The second leg of the Copa del Rey last-16 clash between Almeria and Racing de Santander took place on Tuesday evening.
The tie was delicately poised at 1-1 after David Concha Salas cancelled out Corona's opener for Almeria in the first leg last week.
Mariano Sanz sent Racing into a 1-0 lead on the night just past the hour mark, before Ruben Duran made it 2-0 late on as Racing advanced into the quarter-finals.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Copa del Rey last-16 coverage continues this evening as Almeria welcome Racing Santander for the second leg. The tie is delicately poised at 1-1 after David Concha Salas cancelled out Corona’s opener for Almeria in the first leg last week. With a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs tonight, neither will be taking this particular contest lightly.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Almeria have won two of the last five matches, with Racing claiming one win during that run of games and the further two ending in draws. The last time the two sides met in the league was in a Segunda Division clash last season, when Almeria were 2-1 winners on their own patch.
TEAMS:
ALMERIA: Ustari; Mane, Trujillo, Silva, Velez; Corona, Tebar, Garcia, Aleix; Suso, Diaz
RACING: Fernandez; Orfila, Barrio, Oriol, Inaki; Granero, Andreu, Duran, Saul; Miguelez; Mariano
So there we have it. Strong XI for Almeria this evening with Aleix Vidal, Suso, Oscar Diaz and Marcos Tebar all selected from the start. There are no real surprises in the Racing side, meanwhile, with Mariano Sanz and Miguelez once more selected in attack.
While Almeria are now enjoying La Liga football, Racing are playing in Segunda B. They were relegated from La Liga in the 2011/12 campaign, before dropping out of the Segunda Division last season. It has been a terrible couple of years for the Santander-based outfit, but it does appear that their fortunes could change this season.
The home side enter the match off the back of a 6-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, with that result leaving them in 16th spot in La Liga. They are now just three points outside of the relegation zone, but just four points off the top half of the table. That is an indication of the closeness in the bottom section of Spain’s top flight this season.
They were drawn against Las Palmas in the previous round of the Copa del Rey, but advanced courtesy of a 3-1 aggregate score. Almeria did make it into the semi-finals of this particular competition in the 2010/11 season, but were eliminated at the last-32 stage in each of the last two campaigns.
Racing, meanwhile, have not reached the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey since the 2000/01 season, where they were also relegated from La Liga. The Segunda B side moved past L’Hospitalet and Leganes in the early stages of the competition, before incredibly overcoming La Liga side Sevilla to book their spot against Almeria.
They have impressed in Segunda B this season, meanwhile, with 38 points from their 20 matches leaving them top of the table. They enter the match off the back of a 2-0 away win against Real Aviles at the weekend and have not lost in the league since the middle of November. After a couple of years of hurt, this could be a successful campaign for the club.
PREDICTION: Almeria should be the overwhelming favourites to advance from this particular match, but there are many that are backing Racing to cause another shock. I am expecting goals, but I think Almeria will have enough to book their spot in the next round. My score prediction is 2-1 Almeria.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that there must be a winner this evening and therefore extra-time and penalties will occur if the score finishes 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. Right, the home side get the action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. Both sides will feel confident of securing their spot in the quarter-finals of the competition. The home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes with the likes of Vidal, Corona and Tebar enjoying touches of the ball.
No sign of any nerves from Racing this evening as they pass confidently in the middle of the park. Almeria have started on the front-foot, however, with both full-backs pressing forward. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be crucial this evening.
Mariano Sanz thinks he has a clear run on goal as he battles past Silva before facing up Ustari, but the referee blows for a foul, much to the frustration of the Racing forward. Almeria enjoy a period of possession moments later, but they are finding it difficult to break through this compact Racing back four.
The first half-chance of the evening comes to Oriol as the Racing defender meets a free kick from Andreu, but he can only turn high and wide of the crossbar from inside the box. Almeria break immediately with Suso, who rolls a low cross towards Garcia, but Mario Fernandez is out to collect at the vital moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides attempting to settle into proceedings. Almeria have had more of the ball, but Mario Fernandez has not been worried thus far. Suso tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Almeria to take the lead in strange circumstances as Velez's cross is deflected towards the near post, but Fernandez just manages to push it wide of the post. The resulting corner is delivered towards Diaz, but Oriol rises to clear the danger.
