2-2: UD Almería know what awaits them in the league but also how to deal with it

UD Almería now know what awaits them this season in LaLiga Hypermotion, but also how to deal with it because they demonstrated it on the La Liga Hyper motion curtain-raiser against powerful rivals Racing de Santander, and in a packed El Sardinero stadium with a great atmosphere. The Rojiblancos collected an all-important point after pegging back their opponents in the second half, who let slip a 2-nil lead at half-time. Rubi's side were close to winning but also losing against resilient Racing that put themselves in front twice. 

 

If the encounter had not been seen, the result of 2-0 after the first 45 minutes would reflect the hosts superiority, yet the reality was truly different. The Rojiblancos knew what they had to do and how to do it, and as a result, they won through good football and  fake awareness over the Cantabria team, although not by goals, which is, ultimately, what is really valuable in this exciting sport. 

 

UD Almería warned in the first brilliant collective play between Ramazani and Arnau Puigmal that striker Luis Suárez failed to finish. Although Racing took the lead inside 6 minutes through a controversial penalty, the Indálicos did not lose courage, far from it, in the meting. With quick transitions, in linked plays or in strategy, they could have scored to have come back. Ramazani, Luis Suárez, Leo Baptistao, Melero... created really clear chances, but again it was the Racinguistas who netted, making the most of the free spaces they found and this fact in a team specialised in direct football, was lethal. In the 31st minute, 2-0 and even in added time it could have been 3-0 in a similar combination play.

 

Head coach Rubi made changes at the start of the second half. Leo Baptistao, with an ankle issue gave way to  Marc Pubill, placing Arnau Puigmal ahead of the Olympic Games men's football champ. Lopy came on for César Montes. Edgar occupied the Mexican's centre-back spot. Shortly after, on 61 minutes, Arribas was brought on. With all these subs, although they had to be extremely focused so as not to facilitate the Verdiblancos'' built-up play due to speed, the Indálicos pulled the strings, decided the tempo, showed confidence in being able to reverse the situation and they did it with class... Ramazani, in the 61st minute, made it 2-1 after picking up a rebound from the goalkeeper after a shot by Luis Suárez. El Sardinero was completely silent. It was no wonder. UD Almería continued putting in an invigorated display. With 70 minutes gone, Luis Suárez grabbed the leveller with a penalty and in the 71st minute, Centelles, in a great team play, squandered a chance that prevented the 2-3, which was more than deserved. 

 

From here until the final whistle, the first fixture of the 2024/25 season sparked uncertainty since the changes made by the Racing gaffer were brave, and opportunities began to follow one another. The match was a tense affair and anything could happen, but many, too many had already happened, so the game ended 2-all.