Almeria welcomed Real Valladolid to the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos on Saturday looking to make it back-to-back league wins.
Chances were few and far between in the first period, but Rodri's effort after 38 minutes handed the home side a first-half lead.
Valladolid improved in the second period, but could not make the breakthrough with the home side holding on for all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back live commentaries from La Liga comes from the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos as Almeria welcome Real Valladolid. The home side remain bottom of the table, but they picked up their first win of the season last time out. Valladolid, meanwhile, currently sit 13th position in the table on 11 points.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides - Valladolid have won two of the last five, with Almeria also winning once and a further two ending in a share of the spoils. The last time the pair met in this stadium was in August 2009, when the points were shared in a goalless draw. However, Almeria were 3-2 winners in the 2008-09 season on their own patch.
TEAMS:
ALMERIA: Esteban; Nelson, Trujillo, Torsiglieri, Dubarbier; Verza, Azeez, Aleix, Suso, Soriano; Rodri
REAL VALLADOLID: Marino; Rukavina, Rueda, Valiente, Pena; Ebert, Rubio, Rossi, Omar; Larsson, Guerra
So there we have it. Fernando Soriano returns to the Almeria XI this evening, while their are also spots for Suso and Rodri, who are on loan from Liverpool and Barcelona respectively. Azeez also continues in the middle of the park. Real Valladolid drop Manucho from their XI, with Daniel Larsson joining top scorer Javi Guerra in attack.
Almeria might still be bottom of the division, but their 2-1 win over Valencia last time out could turn their season. They fell 1-0 behind in the Mestalla, but managed to collect all three points. It has been a difficult start to the season for the newly-promoted outfit, but another victory this afternoon would move them level on points with Rayo Vallecano, Real Betis and Celta Vigo.
Home form has been a problem for Almeria this season with no wins, two draws and three defeats on their own patch. Goals have not been too much of an issue, however, with 14 strikes in their 11 matches. Their current top scorer is Rodri on five. Meanwhile, down the other end, they have conceded 24 times, which is the joint-second worst record in the league.
Valladolid, meanwhile, have conceded 17 times in their 11 matches to date – keeping just three clean sheets in the process. Goals have arrived, however, with 14 strikes to their name. Guerra is their current leading scorer with six in the league. This is the type of match that both managers will have earmarked for all three points.
As it stands, Valladolid are 13th in the table having collected 11 points from their 11 matches. They have recorded just two league wins all season, however, and have needed late comebacks against Sevilla and Real Sociedad in recent weeks to claim draws. Interestingly, three of their last five league games have ended in 2-2 draws.
Just a quick note on what we have to come this evening in La Liga. Following this match we have live text coverage of the Madrid derby as Rayo Vallecano welcome Real Madrid. The action concludes with a 9pm kickoff as Sevilla welcome Celta Vigo to the Estadio Ramon. Be sure to remain with us for the action.
PREDICTION: You never quite know what you are going to get with Real Valladolid. At times they can be very impressive, but they struggle defensively, especially on the road. Almeria will enter the match full of confidence following their win over Valencia last time out and I expect them to make it six points from two games in this one.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Madrid as Rayo welcome Real Madrid. Right, the home side get the action underway at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos. Let's hope for goals.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. Bright start from the home side as Verza collects possession in midfield before attempting to find Suso outside the box, but Rukavina is across to make the challenge. Valladolid are down the other end moments later, but Esteban collects a deep cross from Larsson.
The home supporters call for a penalty as Dubarbier's cross appears to hit the hand of a Valladolid defender inside the box, but the referee is not interested and instead points for a corner, which is headed clear by Pena. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening four minutes, with both sides exchanging possession of the ball.
Better from Valladolid in the last couple of moments with the likes of Ebert and Rubio starting to see more of the ball. Ebert delivers a dangerous cross into the Almeria box, but Esteban clears for a corner. The resulting set piece threatens to cause concern, but Nelson rises above Rossi. Still goalless.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides in the middle of the park. It is the type of match where the first goal - if we indeed have one - could shape the final result. Neither goalkeeper has been tested in the opening nine minutes of this La Liga fixture.
Half-chance for the home side as Soriano is felled by Ebert outside the Valladolid box. The resulting set piece is taken by Suso, but his effort is straight into the wall. Almeria continue to deliver a number of high balls into the Valladolid box, but it has been comfortable for the away side thus far.
