2-1: Good letter of introduction for UD Almería in pre-season
The Rojiblancos put in a spirited performance in a demanding friendly vs SL Benfica. Nieto, Arnau and Curro make their debut
A good letter of introduction for UD Almeria in their 2021/22 pre-season opener. The Rojiblancos, faced a demanding friendly against SL Benfica in which they created enough chances not to have fallen 2-1 defeat to the Portuguese top-flight team. The Indalicos were at their best during the second half as Juan Villar netted the only goal for the Spanish contenders. Three new signings Juanjo Nieto, Arnau Puigmal and Curro Sánchez debuted. Almeria ‘B’ players Aitor Puñal and Raúl Caballero also made their debut with the first team.
It was a difficult start to the UD Almería summer’s pre-season. The strike of the workers at the Lisbon airport led the Rojiblancos travelling squad to make some unavoidable changes to their trip abroad. Instead of getting on a charter flight, they flew out to Badajoz city and from there, they travelled by road to their destination.
Head coach Rubi bet on a starting XI formed by keeper Fernando, Juanjo Nieto, Chumi, Juan Ibiza, Centelles, Samú Costa, Robertone, Arnau Puigmal, Ramazani, Dani Albiar and Sadiq Umar. There were two newcomers who arrived during the summer transfer window, one of them playing on the right wing and another one in the midfield.
The visitors walked out onto the pitch determined to start off their pre-season test on the right foot as a solid team, however SL Benfica were eager to dominate the game so with 14 minutes gone, they were able to put themselves in front when Pizzi converted from the penalty spot.
Despite the opponents’ early opener, the Rojiblancos did not want to give up. In fact, Rubi’s side gradually grew into the game and gained momentum against one of the greatest teams from Portugal and Europe. Belgian Ramazani started a hopeful play and found his team-mate Dani Albiar, who was ready for action. The Cartagena-born attacking midfielder failed to produce a composed finish in the end.
Already in the second half, the best version of UD Almería was seen in this exciting friendly game. As a matter of fact, the Rojiblancos were the ones to have the ball under control on the SL Benfica sports complex field. This period would start with several changes made in Rubi's line-up, with Rosić, who came on after 33 minutes, between the sticks; Aitor Buñuel, Chumi —who remained in action—, Iván Martos, Akieme, César de la Hoz, Javi Robles, Aketxe, debutant Curro Sánchez, Lazo and Juan Villar.
Shortly after returning to the playing field, the visitors from South Spain were about to equalise. It was the 47th minute when Juan Villar found his way to nutmeg an opponent and a brilliant pass from left-winger put Curro Sanchez through on goal but he was denied by the home team goalie. It seemed the Rojiblancos were doing well. Unfortunately, the quality of SL Benfica came on the scene when Vinícius staged a solo action to double their advantage thanks to Waldschmidt (2-0).
It was then when the UD Almería footballers carved out the better goal opportunities. Good chances began to happen one after another. With 67 minutes gone, Lazo’s driving run ended up with a sensational pass to Juan Villar. The player from Huelva city, whose goal was chalked off for offside minutes before, shot perfectly. It was 2-1.
With the Andalusian contenders feeling more and more comfortable. Within 76 minutes, the homegrown players Raúl Caballero and Aitor Puñal made their first team debut. There was still time for a breakaway by Akieme on the left flank, but Juan Villar's shot skied high over the bar
The final whistle came with a 2-1 result that made SL Benfica, a benchmark in European football, winners in the UD Almeria’s 2021/22 pre-season opener.
Match facts:
SL Benfica: Odysseas; Gilverto, Vertonghen, Lecuas Verísimo, Grimaldo. Weigl, Taarabt, Pizzi, Rafa, Ramosy Rodrigo Pinho. Helton also played; Paulo Bernardo, Florentino, Gil Dias, Gabriel, Joao Mario, Gedson, Waldschmidt, Seferovic, Vinícius and Jota.
UD Almería: Fernando; Juanjo Nieto, Chumi, Juan Ibiza, Centelles, Samú Costa, Robertone, Arnau Puigmal, Ramazani, Dani Albiar and Sadiq. Dragan Rosić, Aitor Buñuel, Iván Martos, Akieme, César de la Hoz, Robles, Curro Sánchez, Lazo, Aketxe, Juan Villar, Makaritze, Aitor Puñal and Raúl Caballero also played.
Goals: 1-0. 14’: Pizzi (pen). 2-0, 55’: Waldschmidt. 2-1, 67’: Juan Villar.
Referee: António Nobre from the Portugal Referees School. He booked Rafa and Paulo Bernardo by SL Benfica.
Observations: UD Almería's behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly game at the SL Benfica Sports complex.