Sociedad Deportiva Huesca struggled against UD Almería in a hard-fought encounter that ended with a well-earned point in the home of LaLiga SmartBank leader. The Oscenses produced a very good performance: they edged UD Almería, remained rock solid when the powerful rival pushed hard, and broke through their backline whenever it was possible. In fact, Seoane scored the opener for Xisco’s side, but the VAR intervened and the goal was contentiously ruled out for Joaquín’s offside. That prevented us from enjoying a bigger share of the spoils (0-0). Sadiq missed a penalty in the first half.
You could tell from the beginning by the high-paced opening that the clash and the powerful rival were going to be a monumental hurdle, as the Andalusian team were constantly threatening Andrés Fernández in the early stages. Sadiq, showing his offensive capabilities, did it twice. SD Huesca fired back in the 15th, when Gaich controlled a cross with his back to goal and passed the ball to Salvador on the right wing. Our no.6 drove the ball through the box but was unable to fire a shot or to cross it. UD Almería wanted the ball in the last third of the pitch. In the 23rd, Pulido was adjudged to have fouled Sadiq in the box, but the Nigerian striker missed the penalty. However, the Andalusians kept piling on the pressure until the referee blew the half-time whistle. For our part, Huesca managed to play in rival field, too. On the stroke of half-time, the home team felt superior but the visitors had also created their chances.
The second half saw a patient, focused and solid SD Huesca, who were waiting for their moment to break down the defence by playing on the counter attack. Juan Carlos Real came on in place of Adolfo Gaich, so Joaquín played up top from then on. He hurt the rival from that position, as he was free to move anywhere across the front line. It is also true that men like Curro or Arnau had dangerous efforts for the home team, but Xisco’s side were able to handle the situation. In the 57th came Seoane’s goal, following Mateu’s laser-guided pass from deep and Joaquín’s individual play. Unfortunately, after a lengthy VAR goal-check it was ruled out for offside. It was a shame. Huesca did not give up, and a penalty could have been awarded after the goalkeeper Fernando touched Joaquín in the box, but the move ended as another marginal offside. After giving the rival a fright, the Oscenses wanted to grow into the game, yet the defence remained solid while the Andalusians played forward. Rico replaced Mateu and Pitta joined Rico in coming off the bench. The Paraguayan substituted our no.11, who had played an excellent match but had some pain. The Azulgranas kept on trying with some fresh legs until the last second of the six minutes of stoppage time, but had to be happy sharing out of the spoils after the final whistle, held to a goalless draw.
