2-2: UD Almería remain in automatic promotion following a share of spoils
The Rojiblancos, who took the lead first, managed to level things up thanks to Rodrigo Ely in the final stretch of a highly contested away game.
UD Almería achieved a vital point to remain in automatic promotion to the top flight. The Rojiblancos got ahead shortly after the kick-off with a goal from Ramazani, but Real Valladolid CF turned it around in a highly contested game. The Almerienses reached the final stage better than the hosts until Rodrigo Ely put his name onto the scoresheet to draw level (2-2) and bring happiness to his side in North Spain.
The kick-off clearly showed that both sides went all out to win with plenty of goalmouth activity. UD Almería were the first ones to strike when, in the 19th minute, Sergio Akieme entered the wing and Ramazani took advantage of the fact that the Valladolid keeper was distracted to open the scoring (1-0). However, the joy of the Rojiblancos did not last long, since the home team from the capital city of Castile and Leon only needed two minutes to grab the equaliser thanks to a free-kick that the boys from Valladolid took advantage with Roque Mesa sending the ball into the top corner.
From there, the first half saw the Indalicos suffering numerous ball losses in the midfield that allowed Real Valladolid CF to make the visiting defenders feel uncomfortable. It is true that there were no big chances, but it seemed that the players from Almeria did not feel entirely confident.
The second half arrived with changes to the UD Almería starting XI with Arnau and Álex Centelles coming on for Portillo and Akieme. But this period would have the worst imaginable beginning for the visitors, since 48 minutes in, Toni Villa picked up a second ball and ended up making it 2-1. In the 70th minute, there was a great opportunity for UD Almería in a free-kick from the flank taken by Arnau Puigmal in which Babic's subsequent header skimmed the crossbar. It was the most important action for the Indalicos. Immediately afterwards, head coach Rubi made some changes - shortly before Appiah jumped onto the pitch - with Curro refreshing the squad while Robertone was benched.
Before the full-time whistle, the best minutes of UD Almería in action took place. After some goal-scoring opportunities that ended in a succession of corner-kicks, 85 minutes in, Rodrigo Ely picked up a second play and earned his name onto the scoreboard to level things up (2-2).
Rubi's side were able to reach the final stretch of a highly competitive match with great determination until they ended up achieving a vital draw to keep them in automatic promotion spots and beat Real Valladolid CF on goal difference and, above all, boost their morale facing the most decisive part of the championship.