3-2: UD Almería beaten by Real Oviedo as they bounce back from two goals down

UD Almería overturned a two-goal deficit playing with ten after trailing 2-0, but they did not manage to secure a comeback win and left Oviedo empty-handed and with two sending-offs, Radovanovic and Rachad, who will be ruled out for the next match in Zaragoza. Luis Suárez grabbed an inspiring brace.

 

Head coach Rubi picked out a Starting XI similar to the one from the previous Matchday that put in an invigorated performance against Burgos CF, although he was forced to make two changes due to the absence of Bruno Langa, who is on international duty with the Mozambique squad and Sergio Arribas, sent off for a dangerous tackle. Alex Centelles, on the left wing, and Arnau Puigmal, on the right, were the ones who replaced them. But the intention to extend the good vibes against powerful opponents, who were on the verge of moving up to the Primera Division last season, and in their stadium, faded very soon. In fact, at the beginning, a superior Real Oviedo commanded, who were in charge and taking the initiative, against a UD Almeria squad that were suffering and seemed not comfortable on the pitch. So much so that in the 12th minute David Costas, coming off a corner, opened the scoring 1-0, and shortly after, inside 18 minutes, Seoane, also with a header, finished off a cross from the left into the back of the net.

 

The Indálicos were on the ropes, but in the 21st minute, Luis Suárez cancelled out Oviedo's opener after receiving a long ball from Lopy and beating the goalkeeper on his way out. The play was ruled out for offside, although the VAR validated it. This goal gave confidence to the Rojiblancos, who began to have more of the ball in search of a tie. With 34 minutes on the clock, Leo Baptistao was about to achieve it, but unluckily his shot from the edge of the box went just past the post. Although UD Almería had improved, the Carbayones

continued to cause concern because the Indálicos could not stop the opponents' non-stop attacks. The break was reached at 2-1.

 

The second half began with both second-tier sides exchanging chances. At times, Rubi's men even took the initiative more, although without creating real dangerous situations in the final third. However, 15 minutes after the restart, the Rojiblancos were reduced to 10 men due to the sending-off of Radovanovic for knocking down Alemão when he was facing Maximiano. It seemed like the match was over, although it wasn't, at least at that moment. 

 

Rubi made changes and brought Edgar, Melero and Rachad onto the pitch. A minute later, in the 66th minute, the Moroccan forward won the ball back, gave it to Leo Baptistao, he shot at goal, the keeper denied him and Luis Suárez tied the match (2-2). Carlos Tartiere was silent. 

 

Despite what was achieved, UD Almería could not hold on. Aside from the lack of strength shown, there were players ahead who did make a difference, such as Cazorla and Alemão, who swept home the third goal to the despair of the visitors who were left with 9 players in action as Rachad receives marching orders for a reckless challenge. The Rojiblancos left the Carlos Tartiere stadium empty-handed in the end (3-2).