3-1: Impossible to win a road game

Winning away from home has become impossible for UD Almería. For one reason or another, they are struggling in their road matches and in a particularly difficult way because the defeat against Granada CF is their fourth away loss in this second half of the season, with all the consequences that this entails, as their chances of fighting for promotion are being reduced. At the Nuevo Los Cármenes Stadium, UD Almería played a good game. Yes, they played well and when they were at their best after drawing, everything went downhill in just 6 minutes. In Albacete, their performance was poor; in La Coruña, pretty much the same; in Burgos too, however in Granada, they were not bad at all, and they lost in the same way. 

 

Head coach Rubi picked out a starting XI very similar to the one that beat Levante UD on the last Matchday. In fact, the only change was bringing on Léo Baptistão for Arnau Puigmal, with the Brazilian playing in the centre channel alongside Luis Suárez. 

 

The planned match plan fell apart when Granada CF took the lead in the 9th minute through a penalty converted by Lucas Boyé. Things became more complicated in a match of utmost importance for UD Almería's aspirations.

 

Despite the blow, Rubi's side had more possession, took the initiative and advanced with fluidity in their game. However, they were unable to finish their attacks, which catapulted the home side into attack with quick transitions. It was a  first half with plenty of end-to-end activity most of the time and with Indálicos bossing more in other spells, although lacking pinpoint precision despite their non-stop attempts. 

 

The second half couldn't have started any better because before the first minute of play was up, Melero, inside the box, finished off a brilliant cross that started on the right flank. UD Almería had come out determined to turn the game around and they showed it. They played good football with intensity, determination and grit. 

 

Léo Baptistão, in the 51st minute, and Luis Suárez in the 56th, wasted two clear chances, but Granada CF's goalkeeper, Mariño, prevented the Indálicos from taking the lead through spectacular saves and excellent reflexes. However, everything changed surprisingly in just 6 minutes. With 78 minutes on the clock, Gonzalo Villar fired a rocket from outside the box that broke the deadlock (2-1) and sent the Nuevo Los Cármenes Stadium into euphoria. 

 

The Nazaríes put themselves in front while the Rojiblancos suffered the setback. Shortly after, inside 84 minutes, Miguel Rubio headed in a free-kick taken by Granadinista Trigueros within the box. The road match was over (3-1) and Rubi's men left empty-handed.