1-2: Resounding triumph for UD Almería against Elche CF

UD Almería achieved a prestigious victory in Elche because they brilliantly beat a powerful Elche CF at the Martínez Valero Stadium with 20,000 fans in the stands and once again scored two goals away from home as they fought back following Elche CF's early opener. Then, Lopy levelled things up and Luis Suárez put the game to bed.  UD Almería found themselves trailing 1-0 as soon as the game began, which made everything really difficult... although the Rojiblancos are already 'experts' in coming back from behind. 

 

The starting XI saw Fernando putting the gloves on again. Baba returned to the midfield with Lopy; Pubill recovered the right flank. Also, Arribas was placed up front with great mobility in his position and Bruno Langa was active in defence, as was Centelles in attack. They were the changes  with respect to the previous league match, in Huesca.

 

It was the 4th minute when opponent Salinas opened the scoring with a low shot close to the post that Fernando did not manage to catch. The early goal was key shortly after, in the 7th and in the 14th, with both saves preventing the 2-0. UD Almería did not look comfortable, they seemed outmatched, but everything changed after minute 36. Baba won the ball back in the midfield, passed it to Lopy and he attempted it in the area and levelled things up with a diagonal cross. 

 

The Indálicos, with their attacking potential, were able to go into the break with an advantage. Leo Baptistao, in the 38th minute, sent the ball to the crossbar and after 40 minutes, Luis Suárez beat the goalkeeper, after a well-timed assist from Chumi, and without an angle he was on the verge of scoring. It was a first half with plenty of end-to-end activity, good football and chances, many chances for both Southern sides.

 

In the second half, head coach Rubi brought Nico Melamed in to replace Centelles, who was yellow carded. More power and batteries for the Rojiblancos' attack with undoubted potential. And this was evident 4 minutes after the restart with a brilliant play perfectly put together that ended with a shot against the post by Bruno Langa. And also in the 53rd minute since Suárez made the most of the opponents' indecision to steal the ball, face the keeper and beat him. It was 1-2. 

 

UD Almería were solid, kept the boys from Elche at bay and played their attacking tricks well; without rushing and circulating with discretion, on some occasions, or seeking to spring a surprise with speed, on others. The team bossed things as they clearly regained momentum.

 

So much so that with 60 minutes on the clock, Baptistao could have made it 1-3, yet his shot after a great delivery at the hands of Marc Pubill sent it high. It was a shame, because the encounter could have been put back on track. 

 

UD Almería knew how to keep themselves in the front and although eventually they had to suffer from the hosts' threatening situations, the victory was clinched and three massive points were bagged!