2-2 UD Almería fight back to earn a point at Anoeta
Rubi’s tactical changes spark second-half resurgence as the Indálicos recover from 2-1 deficit
UD Almería were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw on Matchday 3 against Real Sociedad 'B' at Anoeta. While the result may be seen as disappointing due to defensive vulnerabilities, it also highlighted the Rojiblancos' resilience and ability to recover after trailing 2-1 in the 48th minute. Following the equaliser, UD Almería pressed for a winner right until the final whistle.
Head coach Rubi had previously emphasised the importance of not overhauling the team unless necessary, but circumstances forced him to make 4 changes, including both tactical adjustments and personal reasons, like the absence of Sergio Arribas, whose father was ill.
The starting XI saw goalkeeper Andrés Fernández and defenders Marcos Luna, Chumi, Bonini and Alex Muñoz return after their victory in León. The midfield pairing of Lopy and Selvi was reinstated for greater physicality and defensive stability. Up front, Lázaro was rejoined by 3 players making their first starts: Arnau, Soko and Nico Melamed.
The Catalan gaffer had also spoken highly of Real Sociedad 'B' before the match, and his assessment proved accurate, as the home side applied relentless pressure on UD Almería, forcing them into mistakes. Although the Rojiblancos tried to dominate possession, they struggled to execute their plan, often finding themselves on the back foot due to errors and the intensity of the Basque Country hosts.
Real Sociedad 'B' took the lead in the 34th minute through a penalty converted by Mariezkurrena, following a foul by Marcos Luna on the same player after Lopy lost possession. The penalty gave the home side a boost, but just before half-time, Melamed equalised for UD Almería in the 43rd minute. The winger pounced on a rebound inside the box to level the score at 1-1, a fair reflection of the opening 45 minutes.
However, the second half began poorly for the Indálicos. Just 3 minutes after the restart, Real Sociedad 'B' regained the lead when Carrera rose between Chumi and Luna to head home a cross from Astiazarán, making it 2-1.
The match became increasingly difficult for UD Almería, who struggled to create chances while showing signs of defensive fragility. In response, Rubi made crucial substitutions. André Horta replaced Selvi in the 60th minute to help control possession, while Embarba came on for Lázaro, with Soko moving to the No. 9 role.
The changes sparked a much-needed shift in momentum. UD Almería took charge and began to threaten the Real Sociedad 'B' goal. With 72 minutes on the clock, Baptistão and Arribas replaced Soko and Arnau, further adding to the offensive push. However, Baptistão squandered a chance to equalise in the 76th minute.
UD Almería continued to press and in the 83rd minute, their persistence paid off. A well-placed cross from Alex Muñoz found Embarba, who expertly slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-2. The Rojiblancos pushed for a late winner, but the match ended in a draw, leaving them with a valuable point from an intense encounter.
