UD Almería stage comeback but fall short against Al-Hilal Saudi FC
The Rojiblancos lose to the greatest team in Asia in their last pre-season friendly. Turki Alalshikh attended the game played at the Pirelli Stadium.
UD Almería pre-season preparations and friendlies are now over! The Rojiblancos played their 7th and last friendly against the greatest Asian team Al-Hilal Saudi FC. UD Almeria lost 1-2 to one of the biggest clubs with more triumphs and trophies in Asia. After a first half in which the Indalicos trailed 0-2, they stepped up the momentum, improved their tactics and created danger enough to have scored a few more goals in the second period. Al-Hilal Saudi FC stormed into a 2-0 lead but Ramazani pegged them back and it was nervy until the final minutes. Rubi’s side lacked a bit of skill in the final third due to the absences of Sadiq, Sousa and Milovanović, who did not travel to England.
The Al-Hilal Saudi FC squad got off to a flying start and within 3 minutes Vietto opened the scoring 0-1. Keeper Fernando had previously been forced into two smart saves. The Asian opposition dominated much of the opening 45 minutes.
UD Almería did their very best to find a quick reaction trying to connect with their offensive players, but not having any striker up front made it more complicated. In addition, the Rojiblancos were taken aback by the high pressure of the Asian champions who did not allow the Spanish team to exploit half spaces so they were neither comfortable nor effective on the field. The result of that pressure being cranked up triggered the second goal for Al-Hilal Saudi FC; Salem’s low cross was turned in at the far post to double their lead (0-2).
In the second half, there was plenty of endeavour from UD Almería but no reward yet. The team moved up a gear and took control of the game. Both Samú Costa and Eguaras fashioned chances. A few minutes into this second period, Arnau Puigmal had to be subbed over muscular discomfort; Robertone replaced the midfielder.
The lads from UD Almería had a very clear double goal-scoring opportunity following a corner-kick; first Ely and then De la Hoz tested the reflexes of goalie Owais who saved both shots. Head coach Rubi looked for effective solutions with Pozo, Centelles and Curro coming on in the 70th minute. The team continued to add more energy and forward drive pushing for a goal.
The clock ticked down. Ramazani superbly dispatched from the penalty spot inside 85 minutes to peg back their opponents. The Belgian player was about to level the scoring in the next play, however his strike went just wide. The Rojiblancos went all out for an equaliser until the final whistle. It did not go to plan for them at the Pirelli Stadium.
Match information:
UD Almería: Fernando; Mendes (Pozo, 70’), Kayky (De la Hoz, 46’), Ely, Akieme (Centelles, 70’); Portillo (Curro, 70’), Samú Costa, Eguaras, Arnau Puigmal (Robertone, 56’), Lazo (Appiah, 46’); and Ramazani.
Al-Hilal Saudi FC: Almuaiouf; Albulayhi, Jang, Saud; Michael, Cuellar, Nasser, Pereira; Salem, Vietto and Carrillo. Hadhood, Khalifah, Hamad Al Abdan, Jahfali, Abdullah, Hamad, Marega, Burayk, Kanno, Otayf, Owais, Khalifah and Al Khaibari also played.
Referee: Bob Lewis assisted by Blake Antrobus and Paul Graham. He booked Lazo from UD Almería
Goals: 0-1 (3’) Vietto. 0-2 (40’) Dawsari. 1-2: (85’) Ramazani (pen.)
Observations: 7th and last pre-season friendly for UD Almería played at the Pirelli Stadium located in the English town of Burton-Upon-Trent. Turki Alalshikh, president and owner of UD Almeria attended the friendly together with Club managing director Mohamed El Assy.