1-2: UD Almería deserved to win but football is unfair yet again
The Rojiblancos paid dearly for their lack of success and Villarreal CF won the game in added time thanks to Sørloth's goal. Ramazani was sent off in the 87th minute as he was awarded his second yellow card. Better luck next time
UD Almería truly deserved to beat Villarreal CF as they whipped in most of the chances and controlled the game. The same has been happening throughout the season, their opposing team, with just two clear-cut chances, grabbed all three points. The Submarino Amarillo took the lead in the 25th minute as Akhomach slotted them in front. Then, UD Almería managed to level things up on 30 minutes through Choco Lozano and looked for the second by all possible means, but the lack of effectiveness gave the guests the opportunity to put the game to bed in the 90+2' minute when the Rojiblancos were reduced to 10 men due to the rigorous sending-off of Ramazani in the 87th minute.
The UD Almería Starting XI once again had fresh faces regarding their previous fixture in San Sebastian. Montes was placed in defence in place of injured Edgar and up front, Choco Lozano replaced Luka Romero. This being the Honduran first starting spot since head coach Pepe Mel took up the reins.
The Indálicos started the game looking strong, enjoying possession of the ball against tough opponents who defended several dangerous chances. The first of them would be a great one booted by Choco Lozano after a well-timed delivery from César Montes. The Honduran remained in front of the goalkeeper, but his ball control took a little while and already, heeled, he tried to lob Jorgensen but his effort went over the goal.
Shortly after, Robertone looked again for the striker who was about to finish that cross inside a few yards from the keeper, but he narrowly missed it. The Rojiblancos were at their electric best in these minutes putting the visitor goalie's reflexes to the test over and over. The next player to try his luck would be Marc Pubill with a volley from within the box that the defenders had to take out and later, with a shot from the edge of the area that the rival goalkeeper saved, but this was not going to end here, the Indálicos continued taking the game to them and the one who was on the verge of opening the scoring was Jonathan Viera, yet his header went just wide unfortunately.
However, the first chance that Villarreal CF engineered earned them the lead. Akhomach made the most of a killer pass courtesy of Pedraza and as he pleased, he only had to tap it in. But UD Almería were not going to give up, they were playing with grit and confidence and whipping in chances, the ball just had to go in and it eventually did, after countless attempts, football was fair and gave the hosts their well-deserved goal. Pepe Mel's side fought back from a goal down to secure a much-needed point against the Submarino. Pubill put it on a plate for Choco Lozano, who was on fire and the Honduran brought the scores level with a thumping header and could have made it 2-1 in first-half added time with a powerful shot from the edge of the area by Jonathan Viera, but the defence cleared the ball.
Finally, half-time was reached with the score tied at one and with UD Almería bringing great vibes, especially in attack (1-1).
The second half kicked off the same as the first, with UD Almería fully focused on the attack with very clear ideas and creating many dangerous chances in the attacking third, but the one that brought a major scare was that of Jonathan Viera whose strike from long range, made Jorgensen deflect the ball for a corner-kick. UD Almería continued and continued to pile on the attack and Choco nearly broke the deadlock 2-1 with a shot that just missed the post, the home team were looking for it and deserved it, but the goal did not come, there was no way for the Rojiblancos to find the back of the net again.
Pepe Mel made some substitutions, bringing on refresh players Ramazani, Luka and Arribas, seeking to shake up the offensive zone. However, inside 87 minutes, football was unfair to UD Almería one more week, who were down to 10 men following Ramazani's sending off in the 90+2' minute, a goal from Villarreal CF in the first clear-cut chance of the entire second half.
Yes, this is how this season is. Yes, this is how unfair football is to UD Almería. What happens at the Power Horse Stadium has no explanation, it is one of those things that defies logic. Better luck next time.
