UD Almería is currently facing a tumultuous season, grappling with serious challenges that threaten their aspirations for promotion. As Gonzalo Melero aptly put it, "Es imposible ascender recibiendo dos o tres goles por partido," — emphasizing the stark reality of their situation. The club, expected to be a contender for the LaLiga EA Sports ascension, finds itself with a less than favorable record as they sit at 50 points, far behind other rivals in the league.
Despite showcasing an impressive offensive potential, including standout performances from players like Luis Suarez, who has netted 21 goals, Baptistao with eight, and Arribas with six, the defensive frailties remain glaring. Almería has conceded a staggering 44 goals in the season, with 27 of those on the road. This is emblematic of a larger systemic issue, as the team has conceded at least two goals in ten matches and has managed to keep a clean sheet in only six encounters throughout the season.
In light of these statistics, Melero's remarks were a form of self-reflection following a recent loss against Burgos, where he stated, "Los tres goles del Burgos son tres desconexiones por nuestra parte." Such admissions highlight an alarming trend where critical lapses can lead to devastating losses, further complicating the pathway to promotion.
Time is of the essence for Almería, with only ten games remaining on their schedule—six of which are at home against teams like Cartagena and Tenerife, and crucial away matches against rivals including Mirandés and Levante. With the Levante team sitting at 59 points, and Mirandés at 58, Almería needs to undergo a major turnaround to secure a place among the top two teams—positions which allow for direct promotion, thereby circumventing the playoff challenge.
In contrast, the Almería B team is riding high on morale after a recent victory in their encounter against Don Benito in the 28th matchday. Oussama of Don Benito opened the scoring just eight minutes into the contest. However, Almería B, under the guidance of coach Alberto Lasarte, didn’t falter. Lorenzo equalized shortly after, and Luis Lara took the lead with an impressive strike just before halftime, shrugging off early fears of a disastrous match.
Their resilience, notably demonstrated by goalkeeper Bruno Iribarne, who made several critical saves, ultimately secured them a vital three points. With six matches remaining in the season—three at home and three on the road—the team is focused on achieving its goal of playoff qualification for the Primera Federación. The upcoming matches against Xerez Deportivo, Estepona, and Cádiz B at home provide a golden opportunity to make significant strides toward that dream.
Meanwhile, looking ahead to the summer, Almería is reportedly reactivating negotiations to re-sign former player Rodrigo Ely from Gremio, aligning this plan with their ambition for promotion. Although Ely recently extended his contract until 2027, there are indications of a verbal agreement that would facilitate his return to the club contingent upon promotion. Mohamed El Assy, the club's director, has been clear that strengthening the defensive line is critical for their future.
Having played for Almería from 2021 to 2023, Ely is well aware of the club's vision and is seen as a stabilizing figure both on the pitch and in the locker room. Notably, his contribution was vital during the club’s previous successful campaigns, and his experience could play a major role in future successes.
The potential deal hinges not only on sporting needs but also on Ely’s long-term involvement with the club after retirement. His previous tenure at Almería has left a lasting impression, making his return not just feasible but also desirable for many supporters.
As the season hurtles toward its conclusion, Almería stands at a crossroads. They must tackle their defensive inconsistencies while striving for a solid finish to the current season. In doing so, they aim to rebound and reclaim their position among Spain’s elite in LaLiga, driven by the hope of enhancing their squad with strategic reinforcements like Ely.
