5-0: Almería run riot against Alavés to make it to Spanish Cup last-16
Two braces and a goal from the spot see the Rojiblancos record an astounding victory over a top-flight team
UD Almería made it to the Copa del Rey last-16 with a five-star display against First Division side Deportivo Alavés. The Rojiblancos left no options to their rivals at any time and they played a brilliant game to record a thumping 5-0 victory. Sadiq’s brace, Aketxe’s third, an own goal and Juan Villar scoring from the spot see Alavés bow to Almeria's overwhelming superiority.
José Gomes’ decision of the starting XI was a complete no-brainer. The head coach did not have any doubts when it came to pick the players who got the most minutes in the league to get kitted out for the cup action. In this way, the Portuguese ensured that they keep pace with the competition after the suspension of last weekend's fixture while fighting to get through to the Copa del Rey last-16.
Almería were sharp and ran the show from the kick-off until half time. So much so that a spectacular play started by Morlanes went through Corpas’ back heel and Sadiq ended up beating Sivera at the near post inside 7 minutes.
The Indálicos continued to display their characteristic football after the early goal. Alavés were held to wait for their chances during the first 45 opening minutes and, at the same time, the visitors went down to 10 men once Tomás Pina was sent off after attacking Samú Costa.
UD Almería based their game not only on high press but also carrying the ball at speed while controlling possession. The dominance was total following 3 goals netted in the first half, two of them nearing the break. Aketxe put Sivera to the test with a strike from the shooting third after a counter-attack in which Corpas assisted, while Sadiq, once more, was in charge of slamming the third (3-0).
With the arrival of the second half, the Rojiblancos continued to boss things. Jose Gomes’ lads were competing in the best possible way. It seemed that three goals were not enough for Almeria, when out of the blue they made it 4-0. Sadiq crossed in, Aketxe headed at goal and opponent Battaglia finished off his own goal.
José Gomes made changes to the line-up with one hour gone opting for a triple substitution with Robertone, Lazo and Fran Villalba coming on for Aketxe, Corpas and João Carvalho.
The Indalicos wanted some more and were about to get it, since, in the 72nd minute, Lazo hit the woodwork from the edge of the box. Sadiq Umar was left alone in a solo action, but his shot went wide. The home team coach then switched Samú and the Nigerian striker - who were awarded yellow cards – for Petrovic and Juan Villar.
Nothing is impossible and the Rojiblancos team were looking for the fifth. With ten minutes to go, Ximo Navarro committed a penalty on Lazo. Juan Villar became the penalty-taker to convert from 12 yards (5-0).
UD Almería went all out for a win from the beginning and got a well-deserved passage to the Spanish Cup last-16. Great football, great teamwork, great commitment and shooting accuracy see Almeria fire 5 past Deportivo Alavés.