3-2: A tough evening on the road for Almeria against Cartagena
The Rojiblancos’ truly outstanding attacking talent was spoilt by three costly mistakes
UD Almería do not want their promotion dream to end in a nightmare, however the Rojiblancos experienced a tough evening after three costly mistakes gifted FC Cartagena a great victory celebrated by their excited fans in the stands. Despite the Almeria players put in a commanding performance and showed a truly outstanding attacking talent equalising twice, De Blasis’ penalty won it eventually for FC Cartagena (3-2).
Head coach Rubi rang the changes at the Cartagonova stadium. The defence was completely different while Samú Costa and Robertone were drafted in for the away game. Makaridze; Aitor Buñuel, Ivanildo, Maras, Centelles, Samú, Morlanes, Robertone, Ramazani, Lazo and Sadiq Umar took on FC Cartagena.
For the first time since the coronavirus outbreak, the UD Almeria first-team played as visitors in front of a reduced capacity crowd. It was an end-to-end affair between both sides including Ramazani’s goal disallowed for offside. The Rojiblancos were about to put themselves in front, but Morlanes failed to finish after a corner-kick, unlike Rubén Castro, who beat Makaridze inside 40 minutes (1-0).
Not happy with that setback, Sadiq Umar levelled on the brink of half-time by heading Samú Costa's cross. It was level at the break (1-1), although the joy of UD Almería would not last long when the second half arrived. After coming on, Rubén Castro made it 2-1 taking advantage of an unwanted clearance from Ivanildo.
Once again, the visiting team had to hold on to its attacking talent and dug deep to draw level once more. After Sadiq's blazing run, the Nigerian striker was tackled dangerously within the box and Largie Ramazani converted from the spot (2-2).
After a sublime save by keeper Makaridze, Rubi decided to restructure the defence looking for a breath of fresh air. Cuenca and Balliu took the places of Ivanildo and Buñuel. Shortly after, with more attacking intentions, João Carvalho came on for Robertone.
It was the 78th minute when the Georgian goalie attempted to dribble an attacker inside the area who ended up knocked down. The ref saw it in the VAR and awarded the hosts a clear penalty. De Blasis was in charge of converting from 12 yards to restore their lead on home soil (3-2).
The third costly mistake gifted FC Cartagena all three points, what means that UD Almeria’s third place in the table is now at risk.