UD Almería deserved to beat Northern rivals SD Huesca on Matchday 23, but in the end they had to settle for a goalless draw despite the countless squandered chances. The Oscense goalkeeper, who was brilliant between the sticks, was key and nothing can be blamed on the hosts, perhaps their pinpoint accuracy. The reality is that Rubi's side has taken another step towards promotion to Primera as they remain LaLiga Hypermotion pacesetters one point above Racing de Santander and extend their unbeaten streak to 14 games.  

 

Rubi solved the absence of Segunda division top scorer Luis Suárez placing Lázaro up front, while Baptistão started off on the left. Then, they alternated and the mobility that there was in attack did not have a specific reference like No.9. Pozo, on the right flank and Arribas playing in the centre, contribute with more physicality and bite to the Rojiblancos' attack. Youngster Lorenzo made his senior team debut.

 

SD Huesca's visit was kind of scary. They had been able to win in Elche, Oviedo,  Granada, Santander... but they did not manage to do it in Almería. The match was, in general, dominated by the Indálicos who put in an invigorated attacking display at the same time that they did an excellent job of commanding against the Oscenses, who practically did not cause any concern. In the 4th minute, the first chance came at the hands of Baptistão, but Dani Jimenez, Huesca's goalie, already put on the gloves to avert danger. In the 18th minute, it was Arribas who nearly scored. In the 26th minute, Lázaro slipped on the last dribble inside the box before finishing. On 37 minutes, Baptistão again ran into the Huesca keeper, as it also happened to Arribas within 44 minutes. UD Almería rued missed chances.

 

In the second half, it was pretty much the same story. UD Almería's dominance, harassment of the rivals area in search of a goal, but nothing, as sharp shot-stopper Dani Jiménez was determined to be a titan between the posts.Three minutes after the restart, he denied Lopy's fine attempt. With 74 minutes on the clock, he excelled again against Sergio Arribas. 75 minutes in, he did the same with Baptistão and on 85 minutes with Lucas Robertone. Incredible! 

 

In this second period, UD Almería had a couple of warnings by Huesca; the only ones they had in the entire full 90 minutes  due to the good performance by Rubi's men, who undeniably deserved to earn the three points.