1-3: UD Almería’s strong display goes unrewarded in Valladolid
The Rojiblancos suffer from bad luck and controversial decisions despite dominant performance
UD Almería delivered an impressive performance but were cruelly punished by bad luck and contentious VAR calls in their latest LaLiga Hypermotion clash against Real Valladolid CF. Despite dominating large portions of the match, the Rojiblancos returned home with nothing to show for their efforts, suffering their second consecutive defeat of the season.
Rubi made several adjustments to his starting XI, most notably handing Nelson Monte his debut in central defence alongside Bonini after recovering from injury. Chirino stepped in at right-back, while Stefan Dzodic joined Gui Guedes in midfield due to the absences of Lopy and Baba.
Facing a defensively solid Valladolid CF side that had conceded just one goal all season, UD Almería knew they were up against tough adversaries. However, the visitors controlled the game with impressive fluidity and creativity in attack.
Despite their dominance, UD Almería were dealt a harsh blow when a deflected cross from Valladolid found Marcos André, who headed home to put the hosts 1-0 ahead. The goal came at a time when the guests were arguably the better team, leaving them feeling hard done by.
In the 27th minute, Bonini thought he had equalised when he nodded in a free-kick from Arribas. But after a long VAR review, the goal was ruled out, leaving the visitors frustrated.
With the match on a knife-edge, goalkeeper Andrés Fernández produced a brilliant save to deny Valladolid a second goal just before half-time. Meanwhile, at the other end, UD Almería came close once more, with Nelson Monte testing the goalkeeper from a free-kick.
The second period started with Valladolid CF looking more dangerous, but UD Almería soon regained control. In the 72nd minute, Arnau’s corner led to a blocked shot from Alex Muñoz and the ref awarded a penalty for a foul on the Almería player. Arribas stepped up and converted to bring the score level at 1-1.
As the game intensified, UD Almería came close to taking the lead when Arnau Puigmal’s shot rattled the crossbar in the 78th minute. However, it was Valladolid who regained the advantage in the 88th minute, after a controversial handball by Bonini in the penalty box. VAR confirmed the decision, and Latasa made no mistake from the spot.
UD Almería threw everything forward in the dying minutes, desperate to salvage a point, but Valladolid capitalised on their defensive lapses. In the 99th minute, the home side sealed the win with a third goal, making it 3-1 and leaving UD Almería with nothing despite their hard-fought efforts.
Once again, Rubi’s men were left to rue the luck that seemed to elude them, as they saw a promising performance go unrewarded in a harsh reality.
