2-3: UD Almería gear themselves up for next season with win over San Fernando CD

UD Almería continue gearing up in the pre-season as they took on San Fernando CD at the Iberoamericano 2010 Stadium located in this Cadiz-based town, clinching a 2-3 victory with goals from Dyego Sousa, Appiah and UD Almería ‘B’ youngster Rojas. It was another good test against high-pressing adversaries whose attitude was really positive.

Rubi chose a Starting XI with players from last season, after the debut, the day before, of some of the signings made this summer. Fernando, Alex Centelles and Portillo were handed out starting spots for the first time in their training camp given that none of them played against Córdoba CF. The Rojiblancos came flying out of traps and put high pressure on their opponents. Five minutes later, Dyego Sousa put UD Almeria in front although shortly after CD San Fernando pulled his side back level since the Indalicos defense made a hurdle. This goal led to the hosts, dominated by Rubi’s side, to take more initiative.

Little by little, the Rojiblancos took back control of the game and once again commanded, being close to scoring the second goal in the 33rd minute after a brilliant combination between Pozo and Portillo. The winger raced up the flank, produced a lovely assist, although the Sevillian tried to finish the play, but a defender deflected the ball in for a corner-kick.

UD Almería finished the first period having more ball possession. As a consequence, it was 1-2 through Appiah after picking up an assist from Dyego Sousa, who shortly after put it on a plate for Samú Costa, however his shot would be blocked by a player from San Fernando CD. The visitors were actually brilliant over the last minutes.

The same starters remained at the start of the second half, but an unfortunate injury sustained by Pozo triggered the first changes inside 56 minutes, bringing in Mendes, Maraš , Kaiky, Ramazani and Sadiq. A few minutes before, after 51 minutes, the lads from San Fernando equalised thanks to a shot by Gabri Martínez from the edge of the box even though UD Almería commanded on the field keeping the ball for longer periods and regaining the initiative in the game.

Although the UD Almeria head coach rang the changes and his footballers continued to put on an invigorated display, the hosts also kept the pressure on top and put a huge effort into playing at home and facing top-tier opponents.

UD Almeria ‘B’ youngster Rojas, who is joining the first-team in this pre-season training camp, broke the deadlock to make it 2-3 in the 81st minute with a thumping shot from an angle that beat the San Fernando keeper. It was just another good pre-season test for the Rojiblancos because although the Andalusian home team competes in the third-tier Primera Division RFEF, they took the game to the visitors like Cordoba CF did last Saturday.

Match Information:

San Fernando CD: Ismael Falcón, Manu Farrando, Dani Molina, Jonathan Biabiany, Goyo Medina, Ilyas Chaira, Javi Navarro, Lanchi Cabrera, Rubén del Campo, Bicho and José Carlos Ramírez. Marcelo, Raúl Caballero, Ayala, Antonio Marín, Jon Ceberio, Gabri Martínez, Juanmi Callejón, David Ramos, Antonio Caballero and Luis Ruiz also played.

UD Almería: Fernando, Pozo (Mendes, 56’), Chumi (Maraš 56’), Babić (Kaiky, 65’), Alex Centelles (Cuenca, 75’), Samú Costa (Curro, 75’), Eguaras (Robertone 75’), Portillo (Gui Guedes, 68’), Arnau Puigmal (Rojas, 68’), Appiah (Ramazani, 56’) and Dyego Sousa (Sadiq, 56’).

Referee: Manuel Camacho from the Cordoba Referees School. The match official booked Antonio Marín, from CD San Fernando.

Goals: 0-1 (5’). Dyego Sousa picking up Arnau Puigmal’s assist. 1-1 (14’): Rubén del Campo finishes off a cross from a wide position. 1-2 (40’). Dyego Sousa assisted Appiah. 2-2 (51’). Gabri Martínez with a low driven shot. 2-3 (81’). Rojas with a very powerful shot.

Observations: Third pre-season match for UD Almería, played at the Iberoamericano 2010 Stadium located in the Cadiz-based town of San Fernando.