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Match Reports

1-1: UD Almería get through to Spanish Cup second round!

The Rojiblancos move heaven and earth to crush combative Águilas FC’ dreams after winning 3-5 on penalties

UD Almería had to pull their socks up against combative Aguilas FC to get through to the next Spanish Cup second-round. The Rojiblancos engineered countless chances. Juan Villar’s opener put the visitors in front while Kalu Uche cancelled out UD Almeria’s first goal. An exciting Cup tie from start to finish including extra-time and a thrilling penalty shootout in which keeper Makaritze was responsible for Javi Pérez’s mistake to seal victory.

First Half 

Águilas FC started the game staying deep inside their own half of the pitch to make it difficult for the Rojiblancos, who showed from the off that they took the Cup tie at El Rubial Stadium very seriously. The visitors lacked the cutting edge in the first minutes, but shortly after they announced firm intention by whipping in plenty of crosses inside 15 minutes...despite all efforts, they could not find the way to play someone in. The best option to put themselves in front was to use the wings as attacking routes. The formula worked. Arnau sent a 22-minute warning shot from the edge of the area that Leo Santos saved without problems. However, a few minutes later, Makaritze left the goal unguarded as he was controlling on the flank with opponent Carlos Lopez stealing the ball to cause trouble. The goalie felt relieved thanks to fellow Babić who was ready to snuff out the danger under the sticks.

Sousa put in a brave fight.The Brazilian’s aerial prowess inspired him to head in a cross from the right wing within half an hour in front of two defenders, yet the ball grazed the crossbar.

A minute later, Juan Villar brought a touch of pure magic. The Huelva-born player picked up a clearance inside the box just a few inches behind, and he kicked the ball hard without a clear angle to open the scoring at El Rubial Stadium. The drive and dominance of UD Almería continued... Sousa was about to slot home the second as he set up a couple of big chances, the first one through Akieme’s hopeful assist.

Second half

The teams were back in action after half-time. Everything changed in the 57th minute with the home team's first big chance. Junior Loussou provided fellow Kalu Uche with a well-timed assist and the Nigerian snatched the equaliser (1-1).

It was a full-bloodied battle with both sides level. The play was end-to-end until minute 78. Portillo and Curro teamed up but Junior's hands denied the right-winger’s thumping shot. Samú Costa tried his luck but the shot went wide following a slip at the time. The clearest goalscoring opportunity was squandered.

Rubi's changes looked to break the deadlock. Nothing could be done during the second period so the game went into extra-time. 

Extra-time

With both teams still full of beans and battling it out, Rubi's men fashioned the most chances. Goalie Léo Santos became the hometown hero as he defended waves after waves of Rojiblancos’ attacks. The match remained deadlocked through the second half and two periods of extra-time so penalties would decide the tie.

The dramatic penalty shootout saw well-taken spot-kicks by Rubi’s men. All the penalty-takers scored being César de La Hoz who masterfully booted the last to take advantage of Javi Pérez's error and fire UD Almería to the Copa del Rey second round.