2-1: Almería extend winning ways under Juegos Mediterraneos lights
The Rojiblancos get a third consecutive W and ensure their unbeaten run for seven matchdays by beating in-form Mirandés
UD Almería continue to extend winning ways after beating Mirandés, who showed themselves as a fierce team under the Juegos Mediterráneos lights. The Rojiblancos were reigning superior in the first 45 opening minutes and found the net twice before halftime (2-1). During the second half, the Burgos-based side relentlessly looked for the Almeria’s goal, but the hosts beavered away and managed to clinch another victory.
Despite the heart of the defence lacked forces produced by international matches and Peybernes' injury, José Gomes decided to link up Chumi and César de la Hoz in order to fill the gaps at the back. On the other hand, in addition to Fernando wearing the gloves, the addition of Largie Ramazani in the starting XI stood out after his great performances in the two commitments of the previous week.
UD Almería started a fast-paced first-half. The Rojiblancos wanted to find the opener against keeper Raúl Lizoain to the point that, in the 14th minute, Umar Sadiq enjoyed a double potential opportunity in which the crossbar, first, and the goalkeeper, after the rebound, prevented the Nigerian's goal.
At all events, it would not take too long for the ball to find the back of the net (1-0). José Corpas drove the ball with power and provided team-mate Fran Villalba with a lucky assist, who beat Lizoain with a wonderful shot from the edge of the box. A sensational goal that even hit the post.
As the first half went by, our contenders increased their presence in the opponents’ area, although without ever creating big chances in front of goal. A clear attempt at hands of Ramazani from the shooting third that went missing was unquestionably one of the highlights.
The red and white dominance was remarkable, yet that would not be a hindrance for the arrival of the equaliser (1-1). Martinez won a one-on-one with Fernando on 41 minutes after taking advantage of the uncertainty that occurred in the danger zone in a previous hit after a kind of blunder from Moreno.
Nonetheless, this would not be the final score at half-time. All of a sudden, UD Almería broke the deadlock with fighting spirit. Manu Morlanes, who recovered the ball on the hole, spotted Corpas leaping beyond his marker, gave him possession and the native footballer from Baños de la Encina teamed up with Umar Sadiq to give him a well-deserved goal assist.
The game resumed with Lazo coming on for Ramazani. Long story short: the first plays throughout the second half left lesser chances in relation to the first. Thus, José Gomes, aiming to boost ball possession, added fresh subs Aketxe, Petrovic and Robertone so as to turn the game around.
The final stretch was based on the purpose in the attacks of Mirandés. Nevertheless, the Rojiblancos were savvier about how to resist their adversaries attempts at goal to keep all three points at home.
Hero Fernando played an all-important role in the afternoon. The goalkeeper was key by making two superb stops following two crosses whipped into the area. Moreover, one of these actions took place in stoppage time so that experience left nerves frayed.
The contest not only ended with a big W for Almería making it three back-to-back wins in LaLiga SmartBank, but also with Jose Gomes’ men extending their winning ways to seven matchdays being undefeated.