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3-0: UD Almería regain second spot to increase pressure on pacesetters

The Rojiblancos are back to winning ways and take a massive step in the race for automatic promotion to the top flight

Red and white are the colours! The curtain-raiser finished in a convincing 3-0 triumph to UD Almería who took a massive step to the top of the standings while SD Ponferradina left the Mediterraneo empty-handed. The big chances were created by the hosts who put in a commanding display from the first minutes. Three goals courtesy of Sadiq, Arnau and Eguaras took Rubi’s side above now-third Real Valladolid CF and to within one point of pacesetters SD Eibar. 

UD Almeria came flying out of traps from the off and forced the keeper into a handful of saves as they were clearly dominating the game. Given this aspect, it was not necessary to wait too long for the home team to open the scoring, since Sadiq Umar entered the small box with power, the ball dropped to him following a cross by Álex Centelles and the Nigerian ended up finding the back of the net inside 16 minutes (1-0).

In general terms, it did not seem that the guests from El Bierzo could level things up. Rather it was quite the opposite, as the Indalicos continued to approach the net defended by keeper Amir with a very active Arvin Appiah on the flank. The English footballer made a good play dribbling past two opponents, but a defender got in the way of the goal.

With the arrival of the second half, UD Almeria continued to carve out the better opportunities. So much so that, again with a brilliant tackle after half-time, Arnau Puigmal unleashed a shot into the net and doubled his team’s lead. It was 2-0 and with 51 minutes on the clock. Portillo would look for the third shortly after, however, his strike from the edge of the box was blocked by goalie Amir who sent the ball out-of-bounds over the end line. 

As the encounter was heading towards the end, UD Almería were better off. What's more, the Rojiblancos fashioned several chances with which they could have extended their lead and the highlight being a fine attempt by Sadiq in the 77th minute, which came just grazing the post.

SD Ponferradina did not create danger on Fernando's goal. The Rojiblancos were on fire as there were some goalmouth scrambles. In the final stretch, Sadiq again put Amir to the test in a rocking atmosphere in the Juegos Mediterráneos stands, while Íñigo Eguaras was at the right time in the right place ready to put it past the keeper and make it 3-0 in stoppage time.

UD Almería are back into automatic promotion positions and to within one point of leaders SD Eibar thanks to three huge points, a clean sheet and a commanding display from start to finish without leaving even the slightest option to their opponents from North Spain.