Mirandés fought hard but left Almería empty-handed after two own goals and a debatable penalty decision.
The red-and-whites bounced back twice from early setbacks, the first coming within the opening minute. In the second half, they had chances to take the lead, but Medrano’s own goal ultimately tipped the balance.
Reflecting on a game of two halves, coach Muneta said: “The first half started very badly with a serious error in the opening play. Luckily we recovered immediately after. There was an exchange of blows, and we came out on the losing side, but we showed character and competed toe-to-toe against Almería. The pity is the third goal – we positioned ourselves poorly after a free kick, organized too late, and ended up conceding another own goal.”
On the team’s response to adversity: “Unfortunately, we’ve had to react to setbacks almost every week, and we’ve been doing it quite well. Today we reacted very well in the first half after two blows, playing good football. I think we minimized Almería’s potential significantly, but the third goal was a shame. We didn’t organize quickly enough and got caught. And to make matters worse, it was another own goal. Still, at 3-2 we had chances to equalize. Then on a transition when we were committed forward, we conceded the fourth, and that was it.”
Analyzing the performance: “We’re playing like a team that is very much alive and has quality. That’s why we’ve been picking up points in the last month and a half, and we’ll continue to do so. At halftime we talked about not reacting to Almería’s blows – which is what happened in the first half – and that we had to be the ones striking with personality, wanting the ball and pressing well. We were very good, and that was the message I gave. The team showed character and played a great match.”
Asked if there’s enough time to secure survival: “I am sure we will do it. We are currently three points behind plus the goal-average against Cádiz. I have total and absolute confidence, and the team also believes we will get the points needed to stay up. I see the team very alive and competing well. I’ve been saying that for a while. Today we came here to win, without looking at the standings. It wasn’t to be, but we came very close, and that speaks well of this team. We won’t stop, and I am convinced we will achieve our goal.”
On the penalty call: “Watching a quick replay on the screen, I see that Juanpa touches the ball and then touches the opponent. Probably if it were the other way around, I would have asked for a penalty. It could be given or not. It’s on the edge. I won’t analyze it further. The referee called it, and that’s it.”