Racing have started to enjoy more of the ball in the last couple of moments with Ruben Duran and Saul probing outside the box. Javier Barrio delivers a low cross into the box moments later, but Mariano is penalised for a foul on Mane. Still goalless after 15 minutes of Copa del Rey football.
Mariano continues to look the most likely for the away side as he produces a wonderful piece of skill to move past Velez, but the Almeria defender manages to put his body in the way and gain a free kick. The tempo has certainly risen in the last couple of moments with both sides committing numbers in the final third.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges. Almeria attempt to force the issue down the right as Suso beats two defenders before delivering towards Diaz, but once more Fernandez is on hand to claim. Still goalless with 20 minutes on the clock, while the tie is level at 1-1.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Mariano combines with Duran before spinning behind Silva, but Ustari is out to clear at the vital moment. Vidal leads the charge for Almeria in the next attack, but his through pass asks too much from Suso and Racing have a goal kick.
Good pressure from Almeria in the last couple of minutes with the home side forcing two corners in quick succession. However, Oriol and Saul take it in turns to clear the danger. Racing threaten to break from the second set piece, but Mariano attempts too much. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining. Still we await the first goal of the night.
Well, 27 minutes in and this match cannot be described as a classic. In truth, not too much has happened. It is almost like a pre-season fixture with the silent atmosphere inside the stadium. Neither manager will be too disappointed with what they have seen, but the quality in the final third needs to be better.
Stop-start period of the match in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The latest foul hands Almeria a free kick in a dangerous position with Saul gaining a booking after clashing with Vidal. The resulting set piece is delivered to Corona on the edge of the box, but his effort is blocked.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Almeria have the ball in the back of the net as Diaz heads a Suso cross into the far corner, but the Spaniard had moved into an offside position. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
The set pieces continue to arrive for the home side as Corona drives a free kick into the Racing box, but once more Oriol is on hand to clear the danger. Vidal delivers another cross into the area moments later, but Fernandez is on hand to collect. Best spell of the match for the home side with 33 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! The best chance of the match comes to Almeria as Vidal's delivery finds Suso unmarked at the far post, but the on-loan Liverpool attacker can only slice his effort high and wide of the crossbar. From the resulting corner, Velez heads over the crossbar. This is much more like it after a poor opening 30 minutes to proceedings.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with the referee continually forced to award free kicks. Mariano continues to lead the line for Racing, but has been too isolated in the opening 38 minutes. Racing force a free kick outside the box moments later, but Mariano is adjudged to have felled Silva inside the box.
Almeria continue to pass and probe outside the Racing box, but they are struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. You just get the feeling that Racing need to make it to half time on level terms. The home supporters have responded to their side's improvement.
Brilliant build-up from the home side as Suso combines with Corona, who slides a low pass to Velez on the right. The Spaniard drills a low cross into the box, but Oriol is on hand to clear under pressure from Diaz. Racing attempt to break, but they cannot keep hold of the ball as the home side continue to force the issue.
HALF-TIME: Almeria 0-0 Racing
So there we have it. The referee brings the half to an end with the two sides level at 0-0 on the night and 1-1 on aggregate. Almeria have had the better of the opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, but neither side has really done enough to deserve to be leading this Copa del Rey contest at this stage of proceedings.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 69%, but both sides have had one attempts. There have also been two yellow cards - one for either side - with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges. Just a reminder that there must be a winner this evening.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a couple of attacking options on their five-man bench this evening with Helder Barbosa and Hicham both available. Meanwhile, Racing have the likes of Kone, Fede and Perez in reserve. It is a match that could ultimately be decided from the bench as players tire in the latter stages.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that the overall tie is currently level at 1-1 from the first leg last week. One change for Racing at the interval with Kone entering for Saul. Right, Racing get the second half underway.
You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to win this particular match. Neither side has given too much away in the opening 48 minutes. Almeria really need their supporters to stick with them as the half advances. Will superior fitness tell in the latter stages?
One-way traffic in the early stages of the second period with Almeria pinning Racing to the edge of their own box. Mariano remains an outlet for the away side in the final third, but he has not had too much support thus far. Almeria build from the back once more through Velez and then Corona.
