2-3: UD Almería endure first league defeat to Racing Santander
The Rojiblancos squander 2-0 lead as the Cántabros mount sensational comeback
UD Almería experienced their first defeat of the LaLiga Hypermotion season, falling 2-3 at home to Racing de Santander. The Rojiblancos led 2-0 at half-time, but a pivotal red card for Lopy in the 27th minute shifted the momentum, with the visitors completing a 2-3 remarkable comeback.
Head coach Rubi made a surprise call with his starting XI, notably selecting Baba to partner Bonini in central defence. Baba, making his first appearance in 9 months following a serious injury, put in an impressive performance. In midfield, Lopy partnered with Gui Guedes, while the attacking trio of Adrián Embarba, Sergio Arribas, and Nico Melamed supported No.9 Léo Baptistão.
UD Almería began the match with energy and intent, dominating both possession and chances. Inside the opening 18 minutes, they were 2-0 up thanks to goals courtesy from Embarba and Melamed. The home side was in control, looking set to add to their lead. However, the game turned in the 27th minute when Lopy was shown a straight red card for an alleged stamp on an opponent, leading to protests from the hosts.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, UD Almería showed resilience and continued to threaten. Melamed came close to making it 3-0 in the 33rd minute, and in the 43rd, Baptistão missed a clear chance that would have put the Indálicos further in control.
At the start of the second half, Rubi introduced Selvi to solidify the midfield, while Racing opted for 3 bold attacking changes. One of those substitutions, opponent Jeremy, proved to be crucial, scoring a stunning brace within just one minute. The first came in the 57th minute, as he capitalised on a challenge to Baba, before following up with a rebound from the UD Almería goalkeeper in the 58th.
The game was now level at 2-2, but the Cántabros sensed their opportunity and continued to push forward, exploiting the spaces left by the home side. Although the Rojiblancos kept pressing for a third, it was Racing who took the lead in the 75th minute. A free-kick from the right flank found debutant Gustavo Puerta, who rose to head home at the far post, making it 2-3.
Despite late pressure, UD Almería did not manage to find a way back and the guests held on for a dramatic win. The result was a bitter blow for the hosts, who despite playing a man down, had looked in control until Racing de Santander’s stunning second-half turnaround.
