3-0: Almería will have to pull off the heroic on Saturday
An early goal in two minutes takes the Rojiblancos out of the game
After succumbing to a 3-0 reverse at the hands of Girona FC in the play-off semi-final first leg for promotion to LaLiga Santander, UD Almeria will have to pull off the heroic on Saturday if they want to continue dreaming of reaching the top flight in Spain. The Rojiblancos were taken out of the game when the Blanc-i-vermells were ahead after two minutes and shortly after, the hosts doubled their lead before half time. There were quite a few inaccuracies that ended up leading to a tough defeat, so the Indálicos are now forced to score three goals, at least, in the second leg at Juegos Mediterraneos in order to progress to the play-off final.
Defensive midfielder César de la Hoz, after his dazzling skills on the pitch over the final stretch of the league, was placed in the midfield as the main change within the starting XI. The rest of the line-up was made up of keeps Makaridze, Balliu, Maraš, Chumi, Akieme, Morlanes, Carvalho, Ramazani, Lazo and Sadiq.
UD Almeria were slow out of the traps. It was probably the worst start they could ever imagine, since in just four minutes they were trailing 2-0 before the break. Although it could become a much more chaotic situation when goalie Makaridze stopped the opposition from settling the game by slamming in the third within quarter of an hour.
The obvious disadvantage seemed impossible to overcome, however the visitors continued to push forward in search of a comeback. The UD Almería grew a little into the game under the Montilivi lights, approaching the final third a few times, yet the players did not manage to convert their chances caused by a lack of passing and pinpoint accuracy.
Already in the second half, Rubi looked for alternatives with the additions of Aketxe and Samú who came on for team-mates Maraš and Carvalho. Both substitutions were made before the restart. A few minutes later Corpas took over Lazo. Much to the boys’ regret, despite these changes, the arrival of 3-0 was imminent. It was minute 64 and opponent Sylla drilled the third home to kill off the game.
Time was ticking away with UD Almería having more ball possession and reaching the box on several occasions, but not with enough danger to put the goalkeeper of the team led by Francisco to the test.
The final whistle confirmed the Rojiblancos’ defeat in the play-off semi-final first leg after conceding three goals. UD Almeria will have to pull off the heroic at Juegos Mediterraneos on Saturday if they want to get through to the final. Scoring three goals at home would take the match into extra time. Rubi’s men would seal passage to the next round if the score remained 3-0, while a goal from Girona FC would force the Rojiblancos to win by a difference of four goals.