Almería vs Málaga: La Liga Promotion Playoff Final Two-Legged Tie
UD Almería, coached by Rubi, played a 0-0 draw against Málaga CF in the first leg of the promotion playoff final to Spain's Primera División at La Rosaleda. Rubi praised his team's defensive discipline and the atmosphere from over 30,000 fans, while cautioning against euphoria ahead of the decisive second leg in Almería. He confirmed midfielder André Horta is injured but the squad is otherwise available. The tie remains open, with Almería needing a win or scoring draw to secure promotion.
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Rubi: 'We were sure we could achieve it, but it slipped away from us'
Almería coach Joan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi' described the promotion final loss to Málaga as the hardest day of his coaching career. Speaking after the match on June 20, 2026, he stated the team was confident of victory but 'it slipped away.' He cited a key goal by Málaga's 'Chupe' as a turning point, after which Almería pushed desperately but failed to equalize. Rubi congratulated Málaga and thanked Almería fans, noting that while his team was not vastly inferior, their quality did not shine through and players lacked luck on the day.
FútbolAlmería and Málaga Battle for Promotion to La Liga in Decisive Final
Almería hosts Málaga in the second leg of the promotion playoff final to Spain's First Division (La Liga). The first leg ended 0-0, leaving the tie wide open. Any draw after extra time would favor Almería due to their better regular-season finish. Almería coach Rubi has emphasized a 'cool head and warm heart,' while Málaga coach Juanfran Funes promises an ambitious, attacking approach. The match is expected to be decided by emotional control, tactical discipline, and small details in a high-pressure environment. The winner will join Racing and Deportivo in the top flight.
FútbolRubi: We are going out to win; it's the most important match in recent years
Almería coach Joan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi' stated on the eve of hosting Málaga in the second leg of the Primera promotion playoff final that the team will not settle for a draw, even though a goalless draw in the first leg means a scoreless tie would secure promotion. Rubi emphasized the match is the most important in recent years, confirmed midfielder André Horta is the only injury absentee, and expressed confidence in his squad's competitiveness under pressure. He called on fans to support the team fully, noting the match could transform the status of many in Almería. Rubi declined to comment on criticism of his cautious first-leg approach, insisting the team played a serious match and achieved a good result.
FútbolRubi: 0-0 Draw Against Málaga Is Fair, Defensive Plan Worked
Almería coach Joan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi' assessed the 0-0 draw against Málaga in the first leg of the promotion final to La Liga as a fair result. He emphasized that his team executed a defensive game plan aimed at minimizing threats in front of their goal, noting that Málaga's home record made the result valuable. Rubi highlighted three clean sheets in the last six matches and stressed the importance of sobriety and focus. He cautioned against euphoria, stating that the tie remains open ahead of the return leg in Almería next Saturday. Rubi also praised the atmosphere at La Rosaleda, with over 30,000 attendees, and expressed hope for similar respectful behavior from fans in the second leg.
Últimas NoticiasRubi Calls 0-0 Draw Fair, Emphasizes Defensive Plan Ahead of Promotion Final Return Leg
Almería coach Joan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi' assessed the 0-0 draw against Málaga in the first leg of the La Liga promotion final as 'fair,' praising his team's defensive discipline. In a post-match press conference, Rubi stated his game plan was to ensure 'few things happened' in front of his goal, noting that Málaga's strong home record made the result valuable. He highlighted three clean sheets in the last six matches and expressed satisfaction with his substitutions. While acknowledging that two of three possible outcomes favor Almería in the return leg next Saturday at home, Rubi cautioned against euphoria, insisting the tie remains open. He also commended the atmosphere at La Rosaleda, attended by over 30,000 fans, and called for similar respect from Almería supporters in the second leg.
Últimas NoticiasRubi: Goalless Draw Against Málaga in Promotion Final First Leg Is Fair
Almería coach Joan Francesc Ferrer ‘Rubi’ assessed the 0-0 draw against Málaga in the first leg of the promotion final to Spain's Primera División as a fair result. In a press conference, Rubi emphasized his team's defensive discipline, stating the game plan aimed to minimize events near his goal. He noted Málaga's strong home record and the importance of avoiding a loss before the return leg in Almería. Rubi praised the atmosphere at La Rosaleda with over 30,000 fans, calling it respectful. He cautioned against euphoria, highlighting that while two of three possible outcomes favor Almería in the second leg, the team must focus on winning. The coach also pointed to three clean sheets in the last six matches as a sign of defensive solidity.
FútbolRubi downplays La Rosaleda atmosphere ahead of Almería's playoff final first leg against Málaga
UD Almería coach Rubi spoke ahead of the first leg of the promotion playoff final against Málaga CF at La Rosaleda. He emphasized his team's preparedness, hunger, and ability to handle pressure, dismissing concerns about the hostile atmosphere from a full stadium. Rubi praised Málaga's playing style and warned of their danger when imposing their game. He rejected the favorite label, noting that the playoff demands full concentration regardless of squad potential. He confirmed André Horta is out with a muscle injury but the rest of the squad is available, with minor discomforts overcome by excitement and desire to make history. Rubi also praised Almería's fans for their support.
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