Rejuvenated Almeria have beaten Osasuna 1-0 in Pamplona tonight to win their third La Liga game on the bounce and leapfrog their opponents in the table.
The newly-promoted outfit had failed to win any of their first 10 matches upon their return to Spain's top flight, but have struck form that has seen them climb out of the relegation zone.
Rodri scored the only goal of the game in the first half, his seventh goal of the season, and despite enjoying 69% of the possession the hosts could not find an equaliser.
It was a blunder from Osasuna goalkeeper Andres Fernandez that allowed Rodri to net on 18 minutes, as he spilt a cross and allowed Almeria's top scorer to tap home from close range.
Los Rojillos had a trio of opportunities to level proceedings in the latter stages, with visiting stopper Esteban making a diving stop on 72 minutes to thwart Oriol Riera's free kick.
Jose Garcia, a 16-year-old substitute, and Jose Ariel Nunez both sent efforts wide in the final stages as Javi Garcia's side suffered a defeat that sees them slip to 18th, two places behind Almeria.
Joe Fish
