2–0: Defeat sends UD Almería down to third place
The Rojiblancos fall short against CD Castellón and lose head-to-head advantage in tight promotion race
UD Almería endured a frustrating night at SkyFi Castalia stadium, falling 2–0 to CD Castellón in a result that sees them drop to third place in the standings and lose the all-important head-to-head goal difference. Despite being the league’s top scorers, the Rojiblancos were unable to find the back of the net, while their rivals capitalised on key moments to secure victory.
The defeat leaves UD Almería one point behind Deportivo de La Coruña and 4 adrift of Racing de Santander, with pressure mounting from teams below in an increasingly competitive table. It was a night where little went right for Rubi’s side, who struggled to impose themselves in attack and were punished for their setbacks.
Rubi introduced 6 changes to the starting XI, opting for a 3-centre-back system featuring Nelson Monte, Rodrigo Ely and Bonini. Chirino and Centelles operated as wing-backs, while the midfield trio of Dzôdić, Lopy and Arribas supported a forward line of Soko and Baptistão. Despite the rotation, the line-up remained strong on paper against a CD Castellón side eager to bounce back after 6 winless matches.
The hosts started on the front foot, though UD Almería remained compact defensively. CD Castellón threatened early, with Jacobsen testing Andrés Fernández in the 14th minute. The Indálicos responded through quick transitions with Lopy and Soko both coming close, the latter denied by a tight angle after beating the keeper.
As UD Almería began to gain control, CD Castellón struck first. Ronaldo unleashed a powerful low drive from distance that beat Andrés Fernández to give the hosts a 1–0 lead heading into half-time.
Rubi reshaped his side at the break, introducing Miguel de la Fuente and reverting to a 4-2-3-1 system. However, the Orelluts pushed aggressively for a second goal. Bonini produced a crucial goal-line clearance early in the second half, celebrating it like a goal, but the warning signs were clear.
UD Almería struggled to cope with CD Castellón’s high defensive line and attacking intensity. A golden opportunity fell to Baptistão after a brilliant assist from Arribas, but the forward was denied by the goalkeeper. Andrés Fernández also kept his side in the game with a key save against Tincho.
Changes followed, with Jon Morcillo and Nico Melamed introduced and later Horta and Embarba, but UD Almería failed to find rhythm or creativity. Despite late pressure, clear chances remained elusive.
In stoppage-time, misfortune sealed their fate. A slip from Andrés Fernández gifted Pablo Santiago the chance to score the second, putting the game beyond doubt at 2–0.
The UD Almería travelling supporters turned out in strong numbers to back the team and their support will be vital again in the upcoming home fixture. As Rubi emphasised before the match, unity will be key: 'We all have to pull together.'
El Almería no puede con el CD Castellón en el Estadio SkyFi Castalia
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