1-1: UD Almería collect vital point against direct rivals

UD Almería rescued a vital point against direct rivals Real Oviedo at the UD Almería Stadium. The game became very difficult in the first half for the hosts because the Asturianos played better and took the lead. The Rojiblancos had to put in a brave fight to peg them back in the second period in which they could have even achieved the victory because they had the ability to react. UD Almería are now back to automatic promotion waiting for the Levante UD match result given the great competitiveness at the top of the LaLiga Hypermotion table. 

 

Rubi picked out a starting XI with few changes compared to what is usual in recent match weeks due to the absences and thus, Pozo was placed at right back covering suspended Marc Pubill, Arnau Puigmal played further forward on the right,  while Robertone operated in the midfield alongside Lopy instead of Melero due to some discomfort from the Madrid native who was ruled out. 

 

The gaffer already warned in the pre-Oviedo press conference that a tough match awaited UD Almería against opponents with the same level. And so it was because in the opening 45 minutes Real Oviedo were in charge and in control, knowing how to play making sensible decisions. In the first 10 minutes, the Asturianos were close to putting themselves in front, although they would do so in the final minutes of this period through in-form Alemao, who scored a free-kick goal after the ball hit the wall that could not do its job. Nevertheless, UD Almería had some opportunities, but did not know how to take advantage of them. The clearest ones, in the 21st and 33rd minutes through Luis Suárez and Baptistao. 

 

It was rather surprising that at the beginning of the second period the Carbayones cranked up the pressure when the normal thing would have been the opposite due to the score being 0-1. The approximately 12,000 supporters understood that the team needed to hear their voices far and wide and began to cheer in search of the comeback.

 

With 58 minutes gone, Leo Baptistao booted an explosive strike that brushed the post. In the 60th minute, Luis Suárez was denied by the visitors keeper, but he did pegged then back on 74 minutes with an equaliser to rescue a vital point. Bruno Langa delivered a well-timed cross into the box. The Colombian controlled with his chest, lowered the ball and made sure of a share of the spoils (1-1).

 

The Indálicos piled on the attack going all out for the second and whipped in chances, although Real Oviedo made the most of the home side's momentum to try to surprise on the counter-attack. The dying embers sparked growing uncertainty, although the result would not change.