3-0: UD Almería put in a show as they win 'Juan Rojas Memorial' Trophy
The Rojiblancos, without Nico Melamed and Arribas, thrashed Al-Nassr FC without Cristiano Ronaldo, who followed the international friendly from a box. Good vibes and a spectacular firework display in an emotional football evening
UD Almería won the Juan Rojas Memorial Trophy that the Club has reorganised this year. The hosts put in a show to thrash Al-Nassr FC with Cristiano Ronaldo in the box, where Nico Melamed and Sergio Arribas were also present due to some muscle discomfort. The absence of these players could have come as a disappointment, but soon the UD Almería Stadium, with a crowd of 14,000 supporters began to enjoy the match with UD Almería bossing things.
The game kicked off with plenty of end-to-end activity, but the hosts were all grit and determination to outplay the powerful Saudi Arabian side. They knew how to control the game and create threatening situations in the final third. Luis Suárez, in the 32nd minute, and Kaiky, in the 33rd minute, were about to open the scoring 1-0, which however came in the 34th minute. Léo Baptistão put in a cross and central defender Lajami scored an own goal.
No gifts were needed. UD Almería were in the ascendancy towards the break. Once again, the Brazilian player made his presence known by producing a well-timed assist that Luis Suárez picked up to double their lead 2-0 at half-time.
Head coach Rubi made two substitutions to his Starting XI in the second half. The Indálicos dominated and took the initiative, they played good football, and 59 minutes in, Baptistão was denied by Al-Nassr's keeper. After that corner-kick taken on the hour mark, César Montes headed into the back of the net.
The score was 3-0, but the fourth goal could have also arrived. However, the numerous changes in both teams, absolutely necessary in the pre-season, prevented more fluidity in the game. Anyway, it is about taking the friendly as seriously as the Rojiblancos would a normal LaLiga Hypermotion fixture. The opening-day trip to Santander takes place next weekend.
March information:
UD Almería: Fernando; Arnau Puigmal (Pozo, 45'), Kaiky (Chumi, 73'), César Montes (Radovanovic, 80'), Bruno Langa (Centelles, 73'); Edgar (Baba, 73'), Robertone (Marcos Peña, 61'); Léo Baptistão (Valen, 73'), Melero (Lopy, 45"), Ramazani (Rachad, 61'); and Luis Suárez (Koné, 80').
Al-Nassr FC: Nawaf, Sultan, Lajami, Amri, Telles, Otavio, Mara, Brozovic, Ayman, Mané, Mohamed Maran. Najjar, Awad, Fatil, Mukhtar, Ali Hassan, Majeed, Ghareeb, Hagawi and Mishari also played.
Referee: José Antonio Sánchez Villalobos, from the Andalusian Referees association (Almeria). Al-Nassr FC players Lajami and Mishari were yellow carded.
Goals: 1-0 (34'). Lajami's own goal after a cross from Baptistão. 2-0 (40'). Luis Suárez receives the ball from the Brazilian and dribbles past two opponents due to speed and quality to beat the visitor goalkeeper on his way out. 3-0 (60'). César Montes scores from a corner.
Observations: 7th pre-season game for UD Almería in the Juan Rojas Memorial Trophy. Before the match, Club Managing Director Mohamed El Assy presented a commemorative plaque to the sons of the former AD Almería captain, Juan and David. In addition, his grandson, Dani Ortiz Rojas, took the honorary kick-off. At half-time, there was a live performance by Chico Castillo by 'The Gipsy'. In the end, El Assy and Juan Rojas' children, presented the champion trophy to UD Almería. A spectacular fireworks display closed out a great day of international football.
