2-1: UD Almería lay down a marker with fourth consecutive victory

UD Almería claimed a statement victory at the UDA Stadium, defeating Córdoba CF 2-1 to secure a 4th consecutive win and underline their growing authority in the division.

Córdoba CF arrived unbeaten away from home since September, boasting one of the tightest defensive records on the road. They left having conceded twice against the hosts who dazzled before half-time and then displayed immense resilience after it.

From the get go, UD Almería were relentless. Inside 4 minutes, Álex Muñoz had already threatened with a fierce left-footed strike that rippled the side netting and briefly fooled sections of the crowd into celebrating. Moments later, Bonini tested the keeper with a powerful header, before Arribas sliced open the Córdoba CF defence in the 17th minute, gliding to the edge of the box and curling a precise left-footed effort against the inside of the post (1-0).

The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute and bore the unmistakable stamp of Miguel de la Fuente. Latching onto a perfectly directed long pass booted by Nelson Monte, the striker showed determination and composure to outmuscle the defender and slip the ball past the advancing goalkeeper for his second consecutive goal in red and white.

UD Almería’s hunger did not subside. Just 3 minutes later, they doubled their advantage with a cleverly worked set-piece. Miguel de la Fuente turned provider, driving a low ball into the area where Álex Muñoz applied a deft touch to divert it home. Two goals, complete control and a stadium in full voice (2-0).

The Cordobesistas so solid on their travels, had been outplayed. Yet they nearly reduced the deficit before half-time, rattling the crossbar in what proved a warning of what was to come.

SECOND HALF

A 2-0 lead can be both comforting and dangerous and the visitors returned with renewed purpose. Andrés Fernández denied Carracedo between the sticks in the 57th minute with a brave save at his feet, signalling the beginning of a sustained period of pressure from the Andalusian side.

The Indálicos were forced deep into their own half as Córdoba CF grew in confidence, circulating possession and probing for openings. Once again, Andrés Fernández emerged as the guardian angel, producing a spectacular double save in the 67th minute, first flying to tip away Albarrán’s effort, then springing up to smother the rebound from Bri.

The hosts had been largely restricted to defensive duties but almost sealed the contest when Miguel de la Fuente produced a superb piece of hold-up play to release Sergio Arribas through on goal. With time to think, the league’s top scorer hesitated and the chance slipped away.

Moments later, the tension intensified. Substitute Alberto del Moral Percan reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box following a controversial challenge on Álex Muñoz, firing home to make it 2-1 with over 10 minutes remaining.

What followed was a test of nerve. With the Blanquiverdes throwing everything forward, the Rojiblancos dug deep. Experience and leadership, particularly from Rodrigo Ely at the heart of defence, proved decisive as the home side weathered the storm.

In the end, it was another display of maturity, belief and competitive edge. 4 wins on the bounce!. A clear message sent. UD Almería are not bluffing, they are all in.