2-2: UD Almería come from behind twice to draw with Atlético de Madrid at home
The Rojiblancos earned a great point against the Colchoneros and were close to breaking the deadlock in the last play of the game. Luka Romero becomes the match MVP thanks to his incredible brace
UD Almería came from behind twice to draw 2-2 at home with Atlético de Madrid thanks to Luka Romero, who scored both goals for the home side. The Rojiblancos made things very difficult for the guests from the get go, literally, since Someone's side took the lead in the first minute of the match. Garitano's men did not give up and drew level before the end of the opening half. In the second, same story, the Colchoneros went ahead and once again, Luka Romero blasted in the equaliser to salvage a great point on the road. Melero was close to breaking the deadlock in the last play of the match at the Power Horse Stadium.
This Saturday's point would be considered a great achievement against Atlético in a different situation, however, to keep the hope of an almost impossible league survival alive, it is necessary to record victories.
UD Almería head coach Gaizka Garitano made the decision to hand out Luka Romero his first start on the right wing. As for the rest of the Starting XI, the same players occupied the previous spots against Granada CF last weekend. Baptistão and Ramazani were available for selection after having served their respective game bans, but only the Brazilian came on as a substitute towards the end of the second half.
UD Almería were slow out of the traps since in the second minute, Atlético de Madrid took the lead courtesy of Correa's early opener with team-mate Reinildo providing him with a brilliant assist. The Rojiblancos, despite that complete shock, continued with their game plan and tried to equalise as soon as possible. No. 9 Choco Lozano was the one who tried the most, although Luka, who made his UD Almería debut in the best possible way with a stunner booted from the edge of the box that made keeper Oblak's stretch useless, and thus ending a run of five home games without finding the back of the net.
After this leveller, there was no clear dominating side at the Power Horse Stadium, although it was the hosts who put more effort into each play and in each duel despite the attempts to get ahead. It was all square at half-time (1-1).
UD Almería would come out onto the pitch in the second half taking the game to Atlético looking for that second goal that would give them the advantage on the scoreboard, however, a long clearance by Atlético de Madrid was going to trigger the visitors' goal, De Paul collected that rebound and began to run unopposed to the goal, once inside the area, he hit the ball hard with a kick, firing emphatically the ball to the back of the net and making it 1-2.
Despite this hard blow, one more, Garitano's men did not give up and Luka Romero, who was on fire, with the help of Viera, staged a masterful play to level it up again and spark celebrations among the more than 14,000 supporters rooting for their team in the stands.
The squad, coaching staff and fans believed in themselves...What if today were the day? Yet again, the game would end like many others. Unfortunately, Melero squandered a big chance in the last play, but his shot was blocked by Oblak who prevented the Rojiblancos from achieving their first victory of this season.
