UD Almería achieved their objective of securing a place in the promotion play-offs to the top flight after finishing 3rd in the table, while Sergio Arribas was crowned LaLiga Hypermotion top-scorer with 25 goals.

The achievement sees another UD Almería player claim the prestigious Pichichi Trophy. Last season it was Luis Suárez with 27 goals, while previous winners for the Club include Charles (27), Álvaro Giménez (20) and Leo Ulloa (28). Arribas' tally is particularly impressive, ranking among the best goalscoring figures in recent seasons. Martin Braithwaite finished with 22 goals in 2023/24, Myrto Uzuni scored 23 in 2022/23, Cristhian Stuani and Borja Bastón both netted 22 in 2021/22, while Raúl de Tomás struck 23 in 2020/21.

The race for the golden boot went right down to the final Matchday 42. Arribas and Racing Santander's Andrés Martín entered the last match week level on 24 goals, while Málaga CF forward Chupe had 22. Although the Malagueño striker scored twice, Arribas' goal against Real Valladolid proved decisive, securing his place as the division's leading marksman.

'To be honest, at the start of the season I didn't expect to reach these numbers or compete to be the top-scorer. I'm very demanding of myself and always want the maximum, but I don't play as a striker, I'm an attacking midfielder and scoring 25 goals is really significant,' said Arribas.

The Madrid-born midfielder added: 'I'm very happy and it means a lot to win the Pichichi, but what really mattered today was qualifying for the play-offs in third place.'

Looking ahead to the battle for promotion, Arribas warned: 'It's going to be very difficult and will be decided by small details. We're going to give everything and do everything possible to achieve our objective.'

Speaking about their upcoming opponents, he concluded: 'We beat them 1-0 here and they beat us 2-0 there. They're a very strong team and their stadium creates a fantastic atmosphere. We'll try to make the most of our strengths and approach the tie in the best possible way.'