3-0: UD Almería hack Cádiz CF's system

UD Almería broke down Cádiz CF’s previously impenetrable defence with a commanding 3-0 victory, continuing their impressive run with a 5th consecutive home win. This result extends their unbeaten streak to 8 league fixtures, highlighting a team in fine form, firing on all cylinders and showing no signs of slowing down. Competition for places is fierce and their attacking quality continues to make all the difference.

The visitors came out with an early game plan to strike quickly, despite being the away team. UD Almería’s first attack turned into their first real chance, with De la Rosa taking advantage of Chirino’s fall to find himself in a one-on-one with Andrés Fernández. The keeper, who had already been kept busy, responded brilliantly, diving right and extending his left leg to block a shot aimed at the far post, denying Cádiz CF a lead. Aznar’s reflexes were crucial in keeping the score level, as he kept his team in the game with another vital save.

While possession was theirs, the Amarillo outfit lacked the sharpness to make it count. Pelayo tried to orchestrate play through the middle, but Thalys was alert to the situation. The Brazilian, making his first start, shed his ‘L’ plate and earned his stripes with a clinical performance. Cool and composed in front of the centre-back, he forced a hesitation in the pass to Arribas, then swiftly shook off his marker and slotted the ball home from the edge of the box. It was precise, decisive and opportunistic, an outstanding first start for Thalys. With Arribas to his right and the Stadium's attention on him, he was unfazed. The Brazilian opened the scoring just before the 15-minute mark, getting off the mark and taking his side one step closer to victory.

Cádiz CF's response came quickly, with a double chance around the 23rd minute. A free-kick from Suso on the edge of the box was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Andrés Fernández and a spectacular header from Diarra narrowly grazed the right post. Both sides threatened in an open, end-to-end affair, with pawns in the centre and wingers pushing forward. The game was wide open, teetering on the edge of collapse.

Rubi made 4 changes to his line-up: Centelles, Arnau, Guedes and Thalys compared to their previous two fixtures. This gave UD Almería the chance to refine their distinctive style of play, which continues to be a standout in LaLiga Hypermotion. Their performance gradually improved, and just before the half-time whistle, they nearly doubled their lead. A corner-kick found Bonini, who powered a header toward goal with hammer-like precision. But Aznar pulled off a reflex save, denying Bonini with a spectacular piece of goalkeeping that kept Cádiz CF’s hopes alive.

In the first 45 minutes, the Submarino Amarillo defence, having kept 8 clean sheets prior to this match and widely regarded as one of the toughest in the league, was finally breached by Rubi’s men. This was the 14th time UD Almería had scored in every match of the season, underlining their attacking consistency.

At half-time, Rubi was forced into a substitution, bringing on Baba for the booked Lopy. The next 45 minutes would prove decisive and it came in the 62nd minute when a corner-kick led to García Pascual handling the ball in the box. The decision was clear in real time and confirmed by VAR, awarding UD Almería a penalty. Arribas took the first attempt, but it was ruled a retake due to an encroachment from a Cádiz CF player. Unfazed, Arribas confidently stepped up again and this time found the back of the net, doubling his team’s lead to 2-0 and bringing his personal tally to 7 for the season.

The final blow came on 81 minutes from none other than Adrián Embarba, determined to add another goal to his impressive collection of high-impact performances. The captain stepped up for a free-kick from a dangerous position, caressing the ball around the wall and into the top corner, leaving Aznar with no chance. It was another trademark ‘Embarba moment’, a moment of brilliance that sealed the game.

The move that led to the goal had started just 3 minutes earlier, when Embarba won back possession with a superb recovery, perfectly encapsulating his style of play. 

This was UD Almería's 5th back-to-back home win and their 9th and a half match unbeaten, including the Copa del Rey. From September to mid-November, the Indálicos, with their clear attacking intent, have grown in confidence and continue to deliver impressive defensive performances.