Almeria welcomed Villarreal to the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos in the first match of their league campaign on Monday.
Both sides had opportunities in the first period, but a strike from Rodri left Almeria ahead at the interval.
Villarreal were level after 65 minutes when Jonathan Pereira found the back of the net courtesy of a deflection from Sebastian Dubarbier, but Rodri's second sent Almeria 2-1 ahead 10 minutes later.
There was to be late drama, however, with Villarreal equalising courtesy of Giovani dos Santos before Pereira won it five minutes from time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Both Almeria and Villarreal were playing Segunda Division football this time last season, but the two sides are now back in the big time. It might be very early days, but this type of match could already prove vital in terms of how each fares in the new season. It is a match that neither can really afford to lose, for confidence if nothing else.
Almeria secured their spot in La Liga this season after coming through the dreaded playoff system in the Segunda Division in the previous campaign. They finished bottom of this division in the 2010-2011 season, but will be hopeful of a better display this time around. They will be without the services of top scorer from last season Charles, however, who joined Celta Vigo this summer.
Despite finishing in the top 10 in La Liga from 2004 to 2011, Villarreal dropped into Spain’s second tier last season after finishing 18th in the division. The Yellow Submarine returned at the first time of asking, however, with second place in the Segunda Division enough to book their spot in Spain’s top flight. They have added genuine quality, meanwhile, in the shape of Giovani dos Santos and Tomas Pina.
TEAMS:
ALMERIA: Esteban; Durbarbier, Pellerano, Rafita, Trujillo; Soriano, Verza, Tebar, Vidal; Suso, Rodri
VILLARREAL: Asenjo; Mario, Musacchio, Iniguez, J Costa; Bruno, Pina, Cani, H Perez, Giovani, Uche
So there we have it. On-loan Liverpool forward Suso comes in for his Almeria debut this evening, while there is also a spot for Rodri. Villarreal, meanwhile, hand a start to former Real Mallorca forward Giovani dos Santos, with the Mexican joined in attack by Ulche. Right, the home side get the action underway on this warm evening in Spain.
Here we go then. Villarreal return to the big time. I think I speak for the majority when I welcome them back to La Liga. Almeria will hope to spoil the occasion this evening, with the newly-promoted outfit securing promotion via the playoffs last season. Early opportunity for Musacchio outside the box, but the Argentine can only fire wide of the post.
Really bright start from the away side with the likes of Cani and Bruno seeing plenty of the possession in the middle of the park. The former attempts to craft an opportunity as he searches for the run of Giovani, but Rafita is across to clear at the vital moment. Not too much from the home side in the opening four minutes.
Bright start from Cani with the experienced midfielder dictating the tempo from a deep position. Another half-chance arrives for the away side as Mario meets a cross from Bruno, but the right-back can only fire high and wide of the crossbar. All one-way traffic in the early stages of this La Liga encounter.
First opportunity for the home side to threaten as Verza wins a corner down the left. The Almeria skipper whips the resulting set piece into the box, but Trujillo can only scuff his effort into the arms of the Villarreal goalkeeper. It has been a stunning opening eight minutes, but the score remains goalless.
First real sign of the talent that is Giovani as the former Tottenham winger collects a pass from Ulche before attempting to burst into the box, but Rafita is across to challenge. Giovani has possession again moments later, but the Mexican is adjudged to have felled Soriano inside the box.
The home supporters want a penalty as Soriano hits the deck in the box following an altercation with Musacchio, but the referee is not interested. It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. However, Villarreal continue to look the more threatening in advanced positions.
The referee is not very popular with the home supporters at the moment as he continues to turn down their calls for a free kick. Finally a set piece is awarded following a late challenge from Musacchio, who must be on the verge of a booking. Suso breaks down the right moments later before delivering, but Asenjo comes to collect.
Again Suso is involved for the home side as the on-loan Liverpool winger collects possession on the left before delivering a cross towards Rodri, but Asenjo just manages to collect at the vital moment. Uche threatens to find Giovani down the other end moments later, but Esteban manages to make the save.
