1-2: Three massive points!

UD Almería claimed a historic and hugely valuable victory at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium, beating Cádiz CF for the first time ever and securing their second back-to-back league W after last week’s triumph over AD Ceuta FC. As Rubi had said in the build-up, it was about 'knocking down an important door' and his side did just that. Playing some brilliant football, the Rojiblancos raced into a 0–2 lead before having to dig deep and suffer. Goals courtesy of Sergio Arribas and Jon Morcillo sealed a memorable night. This is LaLiga Hypermotion.

What UD Almería achieved in Cádiz was truly special. Those three 'massive points' confirm the team’s positive momentum just as they prepare to play two consecutive home fixtures. The visitors started the game in spectacular fashion, dominant and confident and by the 25th minute they were already 0–2 up thanks to 2 stunning goals from Arribas and Jon Morcillo.

After an excellent performance against AD Ceuta FC, Rubi largely stuck with the same starting XI, with a couple of tweaks: Baba replaced the suspended Dzôdić, while Embarba came in on the right wing for Léo Baptistão. The rest remained unchanged and so did the quality of the football. UD Almería were solid at the back, keeping Cádiz CF at bay; strong and intelligent in midfield, both in possession and in regaining the ball; and sharp, vertical and exciting in attack. The result was a dazzling start and a deserved 2-goal lead.

However, the Indálicos once again showed both sides of their identity: huge attacking firepower, but also moments of defensive fragility. Unsurprisingly, given that they are among the league’s top scorers and also one of the sides that concede the most, Cádiz CF found a way back. The home team pulled one back in the 30th minute to make it 1-2, shifting the momentum. The Submarino Amarillo took control of possession, pushing the Rojiblancos back, although the visitors continued to look dangerous on the counter. In the 34th minute, Arribas came close to restoring the 2-goal cushion after a cross from Morcillo. It was an end-to-end contest that went into the break with everything still open.

At half-time, Rubi introduced Gui Guedes for André Horta. UD Almería again started the second half well, creating danger down the left through Álex Muñoz and Morcillo, but soon the match descended into uncertainty once more. In the 50th minute, Andrés Fernández denied Dawda the equaliser and in the 58th Miguel de la Fuente nearly made it 1-3.

Rubi then reshuffled in the 64th minute to close down spaces: Chirino and Léo Baptistão replaced Marcos Luna and Embarba. Shortly after, Arnau came on for Miguel de la Fuente, with the Brazilian moving into the No.9 role and the Catalan operating out wide. Rodrigo Ely later replaced Arribas, as UD Almería switched to a back 3 to withstand Cádiz CF’s increasing pressure.

Cádiz CF threw everything forward, delivering ball after ball into the box, while UD Almería struggled to get out and lost fluency going forward. Still, with the hosts fully committed, Léo Baptistão had a golden chance in the 87th minute to make it 1-3 but failed to convert. There was more suffering to come but it was worth it in the end.

A historic win, three priceless points, and a clear sign that UD Almería are moving in the right direction.