Match Reports
1-3: UD Almería find positives for future despite defeat against Real Madrid CF
The Rojiblancos took an early lead through Arribas. After the Blancos' equaliser, they were close to making it 2-1 but the opponents proved high quality and enormous potential
UD Almería had a hard time against Real Madrid CF on Matchday 2, especially since the team is still being rebuilt. In spite of the defeat, the Rojiblancos found positives for the future... so many that the 1-3 was a very severe punishment considering their strong performance on home turf. The hosts took an early lead through former Real Madrid CF player Arribas, and although the Blancos levelled things up, UD Almería were close to making it 2-1. They did not in the end since the opponents proved quality and potential. UD Almería's performance certainly improved after hosting Rayo Vallecano on Matchday 1 so if they keep it up, they will earn points soon for sure.
Recent signing Maximiliano debuted in goal. Baba was back in the midfield along with Marc Pubill and Arribas, who had already played on the league opener. The Madrid-born player timed his run to perfection to get off the mark in no time as he headed in Robertone's perfect cross from the left wing. It was a brilliant counter-attack with the best finish...which was rather interesting because Arribas has just moved from Real with a reputation as being capable of the spectacular (1-0).
The Madridistas pressed and came to the south coast to dominate and create danger, yet UD Almería had a rock solid defence. In the 19th minute, Bellingham took advantage of a rebound, and perhaps of his arm as well, to grab the leveller. All square at the end of an eventful first period (1-1).
It seemed that the guests from the Spanish capital were getting the game back on track, but as the minutes kicked on, it was UD Almería who bossed the ball, especially in the dying embers of the first half. The team threatened in a bubbling atmosphere and plucked up the courage. After 34 minutes, Baba shot from the edge of the area and Lunin parried it with difficulty; Robertone fired a thunderbolt from long range, inside 37 minutes, that almost went to the bottom of the net; in the 41st minute, the Argentinian tried his luck again and Lunin yet again did well to repel the goal; Ramazani also squandered a chance in stoppage time.
UD Almería, with fluidity in their game and effective passing, were close to making it 2-1. Shortly before the break, a sweet strike from Toni Kroos, who placed his curling effort into the right corner from Dani Carvajal's cut back, was chalked off by the VAR to a huge cheer from the Almeria fans as there was a foul by Dani Carvajal in the build up.
UD Almería believed in their chances of winning and picked up where they left off to keep threatening. However, when Vicente Moreno's outfit were at their electric best, Kroos whipped in a great cross and Bellingham went ahead of Maximiliano to slot home a thumping header.
The Indálicos did not give up, but that goal did damage because although Luis Suárez failed to tie on 70 minutes after a play by Embarba, 73 minutes in, Vinicius Jr, who always has a sprinkling of magic dust, made it 1-3 to seal a comprehensive victory, also thanks to a useful contribution from team-mate Jude Bellingham who scored twice as well. Koné made his UD Almería debut, but the result remained the same and the final whistle was blown.
Match information:
UD Almería: Maximiano; Marc Pubill (Pozo, 69'), Chumi, Edgar, Akieme; Baba (Lázaro. 90'), Robertone (Melero, 69'); Arribas (Arnau Puigmal, 90'), Ramazani (Koné, 60'), Embarba; and Luis Suarez.
Real Madrid CF: Lunin; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Fran García; Tchouameni, Bellingham (Joselu, 80'), Valverde (Lucas Vázquez, 90'), Kroos (Camavinga, 72'); Rodrygo (Luka Modrić, 72'), Vinicius Jr (Brahim, 90').
Goals: 1-0 (3'). Arribas, heads in a cross from Robertone. 1-1 (19') Bellingham, takes advantage of a rebound inside the box and his arm to tie. 1-2 (60'). Bellingham beats Maximiano. 1-3 (73') Vinicius Jr's third seals victory.
Referee: José María Sánchez Martinez, from the Murcia Referees Committee. He booked Chumi
Observations: Matchday 2. LaLiga EA Sports. Game played at the Power Horse Stadium in front of 17,561 spectators, which meant nearly a full stadium.
