0-1: A massively important 3 points at La Rosaleda

UD Almería chalked up a vital victory at La Rosaleda, which is their second triumph on the bounce, through hard graft and efficiency from start to finish. After a tight first half with both sides cancelling each other out, Sadiq Umar scored the match-winning goal within 54 minutes (0-1). It was the only one recorded on the scoreboard until the final whistle because the Rojiblancos knew how to play effectively to claim victory. The UD Almeria fans have been gifted with 3 massive points as the Rojiblancos remain in automatic promotion 3 points ahead of the third-placed Real Valladolid CF.

There was an electric atmosphere with hundreds of UD Almería travelling supporters in the stands at La Rosaleda, whose voices were heard far and wide. Appiah was the player on the pitch who replaced suspended team-mate Ramazani, while another highlight of tonight’s game was the return of Lucas Robertone to the starting XI. Rubi —who could not be in the dugout following his ban— picked out Fernando; Pozo, Chumi, Babić, Akieme, César de la Hoz, Samú Costa, Robertone, Portillo, Appiah and Sadiq.

The Andalusian derby kicked off at 8:30pm (CET) at La Rosaleda. It was an end-to-end first-half; Málaga CF put Fernando to the test through a shot by Antoñín, which took place in the 19th minute, while the Indálicos enjoyed some clear sights at goal towards the last minutes of the first period. 

An eventful restart saw UD Almeria on the ascendency , as it was the visitors who were gaining more and more ground towards the opponents’ goal. After 54 minutes, Sadiq Umar headed in to open the scoring in style and spark his team and their travelling fans in the stands into life. Francisco Portillo, who took control inside the box in a play that Samú Costa had previously started, provided the Nigerian with a superb assist (0-1).

After taking the lead, the best moments of UD Almería arrived as they gained momentum by taking possession of the ball, combining back and forth and having the hosts running without being able to steal…Difficulties were not being experienced in their defensive third. Rather the opposite because Sadiq was close to slotting home the second in the 75th minute; opponent Dani Barrio tackled, yet the ball did not find the back of the net after the striker's shot.

UD Almería knew how to claim victory away from home on the Costa del Sol. So much so that a well-organised team continued to be present until finally the three massive points were taken to Almeria city thanks to sacrifice, teamwork and grit. The Indálicos continue in automatic promotion 3 points over third-placed Real Valladolid CF in the standings.