed Morante to make a surging run from the halfway line, escaping the attention of the UD Almería defence. With no one tracking his run, Morante latched onto a cross into the box and slotted the ball past Andrés Fernández to put the visitors ahead. The goal highlighted UD Almería’s defensive fragility and was a bitter blow just before the halftime break.

UD Almería's response came just before the break, as Thalys scored a stunning equaliser in the 45th minute. The Brazilian forward showed exceptional technique to stretch his leg and meet a cross from Embarba, curling the ball past Cantero with a toe-poke that found the back of the net (1-1). The goal was a moment of brilliance that seemed to lift the spirits of the home side and offered hope for a turnaround. But, as it would transpire, it was merely a brief moment of respite in an otherwise frustrating afternoon.

The second half began with Burgos CF reclaiming the lead in the 55th minute. A penalty conceded by Aridane proved to be the turning point. The sequence began with a throw-in for UD Almería, which was cleared by Pedro Fidel but deflected off his team-mate Dzódoic, creating a scramble. The ball fell to Curro, who managed to connect with Fer Niño inside the box. Niño, attempting to turn, was tripped by Aridane, and the ref pointed to the spot. Curro calmly converted the penalty, restoring Burgos CF' advantage.

This time, UD Almería's response was non-existent. The constant interruptions and lack of cohesion saw the Rojiblancos lose any semblance of control. Their only real chance came when Léo Baptistão, returning from injury, had a header saved by Cantero. Despite being in a favorable position, the shot was tame and the goalkeeper made a comfortable save. With the game losing its flow, set-piece after set-piece became the only real moments of danger, but the dynamic play that had briefly surfaced was nowhere to be seen.