UD Almería have returned to training ahead of a decisive week that will end on Sunday with their final regular-season fixture against Real Valladolid, kicking off at 6:30pm Spanish Time.

With Racing de Santander and Deportivo de La Coruña already promoted automatically to the top tier, the identity of the third team to reach Spain’s top flight remains unknown. 4 clubs will battle it out in a head-to-head fight for promotion, but the final play-off spots are still to be decided among eight contenders, including UD Almería. The competition is so tight that almost anything can happen.

The Rojiblancos are currently best placed, sitting 3rd in the standings and victory on Sunday would guarantee their first objective. If not, they will need to wait and see how results unfold elsewhere. UD Almería depend on themselves and are eager to seize the opportunity in what feels like a new competition, a kind of final four where previous results will no longer matter directly.

UD Almería want to become champions of this final four and are already working towards securing their place in it. Following Monday’s recovery session after returning from Gijón, the squad resumed training on Wednesday with greater intensity in every aspect as preparations continue for the clash against Real Valladolid.

Head coach Rubi will welcome back right-back Marcos Luna and centre-back Federico Bonini after both completed suspension bans. André Horta remains doubtful and is awaiting further assessment after suffering muscular discomfort that forced him off shortly after coming on at El Molinón stadium.

From Thursday onwards, UD Almería will train behind closed doors at the Stadium.