3-0: UD Almería's plan to win at San Mamés goes pear-shaped
The Rojiblancos were haunted and daunted against mighty Athletic Club de Bilbao and slumped to a bitter defeat. UD Almería B youngster Marciano made his senior debut in Primera Division
UD Almería 'B' gaffer Alberto Lasarte, who continues in the driving seat of the senior team until a new head coach is appointed, stated that the team needed so badly to take weight off their chests. They had failed to gain redemption for dark days of negative results, bad luck, unfortunate injuries.. and he explained that the players just had to focus squarely on the game to be played at the San Mamés Stadium...but in such a difficult stage to beat mighty Athletic Club de Bilbao, it was shown that it was impossible to coupon-busting this Friday. UD Almeria tried their hardest, there is no doubt about it. They competed better than they did in Seville. The lads were commanding at times, but were haunted and daunted in the end as they conceded another three goals yet again.
Interim coach Alberto Lasarte changed the formation in Bilbao and also named new players in the teamsheet. A back four was maintained with the presence of right-back Mendes; ahead a double pivot with Baba and Lopy, a line of three formed by Embarba, Melero and Ramazani just behind No. 9 Koné. The game plan proposed by the interim coach went pear-shaped in the blink of an eye since after 9 minutes, Guruzeta opened the scoring after dribbling past Kaiky when team-mates Yuri put it on a plate with an excellent lob assist.
The Indálicos were slow out of the traps and what happened in Seville could have been foreshadowed, however it didn't go down that road, because unlike at the Sánchez Pizjuán, UD Almería toughed it up on this occasion. They competed fiercely with more defensively discipline against a spirited attacking display at the hands of Athletic Club, who fashioned more chances to extend their lead. There was no attacking threats despite some attempts as the Indálicos struggled to crack the midfield combination and the pressure from the hosts did ruin the visitors' build-up play. Only when they were looking for quick transitions did UD Almería show clearer ideas, although without extreme danger. The Rojiblancos were trailing 1-0 at the break.
Half-time: Athletic Club de Bilbao 1-0 UD Almería
UD Almería, with this fine margin on the scoreboard, got back into the game and had a good start to the second period. In fact, they were more diligent with the ball and in the 52nd minute, Melero and Chumi narrowly missed finishing off a free-kick taken by Embarba. However, a bit later, within 62 minutes....Athletic doubled their lead (2-0) when Dani García headed in, alone, at the far post, a cross from the right flank booted by De Marcos. It was the beginning of the end for UD Almería.
Lasarte's side was overwhelmed time and time again by Los Leones and the subs introduced, including 'B' team starlet Marciano, who debuted in the Spanish Primera Division, did not solve anything. In the 80th minute, Sancet took advantage of a rebound inside the box to make it 3-0 and sealing a brilliant triumph, although the defeat could have been even bigger with a poker of goals due to the glut of opportunities that Athletic Club had. Keeper Maximiano, in several risky situations, prevented their advantage from being extended through big saves.
Full-time: Athletic Club de Bilbao 3-0 UD Almería
