2-0: UD Almería lose momentum in second half despite electric start to the clash
The Rayistas were in a hopeless position at the beginning, but managed to put themselves in front and double their lead within ten minutes after the restart. It really was a game of two halves.
UD Almería seemed to be able to continue enjoying their excellent team dynamics and results in Vallecas after electric start to the clash, in which Rayo Vallecano were in a hopeless position, but were more practical and effective over the second, in just ten minutes they got back into the game. The guests were brilliant in the opening forty-five minutes, although they lost momentum after the restart (2-0).
Head coach Rubi opted for a starting XI similar to the side that beat RCD Espanyol de Barcelona on the previous Matchday, with the only change of bringing Samú Costa into the midfield to replace César de la Hoz. Fernando was in goal; Pozo, Rodrigo Ely, Babic and Akieme, in defence; Robertone, Melero and the above-mentioned Samú, in the midfield, and Leo Baptistao, Luis Suárez and Embarba up front. With this starting line-up, they were going to take on Rayo Vallecano and extend the good team dynamics and results obtained in the last fixtures.
UD Almería put in a commanding display throughout the first half, in which they were brave, played good football, made forward progress towards the opposing goal at all times and kept their rivals at bay. The beginning of the meeting was electric. After three minutes, the Indalicos saw a clear double chance with a shot by Robertone from the edge of the area, which the host keeper sent for a corner, and Melero narrowly headed wide. In the 6th minute, it was Rayo who created danger; Isi struck from the edge of the box and Fernando repelled. One minute later, Robertone crossed for Leo Baptistao, who squandered a big chance as his shot was brilliantly saved by Dimitrievski between the sticks.
UD Almería went on a full blast by working on pressing and possession at all times and that gave them the option of taking the initiative with the hosts having no choice but to defend deeper. It is a pity that they did not seize the opportunities to have gone into the break on the lead. Goalless first half (0-0).
It really was a game of two halves; 18 minutes after the restart, Rayo were winning 2-0. The opening goal was scored inside 53 minutes after a corner-kick in which Rodrigo Ely, in conflict with Oscar Valentín, scored an own goal; there could be a previous foul on Luis Suárez though. The Rayistas doubled their lead through Alvaro García, who pulled it off at the first attempt.
The Rojiblancos lost momentum in the second half, they lost many balls and this circumstance prevented them from maintaining the cutting edge against Rayo Vallecano, who looked more effective than UD Almería. In fact, the Madrid-based side moved up a gear and whipped in more chances, yet they saw their efforts well blocked by Fernando. El Bilal Touré, Arnau Puigmal, Dyego Sousa entered the fray... seeking to counteract the hosts' advantage, although it would not be possible. After three unbeaten games, UD Almería lost away from home unfortunately.
