1-0: UD Almería suffer first unfair and controversial defeat of season

UD Almería lost their first game of the 2924/25 season against CD Eldense on Matchday 4. The defeat was unfair and controversial since the Rojiblancos outplayed their opponents and deserved to go into the break in the lead due to their fighting spirit and big chances. It is true that in the second period they were not at the same level as the hosts, yet they were not outplayed by CD Eldense, who scored in the final minutes due to a VAR decision. In stoppage time, the Indálicos claimed a penalty for a handball by a defender within the box. 

 

Rubi made four changes from the previous starting XI. Marc Pubill was handed a starting spot as a full-back and Leo Baptistao ahead of him, instead of Pozo and Arnau Puigmal. In midfield, Robertone and Lopy came in for Melero and Edgar. A team roster chosen to face a very demanding match due to the characteristics of the adversaries.

 

From the get go the match was intense, very intense, and was played at a good pace despite the stifling heat. UD Almería had learned their lesson perfectly and in addition to showing their usual signs of identity in attack, they knew how to keep their opponents at bay. 

 

The Rojiblancos gradually imposed themselves, giving CD Eldense no chance and developing fluidity in their game. The Indálicos bossed the first half and squandered, once again, clear-cut chances. Leo Baptistao failed to score in the 7th minute and Robertone did so inside 10 minutes. Luis Suárez slapped the floor in frustration in the 25th and 26th minutes. In these last two opportunities the ball hit the woodwork. It was such a shame despite  the team's attitude and fighting spirit.

 

In the second period things changed because it was an encounter with alternate dominance. UD Almería did not play with the fluidity of the first half and struggled to create danger. Furthermore, he was unable to stop their opponents, who advanced more causing concern at specific moments, although they did create clear-cut opportunities.

 

With 78 minutes gone, gaffer Rubi replaced Leo Baptistao with Arnau Puigmal and Arribas with Melero, seeking to reactivate the attacking options, but shortly after the first controversial decision arrived with a goal disallowed by the referee against CD Eldense, due to offside, which after several minutes of analysis was validated by the VAR. It was 1-0 in the 84th minute. The UD Almería head coach made some changes again and put Marezi and Rachad into the fray, but the score would no longer change. 

 

The Rojiblancos claimed a penalty in added time for a handball by a host defender inside the area that neither the match official nor the VAR considered was dangerous. Anyway, it was the first loss of the season but there is still a long way to go.