3-1: Second victory on the bounce for UD Almería!

Head coach Rubi had already said it in the pre-match conference and confirmed it in the post-Albacete presser: 'I don't trust my team.' And it is no wonder since UD Almería are not only capable of the best, but also the worst. Two faces that were clearly seen in this mid-week meeting at the UD Almería Stadium. What matters is that a new victory has been notched up, the second on the bounce, something that did not happen for two and a half years. Unbelievable! 

 

Furthermore, the Rojiblancos continue to climb up the table as they are now closer to the play-offs zone to move up to Primera division than the perilous drop zone. UD Almería's attacking potential is limitless. With top scorer Luis Suárez, who found the back of the net again; with Leo Baptistao who grabbed a brilliant brace, with Sergio Arribas, with Nico Melamed... but when it comes down to defensive tasks, they still lack effectiveness.

 

Albacete Balompié were troubled from the off and even had a goal disallowed for offsides, yet soon the Indálicos took the lead with a quick transition full of quality that Leo Baptistao converted after receiving a magical backheel pass from peer Luis Suárez.

 

It was the 14th minute and things seemed to have started well..., but the reality was very different; so much so that many, many difficulties were experienced. In the 25th minute, Alba found the leveller through a play in which Marchan entered the area from the wing as if he were competing at home. From then on, Fernando put on the gloves to make the best saves inside 28, 29 and 31 minutes, and thus preventing the Albacetistas from taking the lead. 

 

UD Almería were kind of weak as they looked incapable of blocking the collective and daring plays by the La Mancha outfit, but also of attacking with confidence, while the 'artillery' waited up front without ammunition. It was honours even at half-time (1-1).

 

At the beginning of the second half, Rubi brought Arnau Puigmal and Melero in. The Catalan player replaced Nico Melamed and was positioned on the right wing, whereas the Madrid-born took over Radovanovic's spot, so Edgar left the midfield to place himself in defence along with Chumi. Things changed completely. Although it started with a scare, three minutes after the restart Arnau Puigmal put it on a plate for Leo Baptistao, who made it 2-1. 

 

UD Almería gained momentum. They had more possession of the ball and played with excellent quality and fluidity in their game. They kept engineering chances. Meanwhile, they no longer suffered at the back. They commanded and as a result, the boys ended up getting it back on track with a great goal at the hands of Luis Suárez. He shot to the far post and found the match-winning goal. It was 3-1 when the final whistle was blown, although Arnau Puigmal and Sergio Arribas were close to extending their lead.