In a dramatic encounter at the Nuevo Mirandilla on May 9, 2025, Cádiz CF pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat UD Almería 2-1, securing their place in the Segunda División for another season. The match was marked by intense moments, including two red cards for Almería and a last-minute surge from the home side that turned the tide in their favor.
The game kicked off at 20:30 hours, with both teams eager to secure crucial points. Cádiz entered the match knowing that a win would mathematically guarantee their survival in the league. However, their recent form had been shaky, having lost to Córdoba 4-2 in their previous outing.
Early on, the match was characterized by a series of fouls and yellow cards, with Cádiz's Rubén Sobrino and Almería's Dion Lopy both cautioned within the first five minutes. The tension in the stands was palpable, as fans expressed their frustration towards the club's management, particularly President Manuel Vizcaíno.
The turning point came in the 30th minute when Almería's Kaiky received a red card for a foul on Cádiz's Roger Martí, leaving the visitors with ten men. The decision sparked protests from the Almería bench, led by coach Rubi.
Despite being a man down, Almería struck first. In the 34th minute, Nico Melamed's corner kick found Gonzalo Melero, who headed the ball past Cádiz goalkeeper José Antonio Caro to give Almería a surprising 1-0 lead. This goal stunned the home crowd and put Cádiz on the back foot.
Cádiz struggled to respond effectively, and as the first half drew to a close, it appeared they might head into the break trailing. However, Caro made a crucial save, denying a close-range shot from Almería's Leo Baptistao just before halftime.
The second half began with Cádiz needing to find a way back into the match. Coach Gaizka Garitano made tactical changes, introducing Javier Ontiveros and Brian Ocampo to inject some creativity into the attack. Despite dominating possession, Cádiz's efforts were thwarted by a resolute Almería defense.
Things took a turn for the worse for Almería in the 51st minute when Bruno Langa was sent off for a harsh challenge on Roger Martí, leaving the visitors with only nine players. With the numerical advantage, Cádiz ramped up their pressure, but they were met with fierce resistance from the Almería players.
As time ticked away, frustration grew among the Cádiz players and fans alike. The home side created several chances, but a combination of poor finishing and resolute defending kept them at bay. Melero missed a golden opportunity to double Almería's lead in the 61st minute, shooting wide when he should have scored.
Just when it seemed Cádiz's hopes were fading, the game took an extraordinary turn in the dying moments. In the 95th minute, Carlos Fernández, who had come off the bench, scored a dramatic equalizer with a header from a cross by Ontiveros, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
But the excitement didn't stop there. Just two minutes later, in the 97th minute, Cádiz completed their comeback. Roger Martí set up Víctor Chust, who slotted the ball home to secure a 2-1 victory. The stadium erupted as fans celebrated the remarkable turnaround.
The win not only brought jubilation to Cádiz but also ensured their mathematical survival in the Segunda División, finishing the match with 52 points. Meanwhile, the defeat left Almería's playoff hopes hanging by a thread, as they risk losing their position if Granada secures a win in their next match.
After the match, Rubi's frustrations boiled over, leading to his expulsion for protesting the officiating decisions throughout the game. Almería will now have to regroup and prepare for their upcoming match against Racing, missing key players due to suspensions.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, Cádiz will look to build on this momentum in their next fixture against Racing de Ferrol, while Almería faces a critical juncture in their season, needing to bounce back quickly to stay in contention for promotion.
This match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where drama can unfold in the blink of an eye, and fortunes can change in the final moments.
