Granada CF 2-4 Almeria: Segunda División 2025-26 match report

The opening

The atmosphere at the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes was electric on Sunday afternoon as Granada CF hosted Almeria in a pivotal Segunda División fixture. Pacheta opted for a conservative 5-3-2 formation, aiming to stifle the visitors’ creative outlets, while Joan Rubi set Almeria up in a more expansive 4-2-3-1.

The match began with a flurry of activity that belied the tactical caution initially expected. Granada drew first blood in the 11th minute when Pedro Alemañ found the back of the net, capitalizing on a crisp assist from Sergio Ruiz. It was the start the home side craved, but the lead lasted only three minutes. Almeria’s response was immediate and clinical, with Sergio Arribas leveling the score in the 14th minute.

The momentum shifted decisively toward the visitors shortly thereafter. Just four minutes after his first goal, Arribas struck again in the 18th minute, this time assisted by Adri Embarba. The rapid turnaround stunned the Granada defense, which struggled to regain its shape against Almeria’s high-pressing transition play.

The decisive moment

The defining period of the match occurred between the 35th and 38th minutes. Following a lengthy VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot in favor of Almeria. As tensions flared, Sergio Ruiz was cautioned for Granada. Sergio Arribas stepped up to convert the resulting penalty in the 38th minute, completing a remarkable first-half hat-trick.

Trailing 3-1 at the interval, Pacheta attempted to stabilize his side by introducing tactical changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Diego Hormigo and refreshing the midfield. Despite these adjustments, Granada found it difficult to break down an organized Almeria defensive block.

Almeria’s dominance was further cemented in the 68th minute. Miguel de la Fuente, who had been a constant threat, added a fourth goal for the visitors following an assist from Álex Muñoz. At 4-1, the contest was effectively settled. While Granada pushed for a consolation goal throughout the final quarter, their efforts were largely thwarted by disciplined defensive work from the visitors, led by S. Džodić, who received a yellow card for his efforts in the 62nd minute.

Granada managed a late surge in stoppage time, with Pablo Sáenz scoring in the 90th minute off an assist from Rubén Alcaraz, but it was too little, too late. The match concluded 4-2, handing Almeria a comprehensive victory on the road.

Looking ahead

The result leaves Granada CF with significant defensive concerns to address as they navigate the remainder of the season, having conceded four goals at home despite their initial lead. For Almeria, the victory serves as a statement of intent, showcasing their attacking depth and the individual brilliance of Sergio Arribas as they look to solidify their position in the upper echelons of the Segunda División table.