0-2: A new triumph that brings glory
UD Almería are one step away from the top flight after winning at the Reale Arena, however they still have to take it to be virtually assured of promotion
UD Almería racked up another great win on the spin, one of those that brings glory as the team are one step away from earning promotion to the Primera Division after beating Real Sociedad ‘B’ 0-2. There is still time to be virtually assured of promotion, yet goals either side of the break courtesy of Rodrigo Ely and José Carlos Lazo sparked scenes of sheer happiness. The Rojiblancos now have the top flight within touching distance should the results needed be produced by their direct rivals this Saturday or Rubi’s side defeats AD Alcorcón at the Juegos Mediterráneos next weekend.
Both teams showed some steel and played with courage to open the scoring at the Reale Arena Stadium. The hosts from Sanse did it with long spells of ball possession and speed in the transition and shooting zones, while UD Almeria relied on early pressure as well as quick tempo and build-up. With 7 minutes on the clock, big chances had already been fashioned by Appiah and Samú Costa as both players tested the reflexes of goalie Zubiaurre.
As the saying goes, Green is the colour of hope and little by little, an eye-catching attacking display was put in by the guests who were wearing their away kits. It seemed that green brought them a stroke of luck since they went ahead nearly with half an hour gone through a towering header from Rodrigo Ely, who headed home in style after team-mate Lucas Robertone laid the ball out brilliantly (0-1).
Real Sociedad ‘B’ went all out to peg back before the break. In fact, Xabi Alonso's players managed to find the back of the net, albeit the goal wasn't recorded because Alkain was offside. Bad news for UD Almería after Rodrigo Ely came off the pitch due to the discomfort he felt since the last LaLiga SmartBank match. The second period kicked off with the Brazilian centre-back being replaced by Carriço. At the same time, Aitor Buñuel came on for Appiah, who was given a yellow card before the interval.
The Rojiblancos were able to claim victory when a short time of the second solid forty-five minutes had elapsed. However, the home team goalkeeper saved a penalty from Francisco Portillo, which had been committed on Sadiq Umar. Again, the 12 yards prevented the Indalicos from extending their advantage.
It was not necessary to wait too long after that unwanted setback for the visitors to double their lead in San Sebastian. It was the 67th minute when Lazo, who hadn't been on the field for long, linked up with Sadiq Umar, the Nigerian dribbled past a defender in the box and put it on a plate for the Cadiz-born player, who drilled home the second with a beautifully struck shot (0-2).
UD Almería closed out the match to perfection, doing so without suffering until finally that triumph that brings glory was scored. Now, there is only one step left to officially become a Spanish top flight team and this could happen this Saturday should Real Valladolid CF be defeated on the one hand, or the Pucelanos draw while SD Eibar lose. Be that as it may, the elite is extremely close, also having the option of beating AD Alcorcon next Saturday at the Mediterraneo; that victory would guarantee them a place in LaLiga Santander next season.