2-1: Epic victory for Almeria ‘B’ to seal passage to play-off semis
Jordi Escobar scores 95-minute decider after Torremolinos’ equaliser a few minutes earlier. Antequera CF await in the next round
Epic victory for the UD Almería ‘B’ team over Juventud Torremolinos CF in the quarter-finals of the play-offs for promotion to Segunda Division RFEF. ‘Almería never gives up’ as the Academy prospects sealed passage to the next round through Jordi Escobar’s 95-minute last-gasp winner to set up a frantic finale. Shortly before, the visitors levelled the scoring to cancel out Caballero's opener and take the game into extra time, however, the Catalan striker became the match-winner before the final whistle. Next week, the young Indalicos take on Antequera CF to play the semi-final.
Both sides were putting in work and playing long balls at the Anexo Juegos Mediterraneos as the pouring rain would not let them use an effective short passing. Anyway, Almería ‘B’ came flying out of traps by having more possession of the ball and dictating the play with a series of attacks. Of course, it would not be until half an hour when the opener came. Vertiz and Jean Marco started a play on the right wing, the latter player crossed in at the near post and then Raúl Caballero beat keeper César (1-0).
The Rojiblancos could have doubled their lead before the arrival of half-time, yet Juventud Torremolinos relied on their goalkeeper who punched the ball away at the far post to block Robles’ strike.
During the second period, despite being ahead, Almería ‘B’ kept trying and trying. With 51 on the clock, Dani Albiar attempted a long-range screamer but it just could not be. The Almeria ‘B’ products took every opportunity to play out from the back quickly. Nevertheless, the lack of precision was the Rojiblancos' worst enemy with ten minutes to go. Unluckily, inside 89 minutes, opponent Iván Aguilar’s thumping header after a corner-kick levelled the scoring (1-1).
A rainy day turned out to be an epic one. The match official added five minutes of stoppage time. That meant more time to break the deadlock. Forward Jordi Escobar did not hesitate to boot it when he found himself on a one-on-one with the keeper. He made it 2-1 to seal passage to the play-off semi-finals against hosts Antequera CF.
Match facts:
UD Almería ‘B’: Curro Harillo; Vertiz, Aitor Puñal, Ricardo Carvalho (Sergio Sanchís, 87’), Luna; Tomás (Manu, 58’), Robles, Jean Marco (Siles, 83’), Dani Albiar, Fermín and Raúl Caballero (Jordi Escobar, 83’).
Juventud Torremolinos CF: César; David (Álvaro García, 54’), Lasly (Ballesteros, 79’), Kiki (Ezequiel, 47’), Gerrit (Manu, 79’), Caturla, Víctor (Lavela, 54’), Amaña, Javi López, Nacho and Iván Aguilar.
Goals: 1-0; 27’: Raúl Caballero. 1-1, 89’: Iván Aguilar. 2-1, 94’: Jordi Escobar.
Referee: Álvarez Dorado, from the Jaén Referees School. He booked host Tomás, as well as visitors David, Caturla and Amaya. In addition, The ref sent off with a straight red card when he was on the bench visitor Lasly. Once the game was over, Robles, Almería ‘B’ player, and César and David, Torremolinos CF players. He showed Ibón Pérez a yellow card, head coach of the Malaga-based team.
Observations: Quarter-final of the play-off for promotion to Segunda Division RFEF. The match was played behind closed doors at the Anexo Juegos Mediterraneos.