Almeria travelled to Osasuna on Friday looking to make it three successive wins in La Liga.
The away side took the lead after 18 minutes when Rodri tapped home from close range, with that strike all that separated the two sides at the interval.
Osasuna pushed for a leveller in the second period, but could not make the breakthrough with Almeria holding on for all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 13 in La Liga opens this evening as Osasuna welcome Almeria to Pamplona. It is perhaps too early to be talking about ‘relegation six-pointers’, but both managers will want to put points on the board this evening. Almeria might sit below Osasuna in the table, but the away side enter the match in the better form.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Osasuna have won two of the last five, with Almeria also winning once and the further two ending in draws. The pair also met in the Copa del Rey in December 2011, when Osasuna advanced over two legs. However, the last league match in this stadium, which occurred in August 2010, ended in a goalless draw.
It was always going to be a difficult season for Osasuna after losing key personnel in the summer, and that has indeed proved to be the case thus far. They have won two of their last five games in the league, but a difficult start has left them in 17th position on 10 points. However, three points would move them into 15th.
Their home form has been fairly patchy, however, with two wins, one draw and three defeats from their six matches, while they have won just once on the road. Goals have also been a problem with just 10 strikes in their 12 matches – five of which have come from Oriol Riera. Down the other end, they have conceded 21 times and kept just three clean sheets.
Almeria, meanwhile, have conceded 24 times thus far and kept just one clean sheet. They have found goals easier to come by, however, with 14 goals in their 12 matches. As it stands, they currently sit in 19th position in the table. It proved to be a tough start to the season, but there have been signs of encouragement in recent weeks.
In fact, they enter the match off the back of successive league wins. A 3-0 defeat at Real Sociedad on October 27 left them bottom of the league with just three points, but they beat Valencia away before beating Real Valladolid at home last time out. There is much work to do, but finally confidence has arrived at the club.
However, Almeria’s away form has been poor. They have won just one of their six matches on the road, drawing once and also losing four times. They have scored seven times on their travels, but conceded 14, which has been their problem thus far. If they are to move away from the drop zone this season, this is the type of match that they will need to win.
TEAMS:
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Bertran, Flano, Arribas, Damia; Cejudo, Silva, Loe; Armenteros, Torres; Riera
ALMERIA: Esteban; Nelson, Torsiglieri, Trujillo, Pellerano; Tebar, Azeez; Vidal, Soriano, Dubarbier; Rodri
So there we have it. No De las Cuevas for Osasuna this evening through suspension, while Sisi also remains on the sidelines. Armenteros is fit, however, while top scorer Oriol Riera will lead the line once more. For Almeria, Verza and Suso are both suspended, with Rodri operating as the lone striker. Bruno Soriano also returns to the XI.
PREDICTION: It would be fair to say that both managers will have earmarked this match for three points. How these two sides fair this season will depend on their results against the teams around them. I have a feeling for Almeria this evening due to their recent form. It is for that reason that I am going to back a 2-1 away win.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. It is the type of match where the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be all-important. The away side get the action underway.
Just a reminder that this is week 13's opening fixture in La Liga. Later this evening, Granada welcome Malaga. Be sure to remain with us for that one. Half-chance for Almeria inside two months as Soriano makes a block on Damia just outside the Osasuna box, but his effort smashes into the side netting. That would have been one of the most bizarre goals of the season.
End-to-end football in the early stages with both sides committing players in the final third. Osasuna win a free kick just outside the Almeria box as Azeez fells Silva. Roberto Torres delivers into the area, but Esteban manages to palm clear. A period of pin-ball follow inside the box, but Esteban makes another smart stop. All happening in the opening four minutes.
It appears that Almeria are playing with a five-man defence this evening and Osasuna have found a way through it on a couple of occasions thus far. Esteban is again called into action to clear a deep cross, before Cejudo probes outside the Almeria box. Not too much for the away side in terms of attacking football in the last couple of moments.
Almeria have the chance to threaten from a free kick as Soriano is felled outside the box. Nelson delivers, but Andres Fernandez is on hand to make the clearance. It must be said that there is a strong atmosphere inside the stadium, which is being reflected on the pitch. It has been an all-action start from both teams.
Neither defence has been too impressive in La Liga this season, and it is not too difficult to see why after 11 minutes of football in Pamplona. Almeria threatened in the opening minute or two, but Osasuna have taken control since that period. Esteban has been called into action to make a number of saves, but there has not been a clear opportunity thus far.
Half-chance for Dubarbier as the Almeria attacker cuts inside two defenders before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort moves high and wide of the crossbar. Osasuna have a half-chance down the other end moments later as Armenteros strikes one from outside the box, but Esteban is across to make a fine save.
More nervy defending from the away side presents Torres with a shooting opportunity inside the box, but Trujillo makes a fine challenge at the vital moment. In keeping with the end-to-end tempo of the match, Rodri threatens down the other end in the next attack, but he is challenged by Damia in the act of shooting.
