2-1: Vital victory propels UD Almeria out of drop zone
The Rojiblancos show fighting spirit against Valencia CF in a pulsating match that had the fans on the edge of their seats at the Power Horse Stadium.
The vital victory achieved over direct rivals Valencia CF at the Power Horse Stadium propelled UD Almeria out of the drop zone. Melero slotted the Rojiblancos ahead and shortly after, Babic unleashed a thumping header. Valencia CF pulled one back (2-1), but the solid defensive performance put in by the hosts earned them three massive points on home turf.
Rubi named an unchanged side to the one that battled hard for a share of the spoils with RC Celta de Vigo on the previous Matchday: Fernando in goal, Centelles, Ely, Chumi, Babic and Arnau defending, Samú Costa, Melero and Robertone protecting the midfield; Leo Baptistao and Luis Suárez up front. A 4-4-2 diamond that would change in the second half to react in an eye-catching way.
The challenge was clear so nerves were frayed. UD Almeria dug deep, feeling under pressure as they were playing on home turf, in the early stages of the match. The Valencianistas’ glut of chances failed to yield an opener since Fernando made three impressive saves. Lino whipped in the first chance, but Babic booted the ball out. The Indalicos mustered up the courage while the Che team went on the attack, especially in the dying embers of the opening forty-five minutes. Rubi's men also engineered good chances, but lacked pinpoint precision; Chumi’s breakaway was blocked by a defender’s goalline clearance.
The second half started in the best possible way for the Rojiblancos. With 48 minutes on the clock, Melero carved his way past the defence to put his name onto the scoresheet through a low cross shot. Soon after, Arnau Puigmal could have made it 2-0, yet Mamardashvili saved his fine effort. The hosts were dominating the game so much so that Babic swept the second home in the 58th minute after a corner-kick, finishing off with a thumping header. Fans reached fever pitch.
Valencia CF reacted soon and in no time at all, Castillejo took advantage of a loose ball inside the box and pulled one back (2-1). From then on, the game was marked by pressure from the guests trying to level it up, but they failed to equalise due to the resolute defensive performance by UD Almería. In addition, the 12th Man cheered on the lads at all times. The fans created a rocking atmosphere and pulled UD Almeria over the line towards a much-needed victory in the race for LaLiga Santander survival.
Match facts:
UD Almería: Fernando; Chumi, Centelles, Ely, Babic, Arnau Puigmal (Well. 65’); Samú Costa, Robertone (Kaiky. 93’), Melero (De la Hoz. 78’); Baptistao (Ramazani. 78’) and Luis Suárez (Eguaras. 93’)).
Valencia CF: Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Gayá, Diakhaby, Cenk; Nico (Guillamón. Min 54), Almeida, Samu Lino (Musah. 73’); Castillejo (Cavani. Min 73), Kluivert (Fran Pérez. Min 41) and Hugo Duro.
Goals: 1-0 Melero (49’). Babic 2-0 (58’). Samu Castillejo (60’).
Referee: Sanchez Martinez. He booked hosts Chumi, Luis Suárez, Robertone and visitors Fran Pérez and Foulquier.
Observations: Matchday 28. Game played at the Power Horse Stadium with 14,039 attendees. Before the kick-off, the UD Almería squad walked out onto the pitch wearing T-shirts reading a message to support the Mediterranean Corridor and the arrival of the AVE (high speed train) to Almeria in 2026.