2-1: UD Almería close out pre-season on a winning note
The Rojiblancos edged past Callejón's Marbella FC on the Anexo pitch. The squad members rest on Sunday and Monday. Starting Tuesday, they will focus on the LaLiga Hypermotion opening-day
UD Almería closed out the 2024/25 pre-season with the eighth and final friendly against Marbella FC on a winning note. The opponents, after two consecutive promotions moved into third-tier Primera RFEF with aspirations of reaching professional football. The Marbellís, led by head coach Callejón, who was a player for Granada CF, ACF Fiorentina, Naples United FC, Espanyol de Barcelona and Real Madrid CF, turned out to be a tough adversaries for the Rojiblancos, who had to put in the hard yards -aside from the sweltering heat- to win 2- 1.
Head coach Rubi rang the changes on the starting XI. Players such as Fernando, Gui, Arribas, Kaiky, Léo Baptistão and Luis Suárez had a rest. The system against Marbella FC was also different.
UD Almería took the lead early in the 5th minute through Nico Melamed, who had shaken off his muscle discomfort. The new UD Almería played a one-two with Marezi and opened the scoring 1-0. The Rojiblancos were in charge and had more of the initiative against resilient opponents who did not make it easy at all; quite the opposite. With 25 minutes on the clock, Centelles squandered a chance with an explosive shot from the edge of the box, while in the 29th minute, Marezi's goal was disallowed for offside, after a set-piece taken by Melamed.
The Indálicos' gaffer made 6 substitutions in the 57th minute. In this second period, the one that started very well were Marbella FC with forward Callejón making a difference with his fancy footwork and experience. It was difficult for the hosts to regain control. In the 51st minute, Ryan Marc finished a brilliant attacking collective play to level things up. The visitors operated with greater intensity, there was a sense of anticipation and despite Callejón being subbed, they continued to command. Little by little, UD Almería reacted and both sides exchanged chances.
In the 79th minute, Bruno Langa fired a powerful shot, the ball hit an opponent and was loose within the area, and Rachad, relying on his quick thinking, put his foot in and slit home. It is a 2-1 narrow victory over Marbella FC to close out the 2024/25 pre-season. Now, the squad rests on Sunday and Monday. Starting Tuesday, the Rojiblancos resume training to focus fully on the LaLiga Hypermotion opening-day against Real Racing de Santander.
Match information
UD Almería: Maximiano, Pozo, Chumi, Radovanović, Centelles (Bruno Langa, 76'), Marcos Peña (Arnau Puigmal, 57'), Baba (Melero, 64'), Lopy, Nico Melamed (Robertone, 65'), Marezi (Ramazani, 64') and Koné (Rachad, 57').
Marbella FC: Lejárraga, Jorge Álvarez, Carrasco, Marcos Olguin, Yac Diori, Jony Álamo, Luis Acosta, Callejón, Ryan, Pablo Muñoz and Ernest. Aitor Puñal, Alberto, Tahiru, Dorian Junior, Javi Duarte, Íñigo Alayeto and Rafa also played
Referee: Francisco Fernández Cintas, from the Andalusian Referees association (Almeria ).
Goals: 1-0 (5'). Nicol Melamed after playing a one-two with Marezi. 1-1 (51'). Ryan finished a brilliant attacking play for Marbella FC. 2-1 (79'). Rachad.
Observations: 8th and last UD Almería 2024/25 pre-season friendly match played on the Anexo pitch of the UD Almería Stadium. The match, due to the characteristics of the facility, was played behind closed doors on a scorching summer evening.