Half-chance on the counter for Racing as Duran carries possession into the Almeria half before attempting to slide a low pass towards Kone, but Mane is across to clear at the vital moment. Almeria are down the other end with Suso in the next attack, but his cross is cleared behind by Andreu. The intensity is rising with 53 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Almeria as Raul Garcia attempts to catch out Fernandez at his hear post, but the Spanish stopper manages to make the save. Racing need to move forward as a team, but they are struggling to keep hold of the ball. Just a reminder that there is a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey up for grabs this evening.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Almeria as Diaz meets a Suso free kick after Fernandez had not nowhere near the cross, but the forward can only turn his effort wide of the post. The opportunities are starting to arrive as the home side utterly dominate possession of the ball.
We are getting to the stage in the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Racing have already looked to their bench once this evening with Kone replacing Saul at the interval. Little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining. It remains goalless on the night and 1-1 in the tie.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with a series of fouls harming the flow. Not too much from Racing in the second period, with Mariano struggling to keep hold of the ball. Almeria force two more corners in quick succession, but neither comes to anything.
GOAL! Almeria 0-1 Racing (Mariano)
Racing lead with 62 minutes on the clock as Mariano converts a cross from Orfila with a deft header. The stadium has been silenced.
As it stands, Racing are heading into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. It is against the run of play, but Racing will not mind. Can they hold on? Almeria respond immediately as Suso drives down the right before gaining a free kick from Oriol. Moments later, they make a change with Helder Barbosa replacing Mane.
The pressure continues from the home side as Barbosa finds some space down the right before drilling a low cross into the box, but Oriol clears. Almeria make their second change moments later as Hicham replaces Diaz, which is a surprise. They have little over 20 minutes to stay in the competition.
Mariano picks up a booking for committing his ninth foul of the match. However, as it stands, his goal is sending Racing into the next round of the Copa del Rey. The away side just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment, however, with Almeria firing cross after cross into the box. That said, they are not really working Fernandez.
Just a reminder that one goal for Almeria would take this match into extra-time. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals. Suso attempts to force the issue as he dances into the box before finding Barbosa, but the move breaks down when Oriol clears. Kone, meanwhile, continues to lead the Racing line in impressive fashion.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Hicham finds some space inside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but Fernandez is across to make a fine save at the vital moment. The pressure continues, however, with little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining.
It must be said that Mariano has been terrific for the away side this evening. At the moment, his goal is the difference. Another half-chance arrives for Almeria as Suso drives a deep cross into the box, but there are no takers and it moves out for a throw. You just get the feeling that opportunities will come in the latter stages.
It is not too difficult to see why Racing are top of their division. They are two leagues below Almeria, but have matched them for long spells this evening. The free-kick count continues to rise as Almeria make their third and final change with Young-Gyu Kim replacing Velez.
Defeat this evening would cap a miserable week for Almeria following their 6-1 thumping at Athletic Bilbao in the league last time out. Racing have managed to quell some of the pressure in the last couple of moments with a period of possession, but Ustari is a spectator in the Almeria goal.
GOAL! Almeria 0-2 Racing (Duran)
Wow! Racing score their second of the night as Duran collects a loose ball inside the box before firing his effort into the top corner. That might have sent his side into the quarter-finals.
Half-chance for Almeria to cut the deficit as Corona stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Some of the home supporters have already started to make their way towards the exit. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining.
Racing threaten to make it 3-0 as Kone drives beyond two defenders before attempting to move past Ustari, but the Almeria goalkeeper is on hand to clear the danger. It is almost silent inside the stadium as the home side desperately commit players forward. Time is not on their side at the moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Racing keeping hold of the possession. They might not have had too much of the ball this evening, but they have been very impressive on the counter attack.
CHANCE! Oh my word what a miss! Incredible chance for 3-0 as Kone breaks the offside trap before advancing one-on-one with Ustari, but he cannot force his effort past the Almeria goalkeeper. The striker was left all alone by the home side's defence.
Half-chance for Silva as the Almeria defender meets a cross from Suso, but Fernandez is on hand to make a fine save. Racing withdraw Duran moments later, with Fede entering. The referee indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those.
FULL-TIME: Almeria 0-2 Racing
So there we have it. Racing book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 3-1 aggregate win over Almeria. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Atletico Madrid against Valencia. Until then!
