Rubi: 'This play-off tie is a big game'
The UD Almería head coach comments on the first play-off tie against Real Oviedo: 'We feel strong and we're going into this promotion play-off with confidence,' although he believes the rivals are also in a strong run of form
The promotion play-off tie between UD Almería and Real Oviedo was, as expected, the centre of attention at Rubi's press conference after the last fixture of the season against CD Tenerife, which secured the Rojiblancos' spot in the promotion race. The head coach did not hesitate to state: 'It's a big game, some high-flying matches that are going to be highly competitive and tough for both them and us because I reckon we're both coming into this promotion play-off in a very good run of form.'
The Catalan gaffer explained: 'Real Oviedo are the only team at the top that we haven't beaten this season, so playing against them is a real challenge that should motivate us even more.' Rubi
'We feel strong and confident. We're where we wanted to be, and we're going to play our way up to the Primera division, which is our main goal,' Rubi added.
The Vilassar de Mar native was asked if it was an early final and he replied: 'I don't think so. CD Mirandés are having a scintillating season and Racing de Santander are very dangerous. The 4 teams that made it into the play-offs have the same chances from the start.'
As for the match against CD Tenerife this Sunday, which wrapped up the LaLiga Hypermotion 2024/25 season he said: 'It was more difficult to play than it might have seemed at first due to several reasons, but we pulled through and were able to do so with a better goal difference because we created more opportunities.