Match Reports
3-1: It ends in defeat despite late goal for UD Almeria
The Rojiblancos held their own against CA Osasuna in the first half, but were dominated in the second. Lázaro netted a consolation goal (90+1’)
UD Almería couldn't beat slick the Spanish Cup runners-up who find themselves 3 points adrift from the Europa Conference League spot. The Rojiblancos held their own against the Rojillos in the first half, but conceded two goals in 5 minutes and a third that was netted with 10 minutes to go. Rubi's men gave it their all at all times and found their reward in the 90+1’ through Lázaro Vinicius who scored a late consolation goal.
As for the starting XI, head coach Rubi opted for the same players who claimed victory against Elche CF on the previous Matchday: Fernando between the sticks; Centelles, Babić, Ely and Pozo defended as a back four; the midfield was protected by Melero, De la Hoz and Robertone; Embarba, Baptistão and Luis Suárez up front. UD Almeria U19 ‘A’ skipper Marcos Peña was named in the senior teamsheet for the first time ever.
The first half kicked off with an attacking CA Osasuna in the opening minutes, pressing high and going all out to put themselves in front. However, the Rojiblancos knew how to dig in as they began to have more possession and create effective collective plays. During the first 30 minutes, there was no clear sight of goal, but in the 33rd minute, the first big chance of the game was fashioned by CA Osasuna. Budimir shot at the goal from within the area and Fernando got the ball off with his left foot. After this attempt, neither side managed to find a breakthrough before half time (0-0).
The second period began in the worst possible way for the Rojiblancos since the Rojillos’ opening goal put them on the lead. This time, Budimir was able to beat Fernando thanks to his clinical finish. The home side continued to press high and five minutes after that 1-0, Abde slammed a sensational shot into the top corner (2-0).
This setback did not put the Indálicos down and inside 55 minutes, Baptistão scuffed a chance as goalie Aitor Fernández denied the Brazilian with a great stretch. Then, the game could have gone either 3-0 or 2-1 on the hour mark. Opponent Aimar Oróz slapped the turf in frustration after hitting the woodwork 70 minutes in, and shortly after, Luis Suárez lacked the precision to trouble the home keeper.
In the 81st minute, Moi Gómez found that spark and swept home the third (3-0). UD Almería looked a bit weakened during the remaining minutes when suddenly, in the 91st minute, Lázaro Vinicius managed to pull one back after finishing on point from the edge of the box (3-1).
Match information:
CA Osasuna: Aitor Fernandez; Rubén Peña (Diego Moreno. 82’), Manu Sánchez, Aridane, David García; Moncayola (Ibáñez. 82’), Lucas Torró, Oroz; Kike Barja, Abde (Rubén García. 82’) and Budimir (Chimy Ávila. 71’).
UD Almería: Fernando; Pozo, Centelles, Ely, Babić; De la Hoz (Samu Costa. 72’), Robertone (Ramazani. 79’), Melero (Portillo. 67’); Baptistão (Arnau Puigmal. 67’), Embarba (Lázaro Vinicius. 67’) and Luis Suárez.
Goals: 1-0 Budimir. 46’. 2-0 Abde. 52’. 3-0 Moi Gomez. 80’. 3-1 Lazaro Vinicius. 90+1’.
Referee: Mateu Lahoz
Observations: Matchday 34. Game played at the El Sadar stadium. Before the kick-off, several tributes took place on the pitch.