2-1: UD Almería fall to defeat against Valencia CF with heads held high
The Rojiblancos, who could have taken the lead at the Mestalla Stadium, went into the break trailing 2-0, but in the second half, they stepped up a gear and were close to scoring. Choco Lozano debuted. Baptistão was sent off in added time while he was on the bench
UD Almería still have not won this season and they lost another match at the Mestalla Stadium, but as in many other fixtures, they did so with their heads held high as they fought to the death until the final whistle and aiming to find the back of the net.
The Rojiblancos took on Valencia CF with grit and determination looking strong in their own half. They started brightly, they were even able to take the lead, yet they went into the break trailing 2-0 as the visitors lacked strength at the back. Nonetheless, in the second half, UD Almería had the ability to pull one back as they created enough chances to avoid conceding.
Gaizka Garitano made some changes to to the squad that took on Deportivo Alavés st the Power Horse Stadium, such as the presence of Alex Centelles on the left wing after the departure of Akieme; Gonzalo Melero as an attacking midfielder and also Ramazani on the left flank, new features to have greater offensive projection, especially in the case of these last two players. As for the rest of the team roster, the same players were handed out starting spots and with the four new additions from the January transfer window on the bench available for action, although in the case of Choco Lozano and Bruno Langa having only completed one training session with their new team.
UD Almería started the game flying out the traps to the point that they were able to put themselves in front. In fact, in the 9th minute, in the second counter-attack, Arribas came out with speed with the ball at his feet delivered it to peer Baptistão and he kicked it at the far post where only Melero entered, however, his shot went high. A brilliant counter-attack that deserved and should have crossed the goal line. The Indálicos were well organised, looking comfortable, keeping their rivals at bay and attacking with rhythm, but everything fell apart in a few minutes. So much so that 14 minute in, Hugo Duro beat Maximiano by finishing, without opposition, inside the box. It was Valencia CF's first chance, and shortly after, in the second, inside 23 minutes, Pepelu crossed in and Yaremchuk comfortably scored a header goal to double their lead 2-0 which made things very difficult for the Andalusian guests. They tried to get into the match in the 28th minute through another well-crafted counter-attack that ended in a corner and when Edgar scored, although the ball had previously hit his hand, as confirmed by the VAR it got chalked off.
Shortly after, after 33 minutes, César Montes, with muscle discomfort, was replaced by Baba, who stood in the midfield so that Edgar could step behind in his position. At 2-0 and this forced the change, it was time to drift down the tunnel.
It seemed that everything was doomed, but far from it. UD Almería came out with character, intensity and criteria. They became strong at the back and reached the opposite area again with speed and danger. Four minutes after the restart, Arribas reduced the deficit (2-1) by completing one more counter-attack in style that had a magnificent assist from Centelles for the Madrid-born player. Two minutes later, in the 51st minute, Lopy put in on a plate for Ramazani, who almost netted.
UD Almería had regained control of the match and Mr Garitano brought in Choco Lozano and Luka Romero to replace Melero and Leo Baptistão, respectively. The Rojiblancos went all out to level it up and come back from behind to win. On the 60-minute mark and the VAR, which is hurting UD Almería so much, signalled a penalty that, fortunately, Pepelu hit the woodwork from 12 yards. Arribas picked up the rebound and started a new counter-attack that Ramazani narrowly missed. What a pity! Valencia CF felt nervous, very nervous; even against the ropes, but UD Almería, despite their fine attempts, did not achieve their goal yet again.
The score, the passing of the minutes, the need to win, the match fatigue... took their toll and influenced turning the final stretch with plenty of end-to-end activity. In addition, in the 90'+3 minute, Baptistão, who was already on the bench, was sent off for protesting and will therefore sit out on the next Matchday.
