2-3: UD Almería come back from two-behind but cannot avoid defeat
Good first forty-five minutes for the Rojiblancos and great ability to pull themselves back level in the second period.
UD Almería performed at a good level in their fifth pre-season friendly and after a brilliant first half, in which they reigned superior against Granada CF, a side that will fight in the second-tier to return to the top flight, in the second the Rojiblancos had to come back from behind twice. The adversaries broke the deadlock in the last minute to win a match that was a great warm-up game.
UD Almería played a spirited first half against Granada CF with a Starting XI in which Puigmal's position on the right flank was surprising; an unusual spot for him in the squad, although he had already played it during his time in England. The link-up duo between Arnau and Portillo on the right wing was the one that created more attacks. The UD Almeria lads, with an active Gui Guedes in the midfield together with César de la Hoz, were well organised, displayed a solid defense and whipped in big chances that were spurned unfortunately.
Over the course of the second half, at the beginning, Milovanović came on, who was making his debut with UD Almeria. The Serbian player replaced Gui Guedes and played up front teaming up with Dyego Sousa. The UD Almeria team mustered up the courage because on minutes 51 and 53, Granada CF took the lead with with two goals from Petrovic and Almeria-born player Puertas.
With 63 minutes on clock, UD Almería grew back into the game and Robertone pulled one back though a penalty. After the substitutions, the Indalicos boosted their good vibes. Eguaras, from the edge of the box area scored an unstoppable thunderbolt and equalised. The Navarra native midfielder inspired his team to step up the momentum, who began to take more initiative and engineered more chances but in the last minute, Granada CF scored to restore their lead (2-3).
It was a good test for the Indalicos considering their strong opponents, their brilliant first half and their ability to stage a comeback despite losing 2-3 when the match was over.
Match information:
UD Almería: Fernando, Arnau Puigmal, Rodrigo Ely, Maras, Akieme, César de la Hoz, Gui Guedes, Portillo, Lazo, Robertone and Dyego Sousa. Milovanović, Eguaras, Pozo, Curro and Svidersky came on in the second half.
Granada CF: Ferreira, Ricard, Miki Bosch, Youness, Jonathan Silva, Bodiger, Petrovic, Soro, Uzuni, Puertas and Arezo. Raúl Fernández, Callejón, Miguel Rubio and Quini also played.
Referee: Jorge Figueroa Vázquez from the Andalusian Referees School.
Goals: 0-1 (51'). Petrovic, after Puertas' assist. 0-2 (53'). Antoni Puertas. 1-2: (63'). Robertone, penalty. (65'). Eguaras scored an unstoppable thunderbolt from the edge of the box. 2-3: (90'). Miguel Rubio found the back of the net inside the area.
Observations: Fifth pre-season friendly for UD Almería and last of their training camp in Montecastillo.