Melamed: 'This win can be a turning point, both collectively and personally’
The UD Almería player hails crucial triumph and admits late winner felt like ‘a huge release.'
Nico Melamed was the standout figure in the clash between UD Almería and CD Leganés, scoring the decisive 2–1 goal in stoppage time just minutes after coming on. ‘There’s always a match or a moment in the season that can become a turning point and I reckon this could be it for us both as a team and on a personal level,’ said the UD Almería attacker.
The player explained the importance of the result: ‘We had to win this game no matter what because the results elsewhere were going in our favour. It was the perfect opportunity to close the gap on the leaders ahead of facing them next.’
On a personal note, Melamed admitted: ‘Scoring this goal has been a huge release for me. I’ve taken a lot of weight off my shoulders. That’s why I took my shirt off.’ He added: ‘I’m going through a new phase because I haven’t been getting many minutes. I had an injury, then two setbacks, so I have to make the most of every chance Rubi gives me. He knows me very well and has always believed in me.’
Reflecting on the goal itself, he said: ‘I needed a goal like this, in a game like this. When I saw Lopy pass me the ball, I knew it was the right moment and I struck it.’
Looking ahead, the UD Almería forward stressed the importance of building on the momentum: ‘This energy and motivation from the win has to continue next week in Santander.’