2-0: Roll on the month of February!
Another defeat and more misfortunes; Eguaras stayed at the hotel. Sadiq is back in action
UD Almería suffered yet another defeat in LaLiga SmartBank, dropping the points in their visit to Real Oviedo (2-0) and closing out the month of January without a single win. The misfortunes would once again came over the Rojiblancos. Before the start of the contest, Eguaras stayed at the hotel due to indisposition and the same thing happened to Chumi, who was on the bench. A goal came from the foot of Borja Bastón and Babić's own goal gave victory to the hosts (2-0). Sadiq was back in action after returning on Friday afternoon from playing for Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations.
There were several changes made to Rubi's starting line-up. Eguaras and Chumi could not be part of the squad so the XI was formed by Fernando; Pozo, Babić, Iván Martos, Centelles, César de la Hoz, Samú Costa, Robertone, Ramazani, Portillo and Juan Villar.
The Rojiblancos imposed immediate pressure on Real Oviedo from the off. However, the high quality of the rivals up front meant that, in the 8th minute, the post prevented Fernando from being overtaken in an attempt on target by Borja Sánchez. Basically, this opportunity boosted the home team's hopes of hitting the counter first. With 23 minutes on the clock, Borja Bastón took advantage of a messy play and opened the scoring to reach the break on the lead (1-0)..
The Indálicos’ gaffer decided to change the course of the game with a double substitution. For this reason, Sadiq Umar walked onto the pitch —after returning on Friday afternoon from Africa— and Arnau Puigmal also entered the field. Francisco Portillo and Iván Martos were benched so co-captain César de la Hoz was deployed as a centre-back.
The clearest action in favour of the visitors from the Spanish south coast would take place 61 minutes in. Sadiq positioned himself on the edge of the box at the end of a driving run and Ramazani tested the reflexes of Femenías by blasting in a potential equaliser. The keeper did his very best to avoid a draw. UD Almería were gaining space in the final third, just their luck to get an own goal scored by defender Babić in his effort to clear (2-0).
Things got particularly complicated for UD Almeria, who did not want to lose composure. More bench players took to the stage as they were given the option of getting into the fight, so the right flank was refreshed with Juanjo Nieto and Arvin Appiah. It seemed that the mood was already somewhat low, while in front of them Real Oviedo were increasing momentum. Samú Costa aimed to find the net with a shot within the box, but it was well saved by the goalie from Asturias.
The final whistle was blown leaving UD Almería without a victory in the first month of 2022 and saying goodbye to the automatic promotion spots, sitting third in the standings. Only one point separates the Rojiblancos from runners-up Real Valladolid CF. Better luck next time.