2-2: Almería drop two points following draw in Anduva
The Rojiblancos dominated but Mirandés scored last-minute penalty equaliser during injury time. Almería created countless chances aiming to seal victory
UD Almería dropped two points after Mirandés scored a last-minute penalty equaliser during stoppage time. Until then, the Almería’s players were reigning superior, created more big chances and even doubled the lead for a while. However, in the final stretch the hosts focused on Fernando's goal to stage a stunning comeback to make it 2-2.
The first 45 minutes could not have started any better, since 0-1 came with 30 seconds gone. Darwin Núñez pressed enough to get the ball back and, after doing it near the opponents’ goal line, stepped onto the 18-yard-box to provide an ingenious assist to team-mate Vada, who only had to boot it to score the opener.
Almería were characterised in their game by feeling comfortable playing in a back four, as well as the forwards pressured high upfield. This was a premise of the coaching staff during last week’s training sessions with the firm objective of stealing the ball and reaching the area.
The Rojiblancos were on the verge to pull the second back in the 20th minute, but a Mirandés’ defender avoided a great move from Darwin Núñez, who lost his marker and the rivals’ keeper denied the Uruguayan striker by making a superb stop.
Almería were having numerous opportunities. Nonetheless, the host team found their way to find the equaliser in a good team’s play thanks to Guridi to make it 1-1. It was the first goal scored by Iraola's men, who were able to fight back determined to achieve victory. However, not happy with the draw, Darwin Núñez enjoyed a couple of very clear chances. Almería went all out to break the tie just before half-time, so much so that right-winger Corpas’ cross shot meant overtaking Mirandes on 47 minutes.
After the game restart, the match remained the same, Almeria were in possession in energetic opening minutes of play and preventing mid-table team from scoring thanks to the defenders and goalie Fernando.
As time began to wind down, the heat took its toll and the game’s pace started to slow down. The hosts took advantage of this factor with continuous crosses from both flanks to the penalty area. In one of them, after 89 minutes spoiled their shot.
With just one minute to go, Mirandes were awarded a last-minute penalty after a booking was fouled on David Costas, which was much protested by the centre-back and his team-mates. Merquelanz managed to beat the Murcia-born goalkeeper. There was no time for more. After all, Almería bagged one point despite feeling a kind of ‘defeat’.