1-1: UD Almería are Christmas leaders with Luis Suárez as second-tier top scorer
The unstoppable Rojiblancos wrap up the first half of the league after sharing the spoils with Cádiz CF and extend their impressive unbeaten streak to 12 games. The in-form Colombian striker converts from 12 yards to grab the leveller and takes his goal tally to 16
UD Almería had to settle for a one-all draw with rivals Cádiz CF on the last Matchday of 2024 that brought the first half of the LaLiga Hypermotion to an end, although they deserved a victory. They put the finishing touch on a perfect term that sees the unstoppable Indálicos going on Christmas holidays as pacesetters and Luis Suárez, who grabbed the leveller, as the Segunda division top scorer with 16 goals added to his tally.
Rubi made three changes to the starting XI that took on Racing de Ferrol last Wednesday in Galicia. Chumi, after serving a one-match suspension, returned to action as a centre-back; Arnau Puigmal played on the right of the attack and Nico Melamed on the left, with Arribas remaining in the centre behind the Colombian forward. It was the third game in a week and the match fatigue was significant, especially after the rainy meeting in Ferrol four days ago. UD Almería seemed not to notice it though, at least in the opening half.
In the first forty-five minutes, UD Almería dominated and outclassed their Andalusian rivals. They had ball possession and took the initiative. They also showed fluidity in the game through effective and quick passes. And they whipped in big chances to get the encounter back on track. However, Cádiz CF, opened the scoring in the second scare after a counter-attack (0-1). It was the 43rd minute and Ontiveros earned his name onto the scoresheet after Edgar slipped when he was going to block the Cádista attacker. UD Almería commanded but went down the tunnel trailing. Incredible.
In the match restart, the Rojiblancos jumped onto the pitch more than ready to stage a new comeback. With 59 minutes gone, Luis Suárez equalised by converting a penalty awarded in the 56th following a lengthy VAR review. UD Almería continued to press, but both teams were more evenly-matched in this second half with Cádiz CF being more likely to earn the three points. Actually, the Rojiblancos engineered more scoring opportunities.
In the 72nd minute, the referee sent off Ontiveros as the opponent was yellow carded twice. The Cádiz squad was reduced to 10 men and decided to keep the point they had by all means, slowing down the pace of the match. Despite this, Arribas, on 73 minutes; Marc Pubill after 75 minutes and Luis Suárez within 86 minutes could have tipped theb balance.
