3-1: Automatic promotion slips away

UD Almería missed out on automatic promotion to LaLiga EA Sports after Deportivo La Coruña’s victory in Valladolid, while Rubi’s side also failed to get the result they needed, falling 3-1 to Sporting Gijón at El Molinón Stadium.

Despite the defeat, the damage was limited as results elsewhere allowed the Rojiblancos to remain 3rd in the standings ahead of the final fixture of the season. At various stages of the afternoon, however, UD Almería dropped as low as 5th in the live table before Málaga CF and UD Las Palmas also slipped up.

Head coach Rubi made 4 changes to his starting XI due to several important absences, while also welcoming back Lopy following suspension. The Senegalese midfielder partnered Dzôdić in the centre of midfield, while Chirino and Nelson Monte replaced the suspended Marcos Luna and Bonini in defence. Further forward, Jon Morcillo came in for Baptistão, with Embarba switching to the right flank.

UD Almería started confidently, dominating possession and moving the ball with purpose. The visitors looked sharp in the opening stages and appeared to control the tempo, but the match changed dramatically in the 12th minute.

A familiar defensive lapse allowed opponent Corredera to deliver a cross from the left and Otero headed Sporting into the lead from within the area. 10 minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage on the counter-attack when Gelabert’s delivery toward Otero was turned into his own net by Chirino.

The visitors struggled to respond before the break and were fortunate not to concede further goals, with Andrés Fernández producing several important saves to keep the Indálicos in the contest.

The Catalan gaffer reacted at half-time with a triple substitution, introducing Centelles, André Horta and Baptistão. The changes brought renewed energy, and UD Almería emerged with greater intensity and attacking intent.

The visitors nearly pulled one back moments after the restart when Alex Muñoz’s close-range effort was brilliantly saved following a dangerous set-piece delivery from Embarba. At the other end, Andrés Fernández once again came to the rescue to deny the Asturianos on the counter-attack.

UD Almería’s persistence was rewarded in the 56th minute when Miguel de la Fuente reduced the deficit after good work from Chirino, giving the guests renewed hope with plenty of time remaining.

The game opened up as Rubi’s side pushed forward in search of an equaliser, taking greater risks and leaving spaces behind. Dzódic came agonisingly close in the 78th minute with a powerful strike that crashed against the crossbar.

However, Sporting sealed the victory eight minutes from time when Pablo Vázquez headed home from a corner to make it 3-1 and bring an end to UD Almería’s hopes of automatic promotion.

Attention now turns to the final Matchday, when UD Almería will look to secure 3rd place and head into the promotion play-offs with momentum.