Not too much in terms of opportunities in the last few moments, but the home side have certainly improved as an attacking threat. Giovani remains involved for Villarreal as the Mexican strikes an effort from outside the box, but Rafita manages to clear for a corner, which is delivered straight into the arms of Esteban.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Suso beats two defenders before floating a cross towards Vidal, but the number eight just cannot collect at the vital moment. No sign that either of these two sides will settle for a point this evening. Just a reminder that Elche have already been in action earlier this evening, with the newly-promoted side losing 3-0 at Rayo Vallecano.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments. Half-chance for the home side as Rodri comes close to meeting a low cross from Suso, but Asenjo just manages to collect. Giovani has a long-range attempt down the other end moments later, but it was always travelling over the crossbar. Still goalless with 23 minutes on the clock.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges in the middle of the park. Giovani remains a threat on the counter for Villarreal, but Almeria are now dominating possession of the ball. It is so finely balanced between these two newly-promoted sides.
CHANCE! Clearest opportunity of the match by some distance as Vidal breaks the offside trap before advancing into the Villarreal box, but Musacchio just manages to get a block on his low effort, which was heading for the bottom corner. Fabulous defending from the Argentine, who has had a busy 27 minutes.
The free kick count continues to rise as Mario fells Vidal outside the box, but the resulting set piece is delivered straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. It has been some time since Villarreal had a decent opportunity with Almeria dominating on their own patch. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Really scrappy period in the last five or so minutes with both teams guilty of giving away needless fouls in the middle of the pitch. Villarreal come close on the counter as Pina delivers a searching cross towards Uche, but Pellerano just manages to clear at the vital moment.
Good pressure from the away side in the last couple of moments with Uche twice causing problems from corners, but he is penalised for a foul on Esteban in the Almeria goal. The home side are enjoying more of the ball, but there is more quality in the final third for Villarreal. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Rodri beats the offside trap before advancing into the box, but the angle was always against him. A headed chance arrives for Soriano moments later, but the midfielder's effort is straight at Asenjo, who has certainly been the busier of the two goalkeepers thus far.
Opportunity for the away side to test Esteban from distance as Giovani is felled outside the box. The Mexican stands over the ball some 25 yards from goal, but instead he leaves it to Bruno, who fires his effort straight into the wall. Little over five minutes of the half remaining in this La Liga fixture.
Good spell for the away side in the last five minutes or so with Cani and Bruno seeing plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. However, Giovani has been left too isolated at times with the Mexican struggling for support. On the balance of play, however, neither side deserves to be leading at this stage of the match.
GOAL! Almeria 1-0 Villarreal (Rodri)
Almeria strike first in this key fixture as Suso picks out Rodri, who slides a low effort into the back of the net. It is harsh on Villarreal, who had been on top in the last few minutes, but that is football at this level. Can Villarreal respond?
Another half-chance for the home side as Rafita meets a corner from Suso, but he can only plant his header over the crossbar. You just get the feeling that Villarreal need to stay in the match in the final moments of the first period. Another goal at this stage would make it very difficult for them to respond.
Not too much to report in the final moments of the first period with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The home supporters have certainly enjoyed what they have seen thus far, especially from Suso, who has been the star of the show. One minute of additional time to be played at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Almeria 1-0 Villarreal
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Almeria leading 1-0 courtesy of a strike from Rodri five minutes before the interval. Both sides had opportunities in the first period, but superior finishing has been the difference thus far.
It is early in the season, but you just get the feeling that these type of games could be crucial at the end of the season. Villarreal are, on paper at least, the most prepared of the newly-promoted teams, but Almeria have matched them thus far. However, you get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the action.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Oscar Diaz, Corona and Ruben Suarez. Meanwhile, Villarreal have the likes of Perbet, Jonathan Pereira and Juan Carlos in reserve. I suspect that we will see some changes as the second period develops.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of the match. Just a reminder that there is another La Liga fixture currently taking place, with Celta Vigo leading Espanyol. Right, Villarreal get the action underway.
You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the outcome of this match. If Almeria find a second, then it would be difficult to imagine Villarreal turning it around. However, an early leveller for Villarreal changes the complexion entirely. Good possession from the home side in the early stages of the second period.
Half-chance for the away side as Giovani collects a pass from Pina before advancing to the edge of the Almeria box, but he is just forced away at the vital moment. Almeria have possession down the other end with Rodri, but his low cross towards Suso is bundles clear by a mixture of Mario and Costa.
Another opportunity arrives for the home side to fire a dangerous free kick into the Villarreal box, but Asenjo comes to collect under pressure from Verza. It would not be a surprise to see another striker introduced for the away side in the next 10 minutes or so. Giovani's frustration is growing with the lack of support for the Mexican.
Almeria are not giving Villarreal a moment to settle at the moment with the home side continuing to force the issue in midfield. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. There is a bit of spice in the midfield, which is certainly adding to the atmosphere. Still 1-0 to Almeria with 54 minutes on the clock.
