Sabadell lives on a cloud and defeats Almeria

SabadellSabadell is a happy club. In the year of their return to Second Division, they still do not know defeat and in their home debut, they have devoured a favorite for promotion like Almeria (1-0). Just the day the arlequinat club announced it had reached 10,000 members, they achieved their first victory thanks to a goal from North American Nico Gioacchini in the second half.

With some players on the pitch who two years ago were in the Second RFEF with Sabadell, Ferran Costa's team ceded possession to Francesc Xavier Garcia Pimienta's Almeria, pressing high and bothering their opponents in a display of commitment that delighted the 9,000 spectators at a Nova Creu Alta that was debuting its pitch and experiencing a Second Division match with spectators after almost a decade. After a shot from Nico Melamed, Almeria saw Sabadell take control of the game, faithful to their style. Fourteen minutes in, Nico Gioacchini scored the first goal of the season from the heart of the small box, but the referee disallowed the 1-0 for a blow from Arthur Bonaldo to Álex Muñoz. The arlequinat midfield, with Urri from Osona, Quadri, and a Pere Pons who is once again enjoying football, understood what kind of game was needed, and provided play on the wings where Miki Codina and Ton Ripoll shone. Joel Priego, one of the heroes of promotion, was a nuisance for the first 45 minutes.

Despite Edgar's absence, the center-back loaned precisely by Almeria to Sabadell, the visitors have not posed any danger. The local goal finally arrived in the 53rd minute, with a cross from Joel Priego that, after a header from Ton Ripoll, saw Nico Gioacchini score. Immediately after, Ton Ripoll hit the post in a play that could have been the 2-0. These were the best minutes for a Sabadell that had drawn away in the first two matchdays, in Gijón and Castelló. Almeria took a forced step forward, but only posed a threat with a shot from Miguel de la Fuente hitting the crossbar in the final seconds.

Sabadell, with five points, moves up the standings before playing the final of the Copa Catalunya this Wednesday against Barça Atlètic at La Nova Creu Alta. And all this, while awaiting the closing of a transfer market in which they still hope to strengthen.