2-1: Almeria clinch play-off spot at Logroñés’ expense with home victory
The Rojiblancos could have killed off the game before the opponents’ goal. Sadiq missed a penalty
UD Almería clinch play-off spot to LaLiga Santander at Logroñés’ expense with a victory under the Juegos Mediterráneos lights after six Matchdays without doing so. The Rojiblancos came up short this evening even though they created enough big chances to have killed off the game earlier. The goal from UD Logroñés created considerable uncertainty indeed, however the three points secured the Indálicos’ passage to the play-offs for promotion.
Head coach Rubi decided to make only a couple of changes in the starting XI with respect to those contenders who started in Cartagena. One of them was César de la Hoz replacing suspended Samú Costa. On the other hand, Chumi took Ivanildo’s centre-back spot.
The encounter started in the best way that UD Almería could ever imagine. Barely two minutes had passed. Manu Morlanes’ long-range chip was a joy to behold when the midfielder found Sadiq Umar, who scored the opener (1-0). It was one-nil and the hosts continue to push for the second firing warning shots of their own down the other end in a bid to beat goalie Santamaría.
As the match progressed, the Rojiblanco team gained momentum. With 21 minutes on the clock, a delivery from the left wing was finished off by the No.9. The ball grazed the post unfortunately. The one who managed to double their lead shortly after was Chumi. The central defender made it 2-0 thanks to his towering header after a corner-kick taken by peer José Carlos Lazo.
UD Almería were absolutely on fire in the first half. In fact, the lads in red and white could have extended their lead before reaching the break when speedy ace Ramazani got a penalty kick awarded for his side with Sadiq missing a conversion.
It was time to look for more goal-scoring opportunities in the second half, however the Indálicos squandered another great chance through Lazo’s strike. It was then when it looked that everything could go downhill from there as Makaridze’s hospital pass towards Chumi ended up with opponent Leo Ruiz taking advantage of their defensive error, booting with confidence to find the back of the net (2-1). It was minute 68.
The closing minutes fuelled great uncertainty as UD Logroñes were battling it out to avoid the drop. With ten minutes to go, Robertone, Brian Rodriguez, Corpas and Jorge Cuenca entered the field from the bench, yet none of both keepers were made to work from the moment the visitors scored until the ref's whistle.
Matchday 41 was over with next rivals Sporting de Gijón taking a share of the spoils and UD Almería’s three points securing their play-off for promotion spot to LaLiga Santander.