1-2 UD Almería show promise in pre-season opener against Málaga CF

UD Almería kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Málaga CF at the Marbella Football Center, but there were plenty of positives for head coach Rubi to take from the first summer test. With the squad still under construction and only 2 weeks into pre-season, the Rojiblancos fielded a mixed side featuring several familiar faces and three new signings.

Despite the result, it was a promising test against high-level opposition. UD Almería showed encouraging passages of play and created enough chances to change the outcome, especially in a second half that saw extensive rotation and a late goal from Nico Melamed.

Head coach Rubi started with a strong core from last season, including Fernando, Chumi, Sergio Akieme Centelles, Lopy, Arnau Puigmal, and Sergio Arribas. They were joined by youngster Pedro Fidel, the returning Embarba (back from loan at Rayo Vallecano), and 3 new arrivals: right-back Marcos Luna, Serbian midfielder Dzodic, and forward Soko.

Although UD Almería had a slow start, they grew into the game. Málaga CF opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Fer Niño capitalised on a precise cross from Joaquín Muñoz. Just one minute later, Soko had a golden chance to equalise but squandered it. The second goal came in the 20th minute when Larrubia pounced on a rebound and beat Fernando with ease.

The Rojiblancos responded well. In the 27th minute, a sharp through ball from Dzodic nearly found Arnau Puigmal in on goal, while further chances fell to Soko in the 43rd minute and Embarba a minute later, both of whom failed to convert.

All 3 debutants Soko, Dzodic and Marcos Luna left a strong impression. Soko was lively up front, showing versatility and movement, though lacking finishing composure. Dzodic, just 21, impressed with his midfield control and creative game awareness, while Marcos Luna delivered a solid defensive performance and contributed in attack.

The second half saw a full reshuffle as the gaffer rotated heavily to give minutes to the entire squad. Quintanilla and Perovic came on first, followed by a flurry of changes in the 60th minute: Jesús López, Chirino, Nelson Monte, Selvi, Léo Baptistão, Gui Guedes, Nico Melamed, and Lázaro Vinicius all entered the fray. Marcos Peña replaced Lopy in the 75th minute after the latter had logged the most minutes.

The substitutions sparked life into UD Almería's play with more clear-cut chances being whipped in. With 59 minutes on the clock, Soko again came close to netting, before Nico Melamed finally pulled one back in the 89th minute with a well-placed shot after breaking into the box.

UD Almería’s next summer pre-season test comes this Sunday, when they face Al Jazzira FC another opportunity for Rubi's men to sharpen up ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Match information:

UD Almería starting XI: Fernando, Marcos Luna, Pedro Fidel, Chumi, Centelles, Dzodic, Lopy, Arnau Puigmal, Arribas, Embarba, Soko. Second-half substitutes: Jesús López, Chirino, Nelson Monte, Quintanilla, Perovic, Selvi, Marcos Peña, Léo Baptistão, Gui Guedes, Nico Melamed, Lázaro Vinicius.

Málaga CF starting XI: Alfonso Herrero, Carlos Puga, Eibar Galilea, Alex Pastor, Dani Sánchez, Izán Merino, Dotor, Joaquín Muñoz, Dani Lorenzo, Larrubia, Fer Niño.

Goals: 0-1 (7') Fer Niño finishes from a pinpoint Joaquín Muñoz cross. 0-2 (20') Larrubia capitalises on a rebound and fires past Fernando. 1-2 (89') Nico Melamed storms into the box and scores with a powerful finish.

Bookings: Selvi, Quintanilla (UD Almería)

Referee: Manuel Camacho Garrote (Córdoba Referees Association)

Venue: Marbella Football Center main pitch

Attendance: Strong turnout, with a majority of Málaga CF fans, though Rojiblancos supporters were also present.