2-2: Almería squander two-goal lead and it ends all square down south
The Rojiblancos put in a dazzling first-half performance, but Real Oviedo surprised in the second period. Rubi could not debut with a triumph
UD Almería squandered a dazzling first half performance, in which they doubled their lead and ended up sharing the points in Rubi's debut as a head coach at the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium. A brace courtesy of Sadiq put the Roiblancos in front, who had missed a penalty and created many chances. In the second period, Real Oviedo surprised, benefited from two defensive errors at the hands of the hosts and fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in a pulsating match down south.
Rubi decided that his first starting XI as a UD Almeria head coach would be formed by Makaridze between the sticks; Aitor Buñuel, Maraš, Cuenca, Akieme, Petrović, Morlanes, Carvalho, Corpas, Lazo and Sadiq Umar. In addition, the Catalan opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation.
It seemed that Real Oviedo started off the game on the right foot making their presence known in the final third, although without dangerous shots. Out of the blue, the Rojiblancos became absolute dominators over the first half. They could have gone ahead within 14 minutes through a penalty missed by skipper Corpas.
It did not take long for UD Almería to have a new opportunity from 12 yards again, as the VAR referred the on-pitch match official to the pitch-side monitor to review a play in which Cuenca had received a knock within the box. The referee called a foul and this time, Sadiq Umar booted to put his name onto the scoresheet and open the scoring (1-0).
The home team were basing their game on quick offensive transitions and playing one-touch. After approaching the goal several times, in the 29th minute, Sadiq slammed in the second and his 18th goal this season after finishing a well-crafted play by the team. The Nigerian forward’s low driven shot was impossible for Femenías to prevent.
Despite the 2-0, UD Almería looked to extend their two-goal lead but they failed to find the back of the net and go into half-time with a third goal recorded in the scoreboard. At that moment, José Corpas made a good run down the right wing and provided Sadiq with an assist in dripping sauce. Unfortunately, his shot went wide.
The Indalicos paid dearly for a defensive mistake shortly after the match restart. The footballers in red and white striped shirts spoiled a build-up play from the back and opponent Obeng took the opportunity to start a comeback (2-1). That is when Fran Villalba came on for Lazo.
When UD Almería were gaining momentum, Grippo’s overhead kick stunner following a free-kick taken from a wide area drew level. At first, the equaliser was flagged for a possible offside, but after the subsequent review on the VAR monitor, the goal was given (2-1).
It was a bad day at the office for UD Almeria. In an attempt to take the lead back during the closing minutes, Juan Villar, Brian Rodríguez and Largie Ramazani went into action but nothing could be done to clinch a victory as the Rojiblancos squandered a first-half two-goal lead with Rubi in thee driving seat for the first time in Almeria.