Almeria vs Granada CF Match Recap - Jan 3, 2026

Almeria's Resurgence: A 3-2 Thriller Over Granada CF

UD Almería showcased their attacking prowess with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Granada CF, marking a significant turnaround after a string of disappointing results. This match not only secured three crucial points for Almería but also highlighted the resilience and potential of their key players, particularly Gui and Baptistão, who have been instrumental in their recent performances.

Almería's recent form had been shaky, with three losses in their last five matches prior to this encounter. The pressure was mounting on coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia to find a winning formula. The team had dominated possession but struggled to convert that into goals, often falling victim to defensive lapses. Today, they flipped the script, demonstrating a newfound clinical edge that had been missing in previous outings.

Gui opened the scoring, continuing his impressive run after contributing significantly in recent matches. His ability to find space and create opportunities has been vital for Almería, and his goal today was a testament to his growing confidence. Following his lead, Baptistão added another goal, showcasing his knack for being in the right place at the right time. This duo's synergy on the pitch has become a focal point for Almería's attacking strategy.

Granada CF, on the other hand, remains mired in struggles, now sitting perilously close to the relegation zone. Despite showing flashes of promise in their last few matches, including a draw against Albacete, they have failed to convert those performances into wins. Coach José Rojo Martín faces mounting pressure as his side has only managed four wins this season, with today's loss exacerbating their woes.

Aleman managed to score for Granada, briefly leveling the match at 1-1, but it was not enough to shift the momentum. His contributions have been crucial for Granada, but the team's overall inconsistency has overshadowed individual brilliance. The lack of a reliable scoring threat has haunted them throughout the season, and today was no different as they struggled to maintain pressure on Almería's defense.

The match also underscored the contrasting styles of both teams. Almería's possession-based approach allowed them to dictate the tempo, while Granada's attempts to counter were often thwarted by defensive lapses. Despite holding 57% possession against Albacete recently, they could only manage a single goal. This trend continued today as they failed to capitalize on their chances, ultimately leading to their downfall.

Defensively, Almería showed signs of improvement after recent criticisms regarding their backline. The combination of Muñoz and Monte held firm against Granada's attacks for most of the match. However, lapses still occurred, allowing Granada to find openings that could have turned the tide. The late penalty awarded to Pascual in stoppage time was a reminder of their vulnerabilities, but it came too late to change the outcome.

The victory propels Almería into fourth place in the standings, solidifying their position as contenders for promotion. Their ability to bounce back from recent setbacks is crucial as they look ahead to their next match against Mirandes. The confidence gained from this win could be pivotal in maintaining momentum through the second half of the season.

Granada's situation is more precarious as they prepare for a must-win match against Castellón. With only 21 points from 19 matches, every game is critical for their survival hopes. The team must find a way to convert possession into goals if they are to escape the relegation battle that looms large.

This match served as a microcosm of both teams' seasons thus far: Almería finding their rhythm and rediscovering their scoring touch while Granada continues to search for answers amid mounting pressure. The narrative of redemption for Almería contrasts sharply with Granada's ongoing struggles, setting the stage for an intriguing second half of the season as both teams navigate their respective paths forward.