2-0: Almería unable to get their footing in the match in Las Palmas
The hosts from the Canary Islands find an opener that unbalances Almeria
UD Almería were unable to get their footing in the match and therefore, ended up suffering their third consecutive defeat after losing 2-0 to Las Palmas. The Rojiblancos’ game started off on the right foot, yet a goal from Araujo in the 7th minute unbalanced Almeria to the point that inaccuracies began to arrive due to the desire to find the equaliser. Already during the final stretch the second goal was produced darkening the red and white players’ mood.
José Gomes introduced new faces in the starting XI. In this sense, the Portuguese head coach picked Cuenca and Maras as starters- who returned after playing with their respective national teams - as well as debutant Morlanes, João Carvalho and Umar Sadiq. The latter was paired with Juan Villar up front, also allowing us to see a system change within Almeria’s line-up.
Although it seemed from the first opportunities that odds would be in Almería favour, it was actually Las Palmas who were ahead of the game. Six minutes had passed when Araujo took advantage of an indecision in the defence and made it 1-0.
Almeria took more prominence in ball possession after being edged out by the footballers from the Canary Islands. Nonetheless, the home side knew how to spoil the Rojiblancos’ attempts to the point that half-time came with Pepe Mel’s men in front.
After the resumption there were countless unsuccessful efforts. Despite the fact that UD Almería started the second half with the intention of levelling the score and sharing the points, the result against was causing the Andalusians not to display their best football version. With 51 minutes on the clock, Las Palmas goalkeeper pulled off a great save after a free kick at hands of Aketxe.
The team sought a greater reaction bringing about changes on the bench. In this sense, Robertone and Petrovic occupied the spots of Samú Costa and Juan Villar. However, the hosts enjoyed two more opportunities in which keeper Fernando saving the first one while the ball hit the crossbar in the second, prevented the competitors from finding the net for the second time.
Before the Amarillos created chances, José Gomes decided to run out of substitutions: Pedro Mendes, Corpas and Villalba came on the pitch for Aketxe, Morlanes and Carvalho. The modification was risky, but it aimed to take points.
In the 75th minute came the final blow, since Araujo got the ball and surpassed goalie Fernando to make it 2-0. Undoubtedly, this second goal did damage and the match came to an end confirming Almeria’s third consecutive defeat.