Another half-chance for the home side as Soriano collects possession in midfield before feeding Rodri, but Marino is out to collect at the vital moment. Valladolid are down the other end moments later with Omar Ramos, but his low cross is cleared. Not too much for either goalkeeper to be worried about thus far.
Strong atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with the home supporters attempting to raise their side. Neither team is really in control of proceedings at the moment as each attack continues to break down in the final third. We have not seen a clear chance for either with 16 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for the away side as Larsson makes his way down the left before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but Omar cannot make contact at the final moment. Rubio attempts to find Guerra moments later, but the Valladolid striker falls in the box under a challenge from Nelson. However, the referee is not interested in the penalty shout.
CHANCE! First real chance for the home side as Soriano finds Vidal inside the Valladolid box, but Marino is out to make a fine save at the vital moment. The danger remains with Suso, but his deep cross is cleared by Rukavina. Better from Almeria with 20 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Valladolid as Omar works some space outside the box before attempting to bend one into the top corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Almeria break down the other end with Suso, but once more the attack breaks down at the final moment. Still goalless in this La Liga fixture.
Strange atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with the home supporters almost waiting for something to happen. Neither side is in control of the possession, but both are committing players forward when appropriate. Ebert has another effort from distance moments later, but it was always moving wide of the target. Meanwhile, the stop-start tempo continues as the referee continues to award free kicks.
Verza takes matters into his own hands moments later as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Valladolid are down the other end moments later, but Guerra cannot collect a through pass from Larsson. End-to-end football, but few chances this evening.
Most of the attempts have come from outside the box this evening and that is the case once more as Guerra curls one wide of Almeria goalkeeper Esteban's post. We have seen little from Rodri and Suso thus far, with the Almeria pair struggling for possession of the ball. Little over 15 minutes of a fairly uneventful first period remaining.
Just a reminder that following this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Rayo Vallecano welcome Real Madrid. Be sure to remain with us for that one. Still no real chances of note in this particular match, with the challenges continuing to slow the tempo. In truth, a draw would not be the worst result for either of these two sides.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Vidal collects a poor clearance from Marino before finding Soriano, who in turn finds Suso inside the box, but the on-loan Liverpool attacker takes one touch too many. Almeria have the ball in the back of the net moments later, but the referee chalks it off for a foul on Marino.
Opportunity for Valladolid to threaten from a free kick as Trujillo - who collects a yellow card for the challenge - fells Rossi outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Ebert, but his effort is straight into the arms of Esteban. The match has just started to open up in the last couple of moments.
Nervy moment for Marino as the Valladolid stopper almost carries the ball outside the box when coming to collect a cross from Suso, but the linesman kept his flag down and rightly so. Valladolid threaten down the other end moments later, but Guerra's toe-poked effort is collected by Esteban. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Almeria 1-0 Valladolid (Rodri)
Almeria lead, but it is certainly controversial. Suso's cross appears to be turned into the back of the net by the head of Rodri, but replays have shown that it was the arm of the striker that bundled it over the line. Very harsh on the away side.
Good response from Valladolid as Ebert drives into the box before finding Larsson, but his effort is straight into the arms of Esteban. Ebert has possession in a similar area moments later, but the danger is cleared for a corner. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining in this La Liga fixture.
Real sense of ill-feeling in this match as both sets of players continue to clash in each penalty area. A cleared corner from Almeria allows the home side to break, but Suso asks too much from Rodri in the final third. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium in the latter stages of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Almeria 1-0 Valladolid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Almeria leading 1-0 courtesy of Rodri. However, replays have shown that it was the hand of the striker that bundled Suso's cross over the line. Safe to say that Valladolid were not best pleased with the referee. It has been an even first half of football in this La Liga contest.
STATISTICS: Valladolid have just about shaded the possession with 52%, but both sides have had three attempts - although two of Almeria's attempts have been on target to Valladolid's one. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced to issue two yellow cards in a highly-charged first period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side certainly have attacking options on their bench in the shape of Oscar Diaz, Helder Barbosa and Corona. Meanwhile, Valladolid have the likes of Osorio, Lluis Sastre and Bergdich in reserve. It is a match that could ultimately be decided by the bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Rayo against Real Madrid. Be sure to remain with us for that. Right, Valladolid get the second period underway. Can they respond?
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I expect that to change if the score remains the same in the next 15 minutes or so. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if we indeed have one - will be vital. Let's hope for more opportunities in the second period.
