2-2: UD Almería almost complete epic comeback win!

UD Almería were on the verge of staging a comeback that would have been epic because in the 55th minute they were trailing 0-2. They were able to peg SD Eibar back twice and had chances to bag the three points in front of fans who knew how to recognise the hard work of their team. Despite the great attitude of the Rojiblancos, the reality is that they still have not won at home, they have recorded only one victory in LaLiga. They are far from the privileged positions of the table and the drop zone is close, very close. 

 

Rubi picked out a Starting XI with numerous new faces; up to four changes compared to last Monday's squad that took on CD Castellón. In fact, Radovanovic, who had not yet played in LaLiga, made his debut in the centre of defence and formed a tandem with Chumi. In front of them, Lopy, for Robertone, next to Edgar in the midfield. In addition, Leo Baptistao returned after recovering from his muscle soreness, and Gonzalo Melero replaced Sergio Arribas.

 

However, the reality was very different because the Indálicos, despite the changes, once again showed a similar face. Yes, they had the ball, made their presence known in the final third... like in previous matches, but unlike these, without creating really clear scoring opportunities. On the contrary, the rivals were effective and after a corner kick Edgar scored an own goal. Arambarri, at the far post, finished off with a header, the ball hit the woodwork, then hit the UD Almería player and went into the back of the net. It was 0-1, fortunately for SD Eibar, in the 25th minute. 

 

UD Almería went through a few moments of inaccuracies, although they regained momentum. With 33 minutes on the clock, Luis Suárez levelled things up, but the referee and the VAR ruled it out for offside. The Rojiblancos kept trying, although without the attacking potential of other games. Rubi's side had to take risks, they had no other choice, and this circumstance against the Armero team was 'suicidal' due to the characteristics of the visitors. 

 

Bautista, in the 52nd minute, was about to score, but shortly after, 55 minutes in, Alkain, after a good delivery from Antonio Puertas, completed a counter-attack. Unlike last Monday against CD Castellón, UD Almería reacted soon, very soon. In the 57th minute, striker Luis Suárez fights for a ball, assists Nico Melamed with a backheel and he enters the box to fire home with confidence.

 

The Rojiblancos came out on top, and so did their fans, with almost 11,000 attendees  rooting for the players. Rubi made substitutions... and one of the tricks he played, Bruno Langa sent a thunderbolt to the post from the edge of the area. After 80 minutes, Rachad, after a brilliant play by Arribas, who had also been brought on a few minutes earlier, scored from the bench to make it 2-2, and there was time ahead for the feat. Lopy, in the 86th minute, nearly netted, although the save from the visiting goalkeeper was superb, as it would also be in the 88th minute to a cross shot by Luis Suárez. 

 

UD Almería and their devoted fans believed... and SD Eibar were also well aware of it, so they began to pause the game and slow down the rhythm. It is a shame because the hosts were really close to breaking the deadlock to stage an epic comeback!