0-2: First home match of 2023 for UD Almeria against Real Sociedad was a bit of a let-down
The Rojiblancos did not manage to show their football skills due to the brilliant performance put in by the Xuri-urdines. Everything went downhill after goals from opponents Silva and Sorloth
UD Almería were unable to win against powerful Real Sociedad de Futbol who dominated throughout the full 90 minutes. During the opening 45 minutes, the Rojiblancos managed to keep the San Sebastian-based team at bay, however, two second-half goals courtesy of opponents Silva and Sorloth weakened UD Almería and although they tried their very best, the hosts did not manage to fight the effective and tactical game displayed by the Xuri-urdines, as Rubi had warned at a pre-match presser.
UD Almería's Starting XI included the presence of recent January transfer window signing Luis Suarez, who debuted as a Rojiblanco for the first time. El Bilal Touré and Ramazani teamed up with the Colombian in attack. Mendes was handed a starting spot instead of Pozo, who was accompanied by Babić, Rodrigo Ely and Akieme. Melero, De la Hoz and Robertone protected the midfield, a fearsome trio who are becoming stronger and stronger in that area.
During the first quarter of an hour there was no clear dominant side of the game, although it is true that it was Real Sociedad who kept possession of the ball. In the 16th minute, the first clear-cut opportunity arrived, Kubo’s strike brushed Fernando's left post. After this goal-scoring opportunity, both outfits remained perfectly organised on the pitch and without creating surprising attacks.
It was not until the half an hour mark that Real Sociedad had another opportunity, Mikel Merino fired in a cross to peer Illaramendi, his explosive shot went over the goal though. This second chance awoke the visitors who began to play with much more impact on the Rojiblancos' defence.
Rubi's men started to engineer chances around the 40th minute through crosses taken from wide positions. However, there would not be time for much more and the game went into half-time leaving a first half in which both sides played vertical football with the ball pinging from one side to another.
The second half kicked off in the worst possible way for the players from Almeria, in the 47th minute, Silva opened the scoring after a well-timed pass from Kubo. The goal was chalked off for offside at first, however after the VAR review, it would end up being recorded on the scoreboard. UD Almería could have levelled the scoring in the subsequent play with a fine effort from Melero from the edge of the box, but Remiro snuffed out danger.
Everything went uphill for UD Almería, Sorloth doubled La Real’s lead inside 52 minutes with a powerful shot inside the small area, which, although Fernando managed to touch it, could not prevent the adversaries from finding the back of the net.
The Rojiblancos tried over and over to pull one back in a bid to make the San Sebastian-based side somewhat uneasy. Imanol Aguacil’s team were playing an outstanding game, dominating and not letting the home team advance. UD Almeria attempted to play the ball out of the defence properly, but in the end they had to resort to long balls delivered to El Bilal or Sousa as a result of the firm pressure piled on by the visitors.
Rubi made some substitutions with five changes. Anyway, nothing changed at the Power Horse Stadium which opened its doors for the first time in 2023. Real Sociedad ended UD Almeria's home winning run (0-2).
