2-1: Same UD Almería players, different tactics

UD Almería made their pre-season opener with a victory against Granada CF, direct rivals with whom they will meet in LaLiga Hypermotion and who had some experience having previously played another friendly. Despite this, the Rojiblancos were a solid group, especially in the first half, which ended with the final result of 2-1, since in the second period the intensity dropped and the numerous substitutions by both teams broke the continuity in the game. 

The UD Almeria players started with the same players from last season, although with very different positive tactics. Luis Suárez and Baptistão earned their names onto the scoresheet. This Sunday, a new international friendly against SL Benfica will be held in France. 

The match could not have started better for UD Almería, who before the first minute were already leading 1-0 after Luis Suárez put pressure on Luca Zidane, Granada's goal, putting his foot when the goalkeeper wanted to clear it. 

The starting XI had 9 players from last season with the presence, in addition, right-back Arnau Puigmal and centre-back Kaiky, players well known to head coach Rubi. A formation similar to the previous campaign, although with very different tactics. Despite it being the first preparation match, the UD Almeria team played well organised. They put high pressure, which was key to scoring the two goals in that opening period, moving the ball well, keeping things clear, and were effective in defence, although Granada CF's goal from a corner was a setback. 

The team showed what was known, quality, and despite it being a friendly and the heat, they put in intensity. Arnau's vital role on the right side was the highlight and he had already played under Rubi's instructions as well as passing the ball in offensive plays that were always very vertical until the physique and the weather allowed it. At 2-1 the break was reached. 

Rubi's starting XI continued at the start of the second half, except for Baba replacing Lopy. The changes began in the 60th minute, taking into account that it was the first match of the pre-season and that this Sunday, at 3:30pm, there is a new match against SL Benfica, in France. The lineup changed completely with Bruno Iribarne, Mendes, René, Chumi, Centelles, Baba, Marcos Peña, Svidersky, Valen, Appiah and Marezi. 

With these developments, debuts in the first team of three footballers from the 'B' team, in the case of Bruno Iribarne, René and Valen, without forgetting Svidersky and Marcos Peña. 

In this second period, Granada CF had more  ball possession but there were also alternatives because UD Almería, who worked more in defence, also had their options in attack. The intensity of the encounter decreased and the number of changes that were made by both teams diminished the continuity of the game between the players from both Andalusian sides, who except on a few chances did not have clear scoring opportunities, so the game ended with the result of 2-1. 

In '90, the Indálicos had a 3-1 lead in an mplay featuring two of the UD Almería 'B' players. Long kick by Bruno Iribarne, controlled by Valen, who entered the area, but his shot went just wide. It could have been a great achievement. 

Match information:

UD Almería: Fernando (Bruno Iribarne, 60'), Arnau Puigmal (Mendes, 60'), Kaiky, (René, 60') Radovanović (Chumi, 60'), Bruno Langa (Centelles, 60'), Lopy (Baba 45') Robertone (Marcos Peña, 60'), Leo Baptistão (Valen, 60'), Arribas, Svidersky, 60'), Ramazani (Appiah, 60') and Luis Suárez (Marezi, 60').

Granada CF: Luca Zidane, Oscar, Miguel Rubio, Insúa, Neva, Pablo Sáenz, Gonzalo Villar, Hongla, Jozwiak, Lucas Boyé and Weissman. Marc Martínez, Brau, Ignasi Miquel, Sergio Ruiz, Sergio Roderas, Melendo, Mario González and Uzuni also played. 

Referee: Abraham Domínguez Fernández, from the Malaga referees association. He booked Kaiky and Robertone, from UD Almería, as well as Gonzalo Villar and Miguel Rubio, from Granada CF. 

Goals: 1-0 (1'). Luis Suárez after putting pressure on Granada's goalkeeper, Luca Zidane. 2-0 (23'). Leo Baptistão, inside the area, after a great delivery from Luis Suárez. 2-1 (34'). Weissman, header, coming off a corner. 

Observations: First pre-season friendly played at the Escribano Castilla pitch, in Motril, where there were the Rojiblancos' fans present, who did not want to miss the debut of Rubi's team. UD Almería played as home team and wore the new home kit. In the box, Zinedine Zidane, who came to see his son Luca, Granada CF's new signing.