Villarreal make their first change of the match as Trigueros replaces Pina, who has certainly tired in the second period. Uche threatens for the away side moments later with a powerful run into the box, but Rafita is across to clear for a corner. Still more than enough time for Villarreal to turn this one around.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides committing players to each attack. Suso is again a threat for the home side down the right, but Perez comes across to clear the danger. Uche threatens down the other end with a strike from distance moments later, but it was always moving wide of the post.
Mario comes to the rescue for the away side once more as the Spanish defender just manages to take the ball away from Suso in his own penalty box. The game is being played as if it is the last five minutes with Villarreal desperately pushing forward. Can they turn this one around? Little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
Tebar is next to try his luck for the home side as he collects a pass from Suso before striking towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Villarreal have possession down the other end moments later with Giovani, but the Mexican is felled by Rafita. Can they make this opportunity count?
The answer is no as Giovani thumps his free kick straight into the crowd. The away side make their second change moments later as Uche exits the field for Jonathan Pereira, who will provide some pace and flair in the final third. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening.
GOAL! Almeria 1-1 Villarreal (Pereira)
Villarreal have their equaliser as Jonathan Pereira collects a pass from Giovani before attempting to find the bottom corner. It does indeed find its way into the back of the net, albeit in the opposite corner following a big deflection from Rafita. All one-way traffic at the moment.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Villarreal to take the lead as Giovani finds Pina inside the box, but somehow the Spaniard fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Change for Almeria moments later as Corona enters the field in place of Tebar. What a final 20 minutes we have coming up.
Almeria simply cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment as the away side continue to force the issue. Again Giovani causes problems with a darting run into the box, but the danger is cleared for a corner. Cani delivers onto the head of Mario, but the Spaniard can only plant his header over the crossbar.
Villarreal continue to pen Almeria into their own half with Pereira's introduction providing the away side with pace and movement in the final third. Vidal attempts to lead a counter for the home side before firing an effort towards goal, but Asenjo is comfortable in collecting the danger. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Verza tries his luck from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. You just get the feeling that there is going to be another goal in the final stages. On balance, Villarreal certainly deserve to be level, but it would be cruel on Almeria if they conceded in the latter stages. It is just so delicately poised.
GOAL! Almeria 2-1 Villarreal (Rodri)
Almeria regain the lead as Rodri beats the offside trap before smashing an effort into the back of the net from close range. What on earth was the Villarreal defence doing there? The home side lead 2-1 with little under 15 minutes of football remaining.
Villarreal only have themselves to blame for falling behind following a period of really poor defending. Cani attempts to force the issue with a dangerous cross into the box, but Giovani cannot make contact under pressure from two defenders. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in Almeria.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments, but the away side are the ones forcing the issue in the final third. There is almost a sense of nervousness inside the stadium as yellow shirts strive forward with each attack. Is there to be late drama?
Giovani continues to look the most likely for the away side as he darts past two defenders before delivering a low cross towards Pereira, but once more the danger is cleared. Almeria simply cannot get out of their own half at the moment, but they have the lead with 83 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Almeria 2-2 Villarreal (Giovani)
Villarreal level! It just had to be Giovani with the Mexican ghosting into the box before firing into the bottom corner from close range. What a final five minutes we have on our hands. Is there a winner? It would take a brave man to bet against it.
GOAL! Almeria 2-3 Villarreal (Pereira)
Oh my good grief it has happened. Villarreal take the lead with three minutes remaining as Giovani sets up Pereira, who fires into the back of the net from close range. What a turnaround. What a sensational evening of football.
Change for the home with Oscar replacing Dubarbier. Moments before, Soriano had also exited for Kim. Right, Almeria have little over two minutes of normal time to secure a point. Villarreal continue to retreat deeper and deeper.
The away supporters are in full voice as we enter the final minute or normal time. Villarreal push forward once more with Giovani, with the Mexican picking up a free kick from Pellerano in a wide position. He has been sensational this evening there is no question about that.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are indeed into the second of those. Almeria push everyone forward, with Suso coming close with a flicked header, but it just moves wide of the post. Villarreal are almost there.
FULL-TIME: Almeria 2-3 Villarreal
So there we have it. An incredible 90 minutes of football is brought to an end with Villarreal coming from behind to win it in the final moments. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to look out for our 'Team of the Week' which will be available before 12am. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
