UD Almería 'B' defeated CD Minera 2-1 in a match with a lot of suspense in the final stretch, but which means the 'B' team have reached 44 points. In other words, virtually securing their place in the league. This was the first major objective for the Almería team, as their head coach, Alberto Lasarte, has been emphasising week after week. 

 

Now it's time to dream, awake, about completing their promotion play-off spot in the 7 remaining matches of the regular season in Group IV of the Segunda RFEF.

 

The UDA prospects had a tough start and needed to grow as the minutes passed. In fact, La Minera started very strongly, pressing the Rojiblancos high and creating danger. Three minutes in, Bruno Iribarne pulled off a prodigious save to prevent the 0-1 lead. The Murcia-based team, who played in the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid this season after eliminating Alavés, are fighting to avoid the relegation zone and came out with maximum intensity and determination, ready to surprise the Indálicos. Little by little, the team coached by Alberto Lasarte, who had been working well in defence, began to gain ground on their opponents and shake off the visitors' dominance. 

 

In the 20th minute, Hugo Martín, a January transfer window signing, scored with a header from a corner. It was 1-0, which gave Almería 'B' great confidence because although La Minera continued to try, they were gaining more of the ball and moving it around with fluidity, looking for the best situations to extend their lead. 

 

They had to continue to give it their all in defence against the opponents' attacks. In the 37th minute, Bruno Iribarne produced another brilliant save between the sticks, and shortly before half-time, the referee sent off Murcia's skipper, Damián, for a second yellow card.

 

The Rojiblancos started the second half with the upper hand. They imposed their quality and took advantage of their opponents' 10-man deficit to dominate, play smartly, and create danger. Lorenzo, in the 49th minute, narrowly missed a ball from Marsu at the far post. In the 53rd minute, Luis Lara shot high in another clear scoring opportunity. UD Almería 'B' had everything in their favour to seal the victory, but they didn't and began to suffer. So much so that La Minera, with grit and courage, closed in on the Youthful Rojiblancos, who had them on the ropes. 

 

In the 82nd minute, Murcia equalised, and in the 84th, they were close to making it 2-1, but Bruno Iribarne prevented it. The uncertainty was total. Two players brought on by Mr Lasarte in the second half were key to making it 2-1 in the 88th minute. Yago Paredes set up Valen, who came in alone from the right and beat the opposing goalkeeper with a cross. Although the suffering continued until the final whistle, it was worth it because the points stayed at home after a highly exciting and varied match.

 

UD Almería 'B': Bruno Iribarne; Peñalver, Paco Sanz, Edu Plá, René Pérez (Hugo Neves, 66'), Ballestero; Hugo Martín (Pedro Fidel, 88'), Joan, Marsu (Yago Paredes, 88'), Luis Lara (Valen, 66'), and Lorenzo (Hou, 78'). 

 

CD Minera: Fran Martínez; José Más, Morante, Adri Escudero, Juanmi (Arturo, 75'); Omar, Baradji (Arjona, 62'), Damián Petcoff, Javi Vera (Santi Jara, 77'), Pipo, and Rubén Mesa. 

 

Goals: 1-0 (20') Hugo Martín from a corner. 1-1 (82') Omar Perdomo inside the box. 2-1 (88'): Valen's cross after receiving from Yago Paredes. 

 

Referee: Fernando Moreno Osuna, from the Castilla-La Mancha Referees Association. He sent off visitor Damián for a second yellow card in the 43rd minute. He booked Peñalver and Yago Paredes, from Almería 'B', as well as Javi Vera and Arturo, from CD Minera. 

 

Observations: Matchday 27 of the Liga, Group IV of the Segunda RFEF. Game played at the Anexo UD Almería Stadium.