3-2: Defensive mistakes condemn UD Almería against Betis
The Rojiblancos show their skills at the Benito Villamarín. They competed fiercely and stood out in attack, but they continue to make things easier for the opponents at the back
Defensive mistakes condemn UD Almería against Real Betis Balompié at the Benito Villamarín Stadium, where the hosts seemed like they were going to have an easy game and yet they ended up struggling in the last minutes. The Rojiblancos showed their skills, competed well, stood out in attack and if it weren't for the errors in the box, they would not have ended empty-handed in Seville. There are already 70 goals against registered this campaign; the team that concedes the most in the top tier, while those goals for add up to 35, surpassing Cádiz CF, Rayo Vallecano, RCD Mallorca, UD Las Palmas and Deportivo Alavés… significant.
Head coach Pepe Mel picked out a starting XI similar to the one that won in Vallecas on the previous Matchday. Robertone and Jonathan Viera were the new arrivals; both regained starting spots in the midfield after serving one-game bans. The Argentinean towards the double pivot with Almería-born Marcos Peña, and the Canary Islands native was operating ahead of them. Edgar, who played in the midfield against Rayo Vallecano, moved to the centre of the defense due to the absence of César Montes due to suspension. Except these modifications, the same squad to try to achieve the same objective: a victory, but a Betis side with enormous potential that aspires to make it to the Europe championship and above all in a ?venue with a great atmosphere and a cheering crowd.
After 8 minutes, Fornals opened the scoring 1-0, taking advantage of the lack of effectiveness of the Rojiblancos defence. Real Betis came out at high intensity, with high pressure and playing vertical football. They dominated the Indálicos time and again. However, little by little, UD Almería began to feel comfortable and have the ball, although without creating dangerous situations in the final third. When they were performing at their best, it was 2-0. Edgar, in the area, made a bad control and the ball was delivered to Isco who beat, without problems, Maximiano between the sticks.
The match seemed doomed when Léo Baptistão, after welcoming a good cross by Marc Pubill, put it past the goalie from a wide range. A genius to put UD Almería back into the game in injury time of the first period.
The Rojiblancos, very well organised and with things very clear, had a brilliant start to the second half to such an extent that in minutes 50, 55 and 63 were able to score through Robertone, on the first of these opportunities, and Embarba, in the next two.
Pepe Mel's side passed the ball perfectly and looked at the opposing goal in search of a tie. But in the 64th minute, another serious defensive error, lack of effectiveness, motivated Ayoze to extend their lead 3-1. Far from giving up, UD Almería, with quality and grit, had a great capacity to react.
The Madrid native gaffer put Luka Romero in the fray and as soon as he left, the Mexican managed to pull one back by finishing off a well-timed cross from the left wing by Baptistão. The Rojiblancos white pressed, fought to the death and insisted on equalising, bringing uncertainty to Benito Villamarín, where the Béticos and their cheering fans were looking forward to the final whistle. It was Pepe Mel's fourth game as a visitor and the first defeat arrived after a draw in San Sebastián and two victories in Las Palmas and Vallecas.
