UD Almería 'B' got their season off to a winning start with a hard-earned 1-2 victory away to Málaga Juniors on Matchday 1 of the Tercera RFEF Group IX campaign.

Played at the RFAF Sports Complex in Málaga, the first fixture of the season pitted last season’s relegated side against Málaga Juniors, who had just secured promotion to the division. It proved to be a demanding afternoon for the youthful Rojiblancos, who had to dig deep to come away with all 3 points.

The UD Almería 'B' head coach had warned before kick-off that the new campaign would present plenty of challenges, and that proved to be the case from the outset. The youthful Indálicos are expected to be among the leading contenders for an immediate return to Segunda RFEF, but their opening-day assignment was anything but straightforward. The artificial surface and a well-drilled home side made life difficult for the visitors.

Despite a busy summer in the transfer market, the UD Almería 'B' boss opted for a starting XI built largely around last season’s squad, with the new arrivals continuing to settle into the group.

The first half was evenly-contested, with UD Almería 'B' looking well organised without being able to break the deadlock. After the interval, however, the visitors stepped up their game and made their chances count.

Joan finally broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, only for Málaga Juniors to level 7 minutes later through Roberto Sierra. The hosts continued to push for a second, but UD Almería 'B' kept their composure and were rewarded when Houssam struck in the 81st minute to restore their lead.

The hosts threw everything forward in the closing stages, but the Academy prospects stood firm to secure a valuable 3 points and begin the campaign on a winning note.

Match information: 

Málaga Juniors: Adrián Solera, Chechu (Saúl, 82'), Dani Espinar (Antonio Iglesias, 88'), Alberto, Cham (Miguel Caballero, 63'), Jesús Cruz, Adil, Adrián Díaz (Julen, 46'), José Moreno (Roberto Sierra, 63'), Mario Román and Rafa Muñoz.

UD Almería 'B': Jesús López, Dani Sánchez Gonell (Dani Sánchez Tomás, 82'), Axel, Popovic, Pablo Montero (Tomasevic, 46'), Curro Muñoz (Josema, 57'), Ayouba Koné, Joan, Marciano, Tomazinho (Hodei, 15'; Isaías Rodríguez, 82') and Houssam.

Goals: 0-1 Joan (63'). 1-1 Roberto Sierra (70'). 1-2 Houssam (81').

Referee: Sergio López Risalde (Jaén). Booked José Moreno and Jesús Cruz for Málaga Juniors and Ayouba Koné for UD Almería 'B'.

Matchday: Tercera RFEF Group IX, Matchday 1. RFAF Sports Complex, Málaga.