1-1: UD Almería will continue promotion push in Leganés

You need a cool head and steady nerves for big challenges, but UD Almeria could not get away from the pressure of attaining their goal. The truth is that they lacked a bit of skill in the final third although they fashioned several chances. Opponent Zarfino scored the opener (0-1) in the final stretch and the arrival of a 7-minute stoppage time gave hope thanks to a leveller from Arnau Puigmal. However, the Rojiblancos will now have to continue their league promotion push in Leganes following Real Valladolid CF's victory. 

There was a rocking atmosphere at the Juegos Mediterráneos Stadium while the first half did not show a slick UD Almería in decision-making, especially in the shooting third. Although it is obvious that it was the hosts who were closer to opening the scoring more often, only one clear opportunity would be counted in this period. It was the 18th minute when Largie Ramazani tricked his way past the defence and his speculative shot put goalie Jesús to the test. In general terms, the Rojiblancos pulled the strings but at the same time, they could not find the way to play somebody in while AD Alcorcón were looking for time to wind down. A tightly contested first half ended all square (0-0).

Head coach Rubi sought reactions as he decided to bench some starters and bring some other subs in; Arnau Puigmal replaced Samú Costa, who was shown a yellow card. But the league meeting did not finish giving good news for the Indalicos who merited to get ahead. One of the clearest chances not long afterwards after the start of the second half when, 56 minutes in, Sadiq was left alone in front of the goalkeeper and finished off over the crossbar. Then, Rubi made more substitutions to step up the momentum; Appiah came on for Lazo. Keeper Fernando parried away what could have been the opening goal, becoming strong in a one-on-one. The team, the result of a total ambition to score first, was rushing too far. It was the 70th minute.

With all to play for in the second half, the UD Almeria fans got more involved in the match. Numerous chants from the stands would lead to a glut of chances from UD Almería such as a strike unleashed by Curro from the edge of the box within 76 minutes that Jesús denied under the sticks.

It was not their day. UD Almería seemed to be short of ideas and frayed some nerves that were taking their toll and to make matters worse, in the 80th minute, Zarfino beat Fernando. It was 0-1 and with more heart than head, Fernando made a superb save to avoid AD Alcorcón's second goal.

The final minutes gave some hope as they were accompanied by a marvellous leveller from Arnau Puigmal in injury time (1-1). In spite of that, the result of the tie was not enough since Real Valladolid CF won their match and although the Rojiblancos are still in automatic promotion spots, the permutations indicate that Rubi’s side will still have to battle it out and win over CD Leganés next Sunday, 29th May.