2-1: UD Almería secure first home win against Sporting Gijón
The Rojiblancos overturn an early deficit with second-half goals courtesy from Embarba and Arribas against 10-man Sporting
UD Almería finally gave their fans something to celebrate at the UD Almería Stadium, coming from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sporting Gijón, their first home win of the season. It was the third time lucky on home turf after a draw and a loss and this time, the Rojiblancos showed resilience and quality to turn the match around with second-half goals courtesy from Adrián Embarba and Sergio Arribas.
Rubi made just 2 changes to the starting XI that faced Real Valladolid last week. Lopy and Baba returned to the midfield pivot, replacing Gui Guedes and Dzodic. Andrés Fernández started in goal, with a back four of Chumi, Radovanović, Kaiky, and Akieme. Baba and Lopy operated in midfield, while the attacking trio consisted of Arribas, Melamed, and Embarba, with Baptistão leading the line.
UD Almería started brightly, dominating possession and trying to find gaps in a well-organised Sporting defence that sat deep and left little space between the lines. Early chances fell to Baptistão in the 8th minute, Arribas in the 10th and Melamed in the 16th, but the final touch was lacking. Despite the home side's initiative, it was Sporting who landed the first blow. In the 24th minute, Juan Otero played a neat one-two with Gaspar Campos, who beat Andrés Fernández with a calm finish to put the visitors 0-1 up on what was essentially their first real opportunity.
UD Almería’s problems were compounded minutes later when Lopy was forced off with an injury. Gui Guedes came on as his replacement, but the momentum had clearly shifted. Sporting Gijón, with a goal in their pocket, managed the game well by slowing down play and holding possession. Rubi's men pushed for an equaliser before the break, with Baba, Arribas and Melamed looking to create something and the hosts thought they had a golden chance in the 42nd minute when the referee pointed to the spot for a handball inside the box. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, and UD Almería went into half-time trailing 0-1.
Rubi reacted at the break with a double substitution: Arnau Puigmal replaced Baptistão, while Thalys came on for Melamed. The second half began with intensity and within 3 minutes Baba had already tested the goalkeeper's reflexes with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. That intent set the tone for what would be a thrilling half.
The turning point arrived in the 51st minute when Sporting’s Guille Rosas was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. 4 minutes later, UD Almería made their numerical advantage count. Arnau Puigmal, making an immediate impact, delivered a pinpoint assist to Embarba, who fired home a stunning equaliser from the edge of the area to make it 1-1 in the 55th minute.
Pushed on by 12,588 fans, the Rojiblancos turned up the pressure. Embarba hit the crossbar in the 77th minute with a spectacular effort and just 3 minutes later came close again from a free-kick. The winner, though, came in the 85th minute. André Horta played a long ball forward to Arnau Puigmal, who once again showed his quality with another exquisite assist, this time to Sergio Arribas, who slotted home to complete the comeback and make it 2-1.
The final minutes saw UD Almería calmly manage the game, not allowing the Asturianos a way back despite their attempts to slow the tempo.
The final whistle brought relief and joy in equal measure, as Rubi’s side recorded a deserved victory and their first 3 points at home this season. It was also their second comeback win of the campaign, a sign that this team may be starting to find its fighting spirit at just the right time.
