2-2: UD Almería 'B' draw with Real Jaén and everything will be decided in second leg
The UDA Academy prospects, with goals from Josema and Valen, took the lead twice, but the rivals, demonstrating their experience, managed to equalise the match
UD Almería 'B' were unable to move on from a 2-2 draw against Real Jaén in a match in which they took the lead on two occasions, but saw their rivals equalise. A tie that would allow Real Jaén to pass the tie by being better positioned in the regular season. If the match was an end-to-end activity, there would be extra time, but no penalties was the best fit the opponents. Alberto Lasarte's side started the match very well, demonstrating clear intentions and reflecting on the pitch the work done during the week, especially in relation to possession and high pressing.
The home team handled the ball well from side to side, with Marcos Peña directing his team-mates and distributing the play. However, the first dangerous chance was for Real Jaén. After a corner, Paco Sanz cleared a shot from close range inside the box. From that moment on, UD Almería 'B' intensified their attack and the arrivals of the young Rojiblancos became more frequent, although without generating too much danger in the visiting goal. Despite the hosts' attempts, the result at half-time was 0-0.
In the second half, the script of the first forty-five minutes was maintained, with the Indálicos keeping the ball and trying to get closer to the opposing goal, however, Jaén after 60 minutes increased one more gear and began to cause concern.
Bruno Iribarne's goal that repelled all threats, but UD Almería 'B' realised it, they also changed their rhythm and in the 67th minute, Valen managed to give a great assist to Josema so that he, inside the area, finished to beat the visitors goalie and put the Rojiblancos un front. Despite this goal, the visitors did not collapse and just a couple of minutes later they equalised through Adri Paz.
It was a hard blow for the Rojiblancos, but little by little they began to shake off that bucket of cold water and continued with their game plan, calmly and knowing what they were doing at all times. That was when, in the 82nd minute, Aarón assisted Valen, so that, with a header, he beat Javi Sánchez, the Real Jaén goalkeeper.
UD Almería 'B' managed to break the deadlock with less than 10 minutes to go, although, despite this once again, the guests, demonstrating what a veteran and experienced team they are, would tie again in injury time. A blow for the Indálicos who saw how the victory eluded them in the final minutes.
Match information:
UD Almería 'B': Bruno, Peñalver, Paco Sanz, René Pérez, Aarón Romero, Marcos Peña, Joan (Josema. 62'), Cantón (Marsu. 83'), Luis Lara (Valen. 53'), Hugo Neves and Marezi ( Rachad. 62').
Real Jaén CF: Javi Sánchez, Urtzi, Pablo de Castro, Javi Moyano, Mauro, Álvaro Muñiz, Adri Paz, Mario Martos (Óscar Lozano. 79'), Fernando (Carlos. Min 72), Migue García (Montiel. 90+4') and Juanma Porro.
Goals: 1-0 66' Josema. 1-1 ,68' Adri Paz. 2-1 82' Valen. 2-2, 90' Óscar Lozano.
Referees: Manuel Polaino Redondo. Rachad was booked by UD Almería 'B'
Observations: First leg match of the semi-final of the play off for promotion to Segunda RFEF within Group IX of Tercera RFEF played at the Power Horse Stadium in the presence of around 5,000 fans
