The wait is over for UD Almería and Málaga, as they battle for the final promotion spot to Spain's First Division. Following the direct promotions of Racing and Deportivo, both teams will vie this Saturday at 21:00 at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos to join them in the top flight.
The second leg of the playoff final arrives with an open scoreline, after the first match at La Rosaleda ended goalless. This result leaves the tie completely balanced for the clash in Almería.
The home team, managed by Rubi, holds a slight advantage: a draw after a potential extra time would secure their promotion, having finished the league in third place. Málaga, coached by Funes, concluded the regular season in fourth place, meaning only a victory will grant them promotion.
For Rubi, this promotion would be his second with UDA, following the one achieved in the 2021-22 season as Second Division champions. On that occasion, promotion was secured directly on the final matchday.
The home coach has almost the entire squad available, with only André Horta being a doubt. A lineup similar to the first leg is expected, with the uncertainty of whether Leo Baptistao or Arnau Puigmal will start. On the Málaga side, Funes might field Izan Merino, Joaquín Muñoz, and Chu pe from the start.
The match has been classified as high-risk, leading to a significant security deployment. A large number of Málaga supporters are expected, although only around 344 will have tickets in the away section.
In the regular league season, each team won their home fixture. Almería won 3-2 at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos with a late goal from Leo Baptistao, while Málaga secured a 2-1 victory at La Rosaleda, with Sergio Arribas scoring from the penalty spot.
For Almería, this would be their second playoff promotion, after achieving one in the 2012-13 season. For Málaga, who haven't been in the First Division for a decade, this would be their first promotion via the playoffs.
The probable lineups are: UD Almería: Andrés Fernández, Chirino, Ely, Bonini, Álex Muñoz, Dzodic, Lopy, Baptistao, Arribas, Embarba, and Miguel de la Fuente. UD Almería: Alfonso Herrero, Carlos Puga, Murillo, Montero, Rafita, Izan Merino, Dani Lorenzo, Larrubia, Dotor, Joaquín Muñoz, and Chu pe. The referee will be Carlos Muñiz Muñoz and the VAR official Javier Iglesias Villanueva.
