UD Almería’s hopes for direct promotion were bolstered this past weekend after the team secured a 1-1 draw against Cádiz at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos. Although the match allowed them to end the year on top of the Segunda División, not all news was positive for the team, as captain Gonzalo Melero faces suspension for the first game of 2025 due to yellow card accumulation.
Melero's absence will be felt significantly as the team prepares to face Córdoba on January 12. He was instrumental throughout the season and has been one of the team’s leaders on and off the pitch. "Gonzalo Melero will be supporting from the stands for the match against Córdoba," mentioned Rafa Góngora, underscoring his continued commitment to the team even when unable to play.
The draw against Cádiz highlighted some of the challenges Almería has faced this season. Head coach Rubi lauded his team's ability to stay resilient amid pressure, stating, "Very difficult against a good Cádiz, placed, strong defensively. When you can't win, at least take a point and go on holiday as winter champion." This sentiment reflects both the pressure the team felt and the satisfaction of maintaining their position atop the league table with 39 points.
Although Almería dominated possession throughout the match, they struggled to break through Cádiz's staunch defense. Despite the low scoring, Rubi recognized the importance of adaptability and determination among his players, especially those who had performed under difficult circumstances earlier in the season. He remarked, "I like to see the people happy; we've turned around a complicated situation, and there are still things to improve.”
One of the challenges identified by the coaching staff is the overreliance on certain key players who, after months of intense play, showed signs of fatigue. Rubi expressed concerns about the time and energy spent on the pitch lately, especially during the busy December schedule filled with high-stakes matches. His observations lead to strategic insights about potential adjustments moving forward.
On the injury front, Almería’s roster has been lightly bruised, but the team is expected to make necessary replacements during the January transfer window. Discussions are underway about key signings for reinforcement, particularly focusing on strengthening the central defense. Rubi indicated the team is preparing for potential new arrivals, noting, "Lázaro will be here on December 30, and news will begin about Fernando and Baptistao soon." There seems to be shared optimism around these moves as they will help Almería maintain its competitive pace through the second half of the season.
Another point of concern was the performance of midfielder Lopy. His tendency to lose possession at pivotal moments has been problematic, costing the team on various occasions, including last weekend against Cádiz. The interplay between Lopy and his defensive partners has raised eyebrows, and Tony Fernández humorously quipped, “Lopy: only at pharmacies. Consult your pharmacist,” implying the potential need for medical assistance every time Lopy misplaced the ball.
Looking back at the match, the dynamics shifted following the dismissal of Ontiveros on the Cádiz side, which provided Almería with opportunities to capitalize. Referee decisions also played their part, with Rubi commenting on the controversial penalty awarded for Cádiz. “The only thing I find reassuring is the decision made by the referee who had the best view of what happened,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of confidence in ref decisions even amid objections from opponents.
The poised drawing allowed Almería to head off for the winter break on solid footing. They are not without their struggles, yet the positive vibes surrounding their potential for promotion are tangible. Almería’s fans remain hopeful, eagerly anticipating the next matches and the chance to witness their team returning stronger after the break.
Though Almería must amend their game plan to prevent setbacks moving forward, the team is well-positioned to make necessary adjustments before their match against Córdoba. Players and coaches alike understand the importance of every point as they march toward their goal of reaching La Liga.
