2-0: UD Almería turn on the style in Mohammed Al-Khereiji's debut
A vital victory against direct rivals Racing de Santander to remain in the play-off zone, which they can easily reach, as head coach Rubi wants. The new Club President watched the match from the Director's box
UD Almería turned on the style against direct rivals Racing de Santander, as they beat them 2-0 in new Club President Mohammed Al-Khereiji's debut. With this victory, the Rojiblancos remain in the play-off zone with just 2 fixtures to go until the end of the regular season. The team, as their head coach Rubi wants, are heading for promotion, but the tight LaLiga Hypermotion top-of-the-table leaves no room for error.
Rubi opted for a similar starting XI to the one he picked out in Cádiz, with the only changes being to replace the starters who had been sent off, such as Kaiky and Nico Melamed. Chumi and Arnau were the replacements and were in the zone, as was the entire team, with special mention to the Galicia native centre-back, who regain a starting spot after almost 3 months on the treatment table.
UD Almería dominated Racing from the off as their head coach recognised in the post-match press conference. Luis Suárez squandered a chance in the 5th minute, although both sides had opportunities until UD Almería began to clearly boss the game after the opening 15 minutes.
In the 20th minute, Arribas opened the scoring 1-0 after a rebound from the visitor keeper. Shortly after, Luis Suárez almost doubled their lead with a header after Centelles' cross. Baptistão, in the 23rd minute, ran into the goalkeeper. Inside 42 minutes, there was another chance… The Indálicos completed an excellent first half heading down the tunnel with a larger lead.
…And just as the second half kicked off, the 2-0 lead extends the great first period for the Indálicos. Luis Suárez made a swift run down the right flank and put it on a plate for Arnau to finish off in style.
UD Almería remained solid and confident. They held possession, moved the ball intelligently and did not stop creating dangerous situations in the final third. In the 61st and 65th minutes, Luis Suárez and Léo Baptistão each rued missed chances to extend their lead. Arnau Puigmal also netted on 68 minutes. The UD Almería Stadium, with 13,000 supporters in the stands, was a fun-filled party.
From the 70th minute onwards, Racing de Santander regained momentum, although UD Almería, making wise decisions on the pitch, not only managed to avoid scares but also counterattacked and engineered new chances. Luis Suárez and Marc Pubill had two goals ruled out for offside.
All in all, a big W in a classy performance down south with brilliant passing, exciting attacking play and effective defending.
