2-1: Last-gasp magic: a top-class win

The train was leaving the station again, and UD Almería seemed set to miss the automatic-promotion carriage by inches. The match reports were already written, the analysis lined up, and the bandages ready for a painful Monday. Then, out of the darkness, a towering Senegalese presence in midfield rewrote the script and handed destiny to Nico Melamed. Wearing the No.10 like it was meant to be, he delivered in style, striking in the dying seconds to complete a dramatic 2–1 comeback against CD Leganés. A win of incalculable value that, for the first time, opens the door to a possible push for the top spot in the league next week.

Before the red and white shirts flew into the air in a euphoric corner celebration, UD Almería had to dig deep for 90 minutes. Melero had put CD Leganés ahead early on and the visitors set up a defensive minefield with three centre-backs and two wing-backs. Fluency was hard to find for the hosts against such disciplined resistance. Still feeling the sting from Castellón and facing a third game in 7 days, UD Almería made 6 changes in search of redemption.

It took half an hour for the first real warning. As expected, Arribas stepped up, curling a shot that brushed the outside of the post. Just 6 minutes later, in the 32nd minute, the Segunda top scorer found his reward, finishing off a perfectly weighted cross from Álex Muñoz to level the game with his 21st goal of the season. That equaliser shifted the momentum.

From there, Rubi’s men began to take control. They won the ball higher, stretched the opposition and found the rhythm that had been missing, though without turning it into a lead before the break.

The second half lacked clear chances, with effort and intensity taking centre stage. CD Leganés regained their structure, while UD Almería kept probing, patiently applying pressure in search of a breakthrough. With results elsewhere tightening the table, the tension grew—but the players stayed focused on the pitch.

Then came the decisive moment. In the 75th minute, Melamed was still receiving instructions on the sideline. When he entered the pitch, he did so with intent, demanding the ball, linking play, and injecting belief.

The draw was not an option. In stoppage time, Lopy produced a superb recovery in midfield, driving forward just enough before releasing the ball to Melamed in the 90+2' minute. Time stood still. A feint to the left, a sharp move to the right and checkmate.

What followed was pure emotion. Players, staff and fans merged in celebration between the stands as the stadium erupted. At the heart of it all stood Nico Melamed, finally seeing fortune smile after months of near-misses.

6 straight home wins. One unforgettable moment. And perhaps, when May arrives, we will truly understand the weight of this goal scored in the very heart of stoppage-time drama.