3-3: A grossly unfair result for UD Almeria
The Rojiblancos shared the spoils with CD Lugo, who performed effectively and pulled back three goals. Goals flew in one after another
It was a grossly unfair result for UD Almería who had to settle for a draw after facing a huge battle against the Albivermellos, whose high effectiveness gifted them one hard-fought point as they managed to pull back three goals. Undoubtedly, the hosts' superiority was total, taking the lead up to three times with a brilliant brace from Sadiq and an own goal, yet visitors CD Lugo brought the game back to life. Goals flew in one after another… (3-3).
Latest signing Rodrigo Ely started as a Rojiblanco for the first time ever. Rubi picked out a Starting XI formed by Fernando; Pozo, Rodrigo Ely, Babić, Akieme, César de la Hoz, Samú Costa, Arnau Puigmal, Portillo, Ramazani and Sadiq Umar.
It was a bright start to the game for the hosts who did not take too long to open the scoring (1-0). It was the 13th minute when Sadiq —who before the kick-off collected the award for the best Player of the Month of February by LaLiga— took the ball inside the area and beat goalie Óscar.
During the rest of the first half the Rojiblancos continued to put in a dominant display by retaining ball possession, but despite having a constant presence in the final third, they mis-kicked a few good chances. CD Lugo did find greater fortune on the contrary, since, after 37 minutes, Ricard grabbed an equaliser to cancel out the home team’s lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the area. It was all square at half-time (1-1).
The Galician goal would not be an indication that the visitors could match the Indalicos domain that the fans at the Juegos Mediterraneos were witnessing and the start of the second half confirmed it since Sadiq Umar drove into the box and found the back of the net for the second time. It was 2-1 with 49 minutes on the clock.
CD Lugo moved up a gear, applied themselves to draw level again. Opponent Clavería tried his luck from long range and his thumping shot levelled it up as Fernando failed to pull off a save (2-2).
By a stroke of good fortune, UD Almeria broke the deadlock through Akieme, whose shot was deflected in by a defender who scored an own goal (3-2). The Rojiblancos had taken the lead yet again, however their pure joy was spoiled by Carrillo who all of a sudden equalised from a corner-kick just four minutes later (3-3). CD Lugo had pulled back three goals to take one point home while UD Almería should have won as they gave a fantastic output at the Juegos Mediterraneos in front of more than 10,000 supporters in the stands.