The prospect of promotion to Primera División being decided in a Play Off is not an ideal scenario for Almería, given recent experiences. The resounding 5-1 defeat suffered in Santander against a direct rival served as a clear warning sign, exposing the team's weaknesses in high-stakes moments. This loss was not an isolated incident but a reflection of a troubling pattern.
Other adverse results, such as the 2-0 in Castalia, the 1-2 against Deportivo, and losses to Málaga and Burgos, reinforce the perception of a vulnerable team when the margin for error is minimal. Although coach Rubi defends the Play Off as a legitimate path to promotion, competitive reality suggests the team has not been up to par in key clashes during the regular LaLiga season.
“"A Play Off should never be understood as a failure, but as another way to get promoted to Primera."
Almería's emotional and footballing solidity has faltered in direct duels. The team has conceded 8 goals to the current leader and only scored 3, underscoring a clear disadvantage in these encounters. Furthermore, the need to compete away from home in hostile environments during a Play Off adds another layer of difficulty, as the team has shown a notable lack of reliability away from the Mediterráneo. Examples such as losses to Ceuta, Málaga, Deportivo, Zaragoza, Castellón, and Racing this year, along with the defeat in Elda in the Copa del Rey, illustrate this trend.
Rubi's message, which seeks to downplay the situation, contrasts with the demands of a Play Off, which requires composure, forcefulness, and consistency. These are precisely the qualities that Almería has not yet consistently demonstrated in high-pressure matches. History also does not favor the Catalan coach in this format, neither with Girona nor in his previous stints with the Almería club.
