0-1: Triumph and brilliant football

UD Almería achieved the first victory of the 2024/25 season in Tenerife, which was brilliant due to their enormous attacking potential. However, the Rojiblancos regretted missed chances and had to fight fiercely against a 10-man CD Tenerife. The lack of effectiveness in both areas sparked uncertainty, but the vibes brought by the team, on a general level, are great. Nico Melamed, who was making his UD Almería debut, grabbed the winning goal. 

 

Head coach Rubi made up to 4 changes to the starting XI that took on Racing de Santander last weekend: 3 due to absences and another due to a technical decision to improve the defence since Chumi started instead of César Montes. The big news was the presence of Nico Melamed, who was placed in attack on the left wing in Ramazani's position. Arribas was in the centre while Arnau Puigmal was on the right, forming a line of three, behind Luis Suárez. In addition, Pozo was positioned as right-back so that Arnau could advance his position due to Leo Baptistao's injury. Rubi said in the pre-match press conference that CD Tenerife would start the game angry after their defeat in Elda, but the Indálicos gave them no option because they jumped onto the pitch with class and self-confidence. 

 

UD Almería dominated the ball showing quality with Melero, Arribas, Nico Melamed, Arnau Puigmal, Luis Suárez. A formation with undoubted offensive potential that teamed up over 15 truly brilliant minutes. Nonetheless, the Tenerife players went on to counteract the clear UD Almeria superiority, partly due to Almería's turnovers, but also because the islanders had their tactics well studied to advance downfield. In the 22nd minute, Maximiano palmed away an acrobatic and explosive shot by Ángel.

 

Rubi's side were going through moments of trouble from which they managed to get out again. The visitors became more powerful at the back and regained good attacking football. With 27 minutes on the clock, the referee controversially ruled out Nico Melamed's goal for offside by Arnau Puigmal. Chances followed one another, yet it was UD Almería who decided the tempo again at the end of the first half in CD Tenerife's half.

 

Eight after the restart, the hosts were down to 10 men due to the sending-off of José León, who knocked down Luis Suárez when he was preparing to face the goal after a great through pass from Edgar. Rubi then replaced Kaiky, who was shown a yellow card and brought on Lopy; Edgar was positioned as centre-back. 

 

UD Almería ruled with authority. Nico Melamed sent the ball wide inside 62 minutes when he was alone in front of the Tenerife keeper. One minute later, the summer recruit opened the scoring 0-1 by heading in a cross from Arnau Puigmal. 

 

The Rojiblancos silenced the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium since despite winning, they were looking for the second goal against rivals who had to take risks leaving space. UD Almería took advantage of it to counter-attack, although they also chose to play in search of the best offensive option. The chances did not stop, but the goal to end the feisty affair did not come and this circumstance sparked  uncertainty because CD Tenerife did not give up at all. The score remained 0-1 and the three points were the fair reward for those who were better, much better.