Bright work from Soriano as the Almeria midfielder drives down the right before finding Suso on the edge of the box, but Rueda is across to clear at the vital moment. Valladolid are down the other end with Guerra, but his lay-off does not find Larsson. High tempo opening few minutes to the second period this evening.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Meanwhile, the referee has been more involved than he would like as the challenges continue to arrive. A goal for Valladolid would certainly raise the tempo inside the stadium there is no question about that.
It's good work from the home side as they continue to pass and probe outside the Valladolid box before Suso attacks Rukavina, but the on-loan Liverpool midfielder just loses possession at the vital moment. It might be early in the second period, but it would not be a surprise if both managers were already thinking about altering proceedings from the bench.
Valladolid do indeed look to their bench for the first time this evening as Sastre enters the field in place of Rossi, who has struggled to influence matters in the second period. Moments later Ebert comes close to meeting a through pass from Guerra, but it just ran away from the German midfielder at the vital moment.
It just isn't quite happening for Valladolid in the final third at the moment as another attack breaks down with Guerra, who has struggled for real service this evening. There is no question that they miss the physical presence of former Manchester United striker Manucho. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining. As it stands, Almeria are heading for back-to-back league wins.
Good spell for Valladolid in the last couple of moments with the likes of Omar Ramos and Larsson seeing plenty of the ball, but the final pass just has not been there thus far. The home side look to their bench for the first time moments later as Soriano is replaced by Marcos Tebar. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Azeez collects possession outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Valladolid have a free kick down the other end with Ebert moments later, but his delivery is straight into the arms of Esteban in the Almeria goal.
Just a reminder that three points for Almeria would move them off the bottom of the table, with Rayo dropping to the bottom of the division. Verza comes close to making it 2-0 moments later as he strikes one from outside the box, but Marino gets down well to make the save. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga fixture.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side to double their lead as Vidal drives into the box, but his low effort is saved by Marino. The rebound falls to Rodri, but the striker cannot convert under pressure from two defenders. That might have put the match beyond the away side.
Pena has the chance to deliver a dangerous cross into the Almeria box, but he can only fire high into the stands, which is greeted by applause from the home supporters. Valladolid press forward moments later with Rubio, but once more the move breaks down at the final moment, before Azeez fires into the arms of Esteban down the other end.
Valladolid continue to force the issue outside the Almeria box with a series of deep balls into the area, but the home side have not been too worried thus far. Guerra turns provider moments later as he delivers a cross towards Ebert, but there are no takers. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining this evening.
Almeria make their second change of the match as Helder Barbosa replaces Suso, who has not had one of his better games this evening. However, he is well received by the home support. Valladolid need some sort of inspiration here, but I cannot see it arriving. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Rayo against Real Madrid.
RED CARD! Valladolid are reduced to 10 men here as Ebert picks up his second yellow card for a high challenge on Nelson. That has not made their task any easier.
We will find out a lot about Valladolid's character in the latter stages of this match as they attempt to get back into proceedings. Barbosa's first real involvement comes down the left as he collects a pass from Rodri before driving a low cross into the box, but Marino is on hand to collect. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Hint of a chance for Valladolid as Guerra meets a cross from Pena, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The home supporters are creating a wonderful noise inside the stadium at the moment, which is helping their side. It would be an incredible result if they could hold on for another three points.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Rama finds some space inside the box, but his low effort is just blocked by Verza at the final moment. Valladolid look to their bench once more moments later as Osorio replaces Larsson, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Almeria prepared to keep hold of the ball in the final third. However, you just get the feeling that there will be chances in the latter stages as the legs begin to tire. As it stands, Almeria are moving off the bottom of the division.
Almeria make their third and final change of the match as Rodri - whose goal is proving decisive at the moment - is replaced by Oscar Diaz, who has not had too much football this season. I suspect there will be a couple of minutes injury time, but there has not been too many stoppages in the second period. Rama strikes one from outside the box moments later, but Esteban collects.
The home supporters are in fine voice as we approach the final couple of minutes this evening. Diaz has an effort for Almeria moments later, but it deflects high and wide of the crossbar. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes.
Valladolid continue to deliver deep balls into the Almeria box, but the home side have not been too troubled in the latter stages. Guerra takes matters into his own hands moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. That should be just about that.
FULL TIME: Almeria 1-0 Real Valladolid
So there we have it. Almeria hold on to claim another three points and move off the bottom of the table in the process. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Rayo against Madrid. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
