1-1: UD Almería 'B' share the spoils and promotion will be played in Toledo
The UDA Academy Rojiblancos, who remain undefeated in the play-offs, faced bravely a team from La Mancha that took the lead right after the off. Rachad managed to equalise in the second half
UD Almería 'B' had to settle for a one-all draw against CD Toledo and the final to be promoted to Segunda RFEF will be decided at the 'Salto del Caballo' where the La Mancha team plays their home games. The visitors began to take the lead, in the first play of the match, after a corner Gavilán made it 0-1, however, the Rojiblancos, despite the blow, reacted and in the second half managed to tie with Rachad's leveller. The final result of the match was 1-1.
The match did not start well at all for the promotion-chasing Indálicos since, in the first dangerous play of the match, the visitors' goal came thanks to a corner kick that CD Toledo took advantage of in the first minute of play; Gavilán put the La Mancha team ahead, leaving the team and the Rojiblancos fans speechless, and they were about to score the second goal. However, the Rojiblancos began to take revenge for that blow and reached the visiting goal, especially with the additions on the wing of Hugo Neves, Aarón and Joan who, as time went by, found more team-mates to play with. In fact, in the 20th minute, Marcos Peña was on the verge of scoring the equaliser after a well-timed pass from Joan, although his shot from the edge of the area went just wide. The UD Almeria 'B' were closer more and more clearly to netting and only 3 minutes after Peña's move. Aarón, in a free kick, hit the post and on the rebound René Pérez would also be close to getting the tie. UD Almería 'B' were trying, but between bad fortune and Toledo's good defensive work, they were unable to find the back of the net. The effectiveness of the first minute of the La Mancha outfit allowed them to go into the break with a narrow lead.
In the second half, Lasarte's side came out with very clear ideas of reversing the situation as soon as possible, looking for the goal and putting pressure on CD Toledo's build-up play, so with that game plan, the Rojiblancos began to lock the La Mancha team in their area, especially with a very active Valen who came out at the beginning of the second half and in the first half he already created danger by making Yelco Ramos, the visitor goalkeeper, blocked his effort.
Alberto Lasarte's team were getting closer and closer to the tie, they were caressing it on every chance and finally, in the 61st minute the well-deserved reward arrived, Rachad, after a great cross from Peñalver, finished off with a header into the back of the net to level things up. From this tie onwards, the match entered a spell when there was no clear dominator, although it is true that UD Almería 'B' were the ones who tried the most and tried to create more danger against CD Toledo, who were aware that the second leg on home turf still remained.
The hosts attempted by all means to reach that match with an advantage. Nonetheless, a tie would be the final result of the match and everything will be decided on the rivals' pitch, the 'Salto del Caballo' stadium.
Match information:
UD Almería 'B': Bruno, Peñalver, Álex Mendes, René Pérez, Aarón Romero, Marcos Peña, Cantón (Loren. 46'), Joan (Josema. 77'), Luis Lara (Valen. 46'), Hugo Neves (Marsu. 90') and Marezi (Rachad. 59').
CD Toledo: Yelco, Kupen, Iván González, David Luna (Marcos. 66'), Unax (Peteiro. 82'), Pepe Delgado (Martín. 46'), Theo García, Piochi (Abraham. 66'), Rodri, Angelito and Manu Gavilán (Gómez. 82').
Goals: 0-1 Manu Gavilán (1'). 1-1 Rachad. ( 61').
Referees: Joaquín Béjar Caballero. He booked host René Pérez and visitor Peteiro.
Observations: First leg match of the play-off final for promotion to Segunda RFEF played at the Power Horse Stadium in the presence of nearly 6,000 supporters who filled the grandstand (home fans) and south stand (Toledo travelling fans).