2-2: UD Almería fight back twice to salvage a point at Anduva
Rubi’s injury-hit side showed resilience against bottom-team CD Mirandés but paid the price for defensive lapses and wasteful finishing in Miranda de Ebro. It was the last fixture of the first half of the campaign
UD Almería wrapped up the first half of the season with a hard-earned 2–2 draw away to bottom-placed CD Mirandés at the Anduva Stadium, coming from behind twice in a contest marked by defensive errors and missed opportunities. An 86th-minute penalty from Sergio Arribas rescued a point for the Rojiblancos, who arguably had enough chances to claim all 3.
Still hampered by injuries, head coach Rubi was forced into changes from the previous Matchday, particularly at the back following Pedro Fidel’s setback. Álex Muñoz slotted into central defence alongside Nelson Monte, allowing Centelles to start at left-back. In midfield, Dzôdić partnered Baba, while Thalys led the line alongside Léo Baptistão, who had only just returned from Brazil.
As Rubi had warned beforehand, the gap between the two sides in the table was never going to be reflected on the pitch, especially with CD Mirandés back at home. The hosts struck first in the 10th minute when Hugo Novoa delivered a teasing cross from the right flank and January signing Javi Hernández slipped between Nelson and Baba to finish past Andrés Fernández, much to the UD Almería bench’s dismay.
The early opener stunned the visitors, who were wearing their second kit, but they gradually settled and began to dominate possession. Despite moving the ball well in advanced areas, they struggled to find their usual sharpness in front of goal.
Their persistence paid off after 35 minutes. From a corner, Arribas’ delivery led to a rebound off the post and Álex Muñoz was quickest to react beautifully turning home to make it 1-1. UD Almería finished the half strongly, pushing for a second before the break.
The Jabato team emerged with renewed energy after the restart, pressing with greater intensity. With 51 minutes on the clock, Andrés Fernández produced a superb save to deny Carlos Fernández’s header, keeping the score level. Moments later, however, the hosts regained the lead. Javi Hernández was again afforded too much space on the edge of the box and curled a precise effort inside the post, registering UD Almería’s 30th goal conceded in the league.
The Catalan gaffer responded on 71 minutes with a triple change, introducing Marcos Luna, Arnau Puigmal and André Horta. The reshuffle saw Arribas move centrally behind Thalys in a 4-2-3-1, giving the visitors greater attacking impetus, though CD Mirandés remained dangerous on the counter.
Further attacking intent arrived in the 79th minute when Perović replaced Centelles. The Indálicos then laid siege to the home penalty area and finally drew level again in the 86th minute. Arribas was brought down in the box and confidently converted the resulting penalty himself (2-2).
With momentum firmly on their side, the Rojiblancos pushed for a late winner and camped inside CD Mirandés territory during the 5 minutes of added time.
Despite their dominance, the decisive goal would not come and the spoils were ultimately shared in a frustrating but resilient display from Rubi’s side up north.