3-1: UD Almería top of LaLiga SmartBank
The Rojiblancos chalk up a victory in hard-fought match against Real Sociedad ‘B’ at the ‘Mediterraneo’
Hard work and endless patience allowed UD Almería to chalk up a home victory over Real Sociedad ‘B’. The Rojiblancos did not have it easy at all when it comes to winning a hard-fought game in which San Sebastián youth players deployed potent weapons. Lazo put the Indalicos in front, the visitors equalised and it was in the second period when the huge effort and some changes made to the starting XI rewarded UD Almeria with all 3 points to top the LaLiga SmartBabnk table again thanks to Sadiq and Pozo.
Two fixtures in 72 hours… Rubi introduced some new faces in the starting line-up: keeper Fernando; Juanjo Nieto, Carriço, Babić, Sergio Akieme, César de la Hoz, Curro Sánchez, Portillo, Lazo and Sadiq Umar. In fact, the head coach had already reported in the pre-game presser that there would be opportunities for more footballers.
The contest began in the best way that Almería could hope for. With just 3 minutes on the clock, Sadiq winded his way past the defence within the box and put it on a plate for peer José Carlos Lazo, who finished off and became the first player to earn his name on the scoresheet this evening (1-0). It had been a great start, however, it would not last long in terms of the result because, Magunazelaia levelled the scoring on 19 minutes after taking advantage of a clearance.
Even though the Rojiblancos were kind of imprecise when playing the final pass, they were closer to finding the back of the net over the first half, highlighting an action in which Sadiq finished off a cross sent to the area by Juanjo Nieto.
The contenders from down south were facing difficult opponents, who were not afraid when it came to playing and who were forcing them to pull their socks up. It was then when that constant effort would gradually lead to the victory prize, also coinciding with the arrival of the changes. Before the substitutions Sadiq nearly rifled home the second but missed high.
During this time, Iván Martos, Juan Villar, Arnau, Pozo and Appiah came into force. These last four, due to their offensive contribution, stood out for helping UD Almeria with their attacking build-up play and a greater presence high up the field.
So much so that in the 75th minute, Appiah ran down towards the centre of the pitch and made an ingenious pass to unmarked Sadiq Umar, who did not hesitate to beat the goalkeeper and fire home the second (2-1). Despite the Rojiblancos had just broken the deadlock, they wanted some more.
Nothing could prevent the ambition in attack at the hands of UD Almeria. In the 86th minute, a breakaway by Sadiq Umar towards the box, inspired the Nigerian to add another goal assist to his name when Alejandro Pozo picked up the ball and extended their lead (3-1).
This is how UD Almería managed to top the LaLiga SmartBank table again after winning a game that was not easy at all through hard work and great patience shown at all times at the ‘Mediterraneo’.