2-2: UD Almería show in Vigo that they believe in LaLiga survival
The Rojiblancos, who bagged a massive point, took the lead twice but RC Celta de Vigo hit back to draw at the Abanca Balaidos Stadium
UD Almería collected a massive point in Vigo after a pulsating match in which they took the lead twice, although RC Celta de Vigo came back from behind to record a two-all draw at the Abanca Balaidos Stadium. Rubi's men showed from the get go that they truly believe in LaLiga survival through tremendous work rate and commitment.
There were some changes to the side that took on Cadiz CF a couple of weeks ago. Rubi went for a 4-4-2 formation with Chumi, Rodrigo Ely, Babic and Centelles defending; Arnau Puigmal, Samú, Melero and Robertone protecting the midfield, and Baptistao and Luis Suárez up front. Arnau was on the right side sometimes so that Chumi could swing towards the centre of the defence. These last two players, together with Samú Costa and Melero, returned to the starting XI. .
UD Almería went to incredible lengths to defeat RC Celta de Vigo and avoid the drop. Head coach Rubi knew how to muster up the courage against the opponents as he warned in the pre-Vigo press conference that it was key not to lose balls over the Celtistas’ transitions. The Indalicos were brave and always poured forward.
UD Almería took the lead twice, inside 7 minutes through Babic, who slotted his team in front, and in the 32nd minute with a great goal from Arnau Puigmal after brilliant assist produced by Luis Suárez. Celta managed to pull two goals back taking advantage of errors by the Rojiblancos due to a lack of astuteness. Seferovic grabbed the first leveller on 10 minutes (1-1) while Carles Pérez fired home after 42 minutes to make it 2-2 after winning the ball back when Robertone slipped unluckily. There was plenty of end-to-end activity throughout the first half.
It was an action-packed opening half but the second was pretty much the same. In the 54th minute, Fernando kept his reflexes sharp and denied Iago Aspas. Next, Luis Suárez’s effort went wide in a one-on-one with the host goalkeeper in the 55th minute, after getting the ball back and a quick pass by team-mate Arnau.
Both sides went back and forth up the pitch. UD Almería squandered the clearest chance of this second period within 81 minutes. Alex Centelles took a free-kick from the side and Samú Costa’s shot skied high over the bar…it could have been 2-3 there, although it was Iago Aspas, the player in charge of pulling the Galicians back level (2-2).
Match information:
RC Celta de Vigo: Iván Villar; Hugo Mallo, Núñez, Aidoo, Javi Galán; Carles Pérez (Strand Larsen, 66’), Gabri Veiga (Cervi, 84’), Fran Beltrán, De la Torre (Tapia, 57’); Iago Aspas and Seferovic (Paciencia, 84’).
UD Almeria: Fernando; Chumi, Rodrigo Ely, Babic, Alex Centelles; Samú Costa (Kaiky, 90’), Robertone; Arnau Puigmal (Pozo, 61’), Melero (César de la Hoz, 79’), Baptistao (Ramazani, 61’); and Luis Suárez (Lázaro Vinicius, 91’).
Goals: 0-1 (7’) Babic, with a header from a corner-kick taken by Robertone. 1-1 (10’). Seferovic finishes off a cross from Gabri Veiga in front of Fernando. 1-2 (32’). Arnau Puigmal finished on point after a superb assist by Luis Suárez. 2-2 (42’). Carles Pérez shot close to the post from the edge of the box.
Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández, from the Canary Islands Referees Association. He booked Carles Pérez, Iago Aspas and Gabri Veiga, from RC Celta de Vigo, as well as Arnau Puigmal, Fernando, Samú Costa, Luis Suárez and Baptistao, from UD Almería.
Observations: Matchday 27. LaLiga Santander. Game played at the Abanca Balaídos Stadium. There was a UD Almeria crowd of around one hundred supporters, although not many travelling fans coming from Almería. Julián Mouriño Trigo, 101 years old, who is Celta's oldest season-ticket holder, took the honour kick-off.
Once inicial del Almería en Vigo.
Babic, en el minuto 7, marcaba de cabeza el 0-1 a la salida de un córner lanzado por Robertone.
Samú Costa fue una de las novedades en el once inicial.
Robertone conduce el balón.
Luis Suárez hizo una gran jugada para asistir a Arnau y poner el 1-2 en el marcador.
Arnau Puigmal en el momento de marcar el segundo gol del Almería.
Melero, que volvió a la titularidad, corta un balón en el centro del campo.
El Almería le plantó cara a un equipo que está muy seguro en casa y describiendo una brillante trayectoria.
El Almería también supo sufrir en el Abanca Balaídos.
Los jugadores del Almería hicieron un derroche físico importante.
