2-2: What a game and what a UD Almería squad!
The Rojiblancos came back from behind twice to earn a massive point against Valencia CF. They went to great lengths to achieve a victory in a lively, action-packed encounter.
What a game and what a UD Almería squad! The Rojiblancos battled it out in one of the most well-known Spanish Stadiums as they also did against Atletico de Madrid at home on Matchday 17. Rubi’s men, who headed down the tunnel 0-0 at half-time after missing a penalty in the 44th minute, came back from behind twice in the second half to level it up 2-2; far from settling for a two-all draw, they were brave enough and went to great lengths to bag all three points in a lively, action-packed encounter.
Rubi opted for a starting XI with two new faces - Mendes replaced Pozo on the right wing, while Ramazani played in attack instead of Embarba- compared to the previous match. Although the team was able to match Atlético de Madrid, the head coach announced in the pre-Valencia press conference that he was also going to take into account the playing characteristics of Valencia CF and some aspects of the last trip to Cádiz.
UD Almería team had to suffer during the opening minutes because the Valencianistas, who played this clash as if it were a final, started the game with great intensity and within five minutes, Fernando had to go one-on-one against Kluivert. The hosts insisted time and time again, but the Rojiblancos put in an effective defensive display.
Although Valencia CF had greater possession of the ball, little by little, the Indalicos were gaining momentum and either piled on the attack after winning the ball back or when they had the ball, they showed excellent passing skills, although without creating any big chance. It was a game with alternate dominance, however, as time began to wind down, Rubi's side looked more comfortable on the pitch, with a great attitude and a fighting team spirit.
When the first half was in its dying minutes, UD Almería were close to taking the lead through a penalty-kick awarded following a dangerous tackle on El Bilal Touré. Unluckily, Ramazani failed to convert from 12 yards after hitting the woodwork. What a pity!
… And from a possible 0-1 in favour of UD Almeria on the brink of halft-ime, the scoreboard recorded the opener by the Che team (1-0) two minutes after the restart courtesy of Kluivert's towering header at the far post. This radical change could have badly affected the Rojiblancos, but it actually didn't since they plucked up the courage and gave a fantastic second-half output. Seven minutes after the 1-0, Chumi blasted in an equaliser header from a corner-kick taken by Robertone on 45 minutes (1-1).
The match was absolutely entertaining! There were further chances at either end of the pitch over the second period with an exciting attacking play by UD Almeria. With 58 minutes gone, the VAR corrected the referee after awarding Valencia CF a penalty. Soon after, Baptistao’s strike went inches wide…The risk assumed by the Andalusian guests took its toll on them in the 64th minute, when opponent Gayá took advantage of Fernando's save to deny Kluivert’s shot to break the deadlock (2-1), but shortly after, it would be the Rojiblancos the ones who pulled one back again to level the scoring (2- 2) inside 74 minutes. El Bilal Touré won the ball back, threaded it through to Melero, who found Portillo with a superb assist. The Malaga native produced a clinical finish to beat goalie Mamardashvili.
Luis Suárez and Embarba came on for El Bilal Touré and Baptistao after 76 minutes since Rubi decided to add fluidity in the top line in a bid to achieve the first away victory of the season. Valencia CF and UD Almeria played out an entertaining game at the Mestalla Stadium to take a share of the spoils.
