UD Almería unveiled their new second kit against Córdoba CF and the performance proved to be a fitting tribute to Almería itself. Solid as the Alcazaba fortress at the back and sparkling like the Mediterranean in attack, the Rojiblancos combined defensive discipline with attacking quality to cruise to a 4-0 victory and bring pre-season to a highly encouraging conclusion.

First half

The opening 45 minutes were a battle of organisation against inspiration, with neither side willing to give an inch.

Two disciplined teams cancelled each other out, despite both looking to attack through quick circulation and patient possession. Córdoba CF and UD Almería tried to build from the back, with both goalkeepers actively involved in the early stages of attacks, but neither side could turn their possession into clear chances.

Iván Ania and García Pimienta both imposed their trademark football on proceedings. For UD Almería, Melamed operated in a deeper, influential role than in previous outings, while Morcillo's deployment at left-back was another interesting tactical change.

Played in the morning sunshine, the match was also a battle against the intense heat in Marbella. There were only occasional flashes of individual brilliance: Guedes produced a superb piece of movement to break through the lines, while Cipenga delighted with an exquisite backheel lay-off.

The closest either side came to breaking the deadlock was a long-range effort from Enol that flew over the crossbar. Goalless at the break, but UD Almería were about to turn up the heat.

Second half 

The game changed completely after the restart. The Indálicos began to impose themselves and eventually broke Córdoba's resistance, with Fernando Martínez making his first appearance of pre-season. And the goalkeeper immediately showed that his contribution would extend far beyond saving goals.

Fernando's precise, powerful pass towards the right flank set the move for the opening goal in motion. Sola controlled it before quickly finding Arribas, who picked the right moment to split the defence and play Quim into the box. The youngster spotted Melamed arriving from deep and the midfielder produced a wonderfully composed finish, cushioning the ball into the Córdoba CF net. It was the 50th minute and a goal of silk in a game of steel. Fernando then took centre stage at the other end.

Just minutes later, the goalkeeper produced a superb double save to keep UD Almería's lead intact. First, he made himself big to block the initial effort before somehow recovering to deny the follow-up from point-blank range. A magnificent sequence from Fernando Martínez. 

Then came the second. Miguel de la Fuente produced a moment of pure individual quality, as if he had picked up a controller and decided the outcome himself. With his back to goal on the edge of the box, the striker brilliantly wriggled away from Kevin Medina and Diego Bri before throwing himself onto the ball and rifling it into the back of the net. 2-0 in the 61st minute and UD Almería were not finished.

Just 3 minutes later, Miguel turned goalscorer into provider. The striker flicked the ball into the path of Sola, who had made the run in behind. The winger still had work to do, resisting the defender's challenge before driving into the area and producing a composed, clinical finish to make it 3-0. Hard work pays off.

3 goals to the good, UD Almería had one final objective during the closing stages of their Marbella football camp: keep the clean sheet.

Head coach García Pimienta demanded the same intensity and concentration for the final 20 minutes, and his players delivered.

Then came the fourth. A goal worthy of any pre-season highlight reel. Quim found Arribas, who returned the ball to him in a superb double one-two. From there, UD Almería shifted through the gears, combining at speed with five rapid touches as the entire team surged towards the Córdoba goal.

The move ended with Álex Muñoz applying the finishing touch to complete a stunning team goal (4-0).

It was the perfect way to bring pre-season to a close. After 8 days of intense work in Marbella and under extreme heat, the Rojiblancos leave their training camp with clear signs of progress. They have added defensive solidity and collective understanding to a squad already blessed with plenty of technical quality. The new season is now just around the corner and UD Almería are ready.

Owner Al-Khereiji watched all the action from close to the bench as the Rojiblancos celebrated an impressive final pre-season performance.

Match information:

UD Almería: Andrés Fernández; Luna, Nelson, Baptistão, Morcillo; Gui, Melamed, Cipenga, Sola; Quim and Thalys. Substitutes: Fernando, Bruno, Pulido, Álex Muñoz, Arribas, Bonini, Vesga, Chirino, Embarba, Miguel, Dzódic and Popovic.

Córdoba CF: Guilherme; Egoitz, Juan Gutiérrez, Rubén Albés, Álex López; Egoitz, Diarra, Isma Ruiz, Percan, Enol and Eder. Substitutes: Íker Álvarez, Kevin Medina, Ángel, Borja and Viti.

Goals: 1-0 (50') Melamed; 2-0 (61') Miguel de la Fuente; 3-0 (64') Álex Sola; 4-0 (88') Álex Muñoz.

Referee: José Antonio Villalobos (Almería, Andalusian Committee).

Venue: Dama de Noche ground. Marbella.