3-4: UD Almería 'B's season summed up in final home fixture
Late own goal denies the Academy prospects after comeback efforts in a dramatic clash with promotion-chasing CD Minera
UD Almería B’s entire season in Group IV of the fourth-tier Segunda RFEF was encapsulated in their final home match of the campaign, as they fell 3-4 to CD Minera with a stoppage-time own goal.
Despite already being relegated and facing a side pushing for promotion, the young Rojiblancos once again showed they can compete with anyone and just as easily see matches slip away. That inconsistency, combined with spells of bad luck, refereeing decisions and a lack of experience in key moments, has ultimately led to their drop to the Tercera RFEF.
Minera struck early, taking the lead in the 9th minute through Kevin Toner and initially looked set to dominate. But UD Almería 'B' responded impressively. Marciano levelled with an individual effort in the 22nd minute and Iker Burgos completed a fine team move to make it 2-1 by the 35th, a score that held until the break.
The rollercoaster nature of the season resurfaced immediately after half-time. In just 2 minutes (49th and 51st), goals from Rubén Mesa and Pitu turned the game on its head, putting the visitors back in front at 2-3, exposing defensive fragility.
UD Almería 'B' refused to back down. In the 74th minute, Marciano grabbed his second of the afternoon, finishing off a swift counter-attack initiated by youth player Ramón Martos to make it 3-3.
With the game heading towards a draw, drama struck deep into stoppage-time. A clearance from a CD Minera player rebounded off Taufek, unluckily diverting into his own net after the ball had been heading wide, sealing a heartbreaking 3-4 defeat for the hosts and sparking celebrations among the visiting side.
A cruel ending to a match and a season that perfectly reflected the highs, lows and fine margins that have defined UD Almería 'B’s campaign.