4-0: UD Almería are now where they wanted to be

Kilometre 16 of this football marathon and UD Almería have already taken the lead of the race after the first-place finisher, who has set a strong pace. The team's reaction capacity could not have been greater when it was a real uphill struggle almost a month-and-a-half ago. It happened on Matchday 9 -km 9-. It was 13 October and the Rojiblancos had lost against Real Oviedo. Since then, UD Almería have been on a seven-game unbeaten streak in which 19 of the 21 points at stake have been picked up. Rubi's team rounded it all off in the postponed match against Córdoba CF. They turned on the style in the second half scoring four goals to increase their consecutive wins to four, keeping a clean sheet. The Indálicos have earned a comprehensive victory that has lifted them to second in the table -automatic promotion-. They are now where they wanted to be. 

 

Rubi made five changes to the side that took on FC Cartagena last weekend due to the fact that fixtures keep on coming thick and fast. In fact, the team played last Saturday at the Cartagonova stadium and next Saturday, they will do it again at home against Andalusian rivals Granada CF. Most of the changes were at the back, including the goalkeeper. Only Chumi regained a centre-back starting spot, while Pozo, Kaiky and Bruno Langa returned to the starting line-up. In addition, Nico Melamed was in attack on the left flank. Baba and Lopy have the potential to be a wonderful double pivot partnership. Arribas up front, Arnau Puigmal on the right wing and top scorer Luis Suárez as No. 9. A starting XI with guarantees and freshness, but it was not successful during the first half. 

 

The Rojiblancos had possession of the ball and started taking the initiative, however they were not successful when it came to passing the ball, constructing plays or finishing them, which made things easier for the Cordobesistas, who counter-attacked with danger, although there were no chances for them. In the 13th minute, Maximiano had to make a save against a shot from Mendes. UD Almería tried, but things did not work out and the Blanquiverdes, who had only collected one point in their outings, ended up having possession. The only opportunity for the hosts was squandered by Luis Suárez... but he was offside. It was honours even at half-time (0-0).

 

It was a game of two halves. The second half was rather different, totally different, brilliant and at times spectacular to make the 10,521 spectators who gathered in the stands roar. At the start, Leo Baptistao and Marc Pubill replaced Arribas and Nico Melamed. Arnau moved to the left and Pozo advanced his position on the right. They both contributed a lot being key. The Sevillian, in the 56th minute, opened the scoring 1-0 with a low driven shot that hit the post and then into the back of the net.

An absolute humdinger of a goal in the beginning of UD Almería's stellar offensive display. 

 

With 61 minutes on the clock, Baptistao finished a great collective play that was started by debutant Gui Guedes, who had just been fielded replacing injured Baba, and continued by Arnau Puigmal and Luis Suárez, who assisted the Brazilian. It was 2-0. 

 

Lopy Chumi rued missed chances in the 63rd and in the 71st minutes. The Rojiblancos piled on the attack looking for more goals. When striker Luis Suárez has the target in his sight there are no obstacles. The Colombian fired emphatically past the keeper to extend their lead (3-0). But that was not the last since on 82 minutes, Leo Baptistao grabbed the fourth goal, his second against Córdoba CF, making the most of a rebound from the rival goalie after a powerful shot by UD Almería 'B' youngster Perovic.