Academy
2-1: UD Almería 'B' scupper chances of promotion play-offs despite a W
The Academy prospects defeated Cádiz Mirandilla in a hard-fought match, but Estepona also won and will go into the final Matchday with a three-point advantage and a better goal difference. After 4 consecutive matches without a win, UD Almería 'B' got back to winning ways again by beating Cádiz Mirandilla at the Anexo stadium 2-1 in a hard-fought match
The UDA Academy prospects have now scuppered their chances of playing in the promotion play-offs because 5th-place Estepona also won and with one game remaining in the league, beat the Indálicos by 3 points and also has the overall goal difference, +15. The Málaga-based team will host bottom-placed Don Benito at home, while UD Almería e visit Orihuela, who have nothing to play for.
UD Almería 'B' were not going to have an easy time against Cádiz Mirandilla, and this became evident in the opening 45 minutes, when Lasarte's boys had more possession of the ball, took the initiative, and whipped in the best chances. However, the opponents' good disposition and lack of accuracy in finishing their plays meant the half-time score was 1-1.
Although the Cádiz boys gave a scare early in the match, the clearest scoring chances were created by the Indálicos. In the 20th minute, Yago Paredes headed in a cross kicked by peer Perovic, who was on fire down the left flank. The Montenegro international had a good opportunity shortly after, but he didn't dare to shoot after receiving from Lorenzo and the visiting defence made the save.
In the 30th minute, Yago Paredes saw Marsu break into the box, who opened the scoring 1-0 with a cross after a great assist from his team-mate. But the joy would be short-lived, as Cádiz's 'B' team equalised in the 33rd minute; Samu headed home from a corner. UD Almería 'B' claimed a potential penalty on Paco Sanz in the 40th minute, and in the 42nd minute, Joan had another opportunity with a point-blank shot inside the box that hit a defender.
The second half was much more closely contested, with plenty of end-to-end activity, although more so for the Almeriensistas, who didn't have a clear lead until the final whistle. In the 55th minute, Loren put the Almería team back in front with a header from René Pérez's cross inside the box. The score seemed to be 2-1, especially when Yago Paredes had the third goal shortly after, one-on-one with Cádiz Mirandilla goalkeeper.
Alberto Lasarte's team continued to create dangerous situations, although they couldn't rely on their opponents, who were giving it their all in their fight to avoid the drop. In the 80th minute, Cádiz were down to one man after Bonfing received his marching orders, and in the 86th minute, Luis had the equaliser with a powerful shot from a corner that was spectacularly saved by Jesús López, the UD Almería 'B' goalkeeper, who made a key save. In the end, a 2-1 victory in the final home game of a season that will close on a high note.