Sustained period of pressure from Almeria in the last couple of moments as the away side force three corners in quick succession, but Osasuna manage to clear on each occasion. I would be astounded if we did not have a host of goals this evening. We are just 18 minutes in and both goalkeepers have been called into action. However, still goalless at this stage of proceedings.
The first yellow card arrives as Damia makes a really poor challenge on Azeez, who was quicker across the turf. The referee has done well to keep a lid on proceedings thus far with the number of tackles arriving from both sides. Nelson is again a threat for Almeria down the right, but the defender's cross is straight into the arms of the waiting Fernandez.
GOAL! Osasuna 0-1 Almeria (Rodri)
Rodri notches his seventh league goal of the season as Almeria take the lead in Pamplona. It is a real horror moment for Fernandez, who comes for a cross, but drops it, allowing Rodri to tap home from inside the box. What a season the Spanish striker is having.
Good response from Osasuna as the home side break down the other end with Torres. However, his low cross into the box is cleared by Nelson. A corner follows, which eventually falls to Cejudo outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. What a stunning 21 minutes of La Liga football we have had this evening.
Osasuna continue to force the issue as Cejudo drives down the left before cutting inside Nelson, but the Portuguese just manages to make a challenge at the final moment. Both sets of supporters are in fine voice this evening as the tempo remains incredibly high. I would be utterly astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in this particular fixture.
As it stands, Almeria are heading for their third straight win in La Liga. Who would have predicted that when they lost to Real Sociedad towards the end of last month? Tebar becomes the first Almeria player to enter the book moments later for a foul on Damia. Not too much from Almeria since the away side took the lead.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Almeria to score their second as Vidal dances past two defenders before attempting to smash one into the top corner, but his effort moved high and wide of the crossbar. That should have been 2-0. Osasuna break down the other end moments later, but Silva's effort is straight into the arms of Esteban in the Almeria goal.
Fernandez's nervous start to this match continues as the Osasuna goalkeeper fires a back-pass straight into touch under pressure from Azeez. Almeria keep the pressure on in the final third, but Rodri cannot beat Bertran in the air. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Pamplona.
Another half-chance for Osasuna as Loe strikes one from outside the box, but his effort smashes into Pellerano. The resulting corner finds Torres just outside the box, but Azeez picks his pocket before releasing Rodri, who is felled by Damia. There are a couple of players that just need to be a little bit careful.
Osasuna call for a penalty as Pellerano appears to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Arribas takes matters into his own hands moments later outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Somehow Almeria keep their lead intact with 35 minutes on the clock. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
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. It has not been a particularly dirty match, but both teams are putting pressure on the referee. Cejudo delivers a dangerous cross into the Almeria box moments later, but Torsiglieri clears.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments - perhaps for the first time in the match - as Osasuna continue to struggle to find that elusive pass in the final third. I have no doubt that we will see more goals from both teams, however, with the intensity on display. The opening 40 minutes of this contest have just flown past.
Almeria waste the chance to score their third as Vidal leads a three-on-two counter in the final third, but the Spaniard loses control at the vital moment, allowing Arribas across to clear the danger. The home side have a free kick outside the box moments later as Torsiglieri fells Cejudo. The resulting set piece is taken by Silva, but his effort is straight into the wall.
Almeria are holding on at the moment as they continue to repel the danger in the latter stages of the half. The referee, meanwhile, continues to be called into action to deal with a number of challenges. In fairness to the home supporters, they are staying with their side, but it has been an incredibly frustrating half of football for Osasuna.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Osasuna in the latter stages of the first period as Silva's cross is met by Pellerano, but Esteban manages to push his effort onto the post. The Almeria goalkeeper has had some first half.
HALF-TIME: Osasuna 0-1 Almeria
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Almeria leading 1-0. Osasuna have had most of the match, but the away side lead at the interval courtesy of a close-range finish from Rodri after Fernandez had fumbled inside the box.
STATISTICS: Osasuna have had 65% of the possession in the first period, while they have had five attempts to Almeria's three. In truth, Osasuna deserve to be at least on terms at this stage of proceedings. The referee has issued two yellow cards in the first period, but it could have been more with the number of challenges that have arrived.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench including Punal, Oier and Nunez. Meanwhile, Almeria have the likes of Helder Barbosa, Oscar Diaz, Raul Garcia and Corona in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Almeria would move into 16th position in the table, while Osasuna would drop to 19th. That is an indication of the closeness at the bottom of the division. The home side get the second period underway in Pamplona.
Change for Osasuna at the interval with Nunez replacing Armenteros, which is not much of a surprise. The Argentine struggled to influence proceedings in the first period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital. Early half-chance for Osasuna as Flano drives a low cross into the box, but Nelson manages to clear at the vital moment.
Nelson has possession in the final third for Almeria, but his cross is straight into the arms of Fernandez, who, moments before, had been forced to depart his goal to challenge Vidal after the Spaniard had broken clear of the defence. The interval has done nothing to slow the tempo in the second period.
The attendance this evening has been confirmed at little over 14,600, which is a good crowd for a Friday night fixture. The majority of those inside the stadium have been frustrated thus far, however, with their side losing with 53 minutes on the clock. You would have to fancy Osasuna to claim all three points if they can score the next goal.
Half-chance for Almeria this time as Vidal finds some space down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Flano is across to clear at the vital moment, with Soriano on hand to tap home. Rodri causes problems in the final third moments later, but he is later penalised for a tug on Bertran.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee called into action to deal with a number of challenges from both sides. Just a hint of timewasting from Almeria, meanwhile, which the referee is keeping his eye on. Osasuna continue to deliver high balls into the Almeria box, but there is just no way through at the moment.
It would not be a surprise if both managers were thinking about changes at this stage of proceedings. Just the one has been made thus far with Nunez replacing Armenteros for the home side at the interval. Osasuna just need some fresh invention in the final third as Almeria continue to repel the danger. However, you have to think that there are still more goals in this match.
You can almost sense the frustration in the crowd as Almeria continue to quell the threat from Osasuna in the final third. It would not be a surprise if the away side scored on the counter with the number of players that Osasuna are committing to each attack. Somehow Almeria lead with 62 minutes on the clock.
Almeria make their first change of the match as the skipper Soriano, who presents the armband to Esteban, is replaced by Oscar Diaz. Attacking change from the away side, which is good to see at this stage of proceedings. I backed a 2-1 away win before the match and that score is still very much alive.
An audacious back-heel from Nunez threatens to bring Osasuna level as he meets a cross from Silva, but his effort just moves wide of the post. The home side make their second change of the match moments later as Garcia, who is just 16, replaces Loe.
Rodri wants a penalty as the Almeria forward is challenged by Bertran inside the box, but the referee is not interested. The introduction of Diaz has allowed the away side to gain some possession in the final third. You just get the feeling that something is waiting to explode in the final 20 minutes or so. Surely we have not seen the last of the goals this evening.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Osasuna almost running out of ideas in the final third. A mistake from Damia allows Diaz a chance to threaten for the away side, but the striker loses possession at the vital moment. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in Pamplona. Just the one goal separating the two teams.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Osasuna to level as Riera meets a free kick from Silva, but Esteban is across to make a quite stunning save. Riera has another sight of goal from the resulting corner, but the striker cannot make proper contact. How good has the Almeria stopper been this evening?!
Osasuna continue to pass and probe outside the Almeria box, but they are finding it very difficult to open the door in the final third. The away side's back five have been sensational in the second period after a nervy first 45 minutes of football. However, the home supporters continue to make their voices heard inside the stadium.
CHANCE! Another chance for the home side to level. This time the opportunity falls to the youngster Garcia as he collects a loose ball inside the box, but the 16-year-old can only scuff his effort wide of the post. You just get the feeling that it might not be Osasuna's night.
Wild attempt from Torres as the Osasuna attacker beats two defenders before driving into the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Opposing strikers Riera and Diaz receive bookings in the space of a minute moments later as the pressure continues to rise. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Esteban is again called into action following a deep cross from Riera, but the Almeria goalkeeper is equal to the danger. However, it appears that he has picked up an injury for his troubles. Moments later, Osasuna make their third and final change of the match with Punal replacing Cejudo. All or nothing for the home side here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Nunez meets a cross from Damia, but he can only flick his effort wide of the post. Riera came close to tapping home, but could not make contact. How on earth are Osasuna losing this match? Almeria have hardly figured in the second period.
Almeria enjoy a period of possession inside the Osasuna half, but it breaks down when Rodri is found in an offside position. It is a case of 'anywhere will do' down the other end as Osasuna continue to launch high balls into the box. You just get the feeling that there is some late drama to come in Pamplona.
Almeria make their second change of the match as Vidal is replaced by Raul Garcia for the final couple of moments. The second half has almost been like an action replay - watching Osasuna pass and probe in the final third, but without really threatening Esteban. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Another half-chance for Osasuna, this time for Torres, as Riera finds the Spaniard inside the box, but he cannot make proper contact, allowing Esteban to collect. Moments later, Jose Garcia is denied by Esteban, before Osasuna goalkeeper Fernandez, who had come forward for a corner, headed wide.
Third and final change for Almeria as Rodri is replaced by Barbosa. We are into the third minute of three additional minutes. Osasuna continue to fire hopeful balls into the box, but it is just not happening. Torres fires one from outside the area moments later, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar.
FULL-TIME: Osasuna 0-1 Almeria
So there we have it. Almeria claim all three points with a 1-0 win in Osasuna. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Granada against Malaga. Until then!
