Almeria 1-1 Deportivo La Coruna: Visitors Fight Back To Earn Share Of The Spoils

Almeria and Deportivo La Coruna could not be separated this afternoon as the score ended 1-1 at the Estadio del Mediterraneo.

Kalu Uche had given Hugo Sanchez's side the advantage on 59 minutes, but Deportivo