2-1: UD Almería secure crucial victory to keep promotion hopes alive

UD Almería secured a crucial victory against FC Cartagena to keep their promotion play-off hopes alive, as the three points keep them in the play-off spots for promotion, awaiting SD Huesca's performance on Monday. The match could have ended in a rout, given the numerous scoring opportunities for the hosts, but the team suffered in the end due to a penalty conceded in the 84th minute that made it 2-1. FC Cartagena, who are relegated with this defeat, hit the woodwork in stoppage time, scaring the Rojiblancos. Fortunately, the UD Almería squad have closed the gap to Levante UD, Racing Santander, and CD Mirandés to 2 points. 

 

Rubi made some changes to the previous squad in Granada. Alex Centelles operated as a left-back again, Sergio Arribas moved into attacking midfield. UD Almería's superiority was swift, and in the 4th minute, a cross from the Madrid native was headed in by Nico Melamed, just wide of the top corner. On the 5th minute, Arribas wasted a chance to score with a powerful shot that was parried away by the goalkeeper. In the 9th minute, Baptistão made it 1-0, finishing off a Centelles cross from the left.

 

UD Almería bossed the game, who repeatedly reached the FC Cartagena penalty area. Incidentally, their goalkeeper, Campos, was a key player in avoiding a thrashing, thanks to his brilliant saves. It's also true that at other times the Rojiblancos were unable to connect their attacks, but their dominance was clear. The half-time score was narrowly 1-0. 

 

It was more of the same in the second half. Within a minute of the restart, following a corner, there were 3 consecutive chances squandered. In the 53rd minute, Luis Suárez doubled their lead to make it 2-0, connecting with a perfect cross from Baptistão on the left. In the 59th and 62nd minutes, there were two more opportunities to extend the lead. It seemed as if the game would be put to bed very soon, but the reality was quite different, as a penalty converted by Alex Millán in the 84th minute brought uncertainty. UD Almería saw things getting complicated when they could have had an unbeatable lead, and it took its toll. In stoppage time, Luna hit the crossbar. Thank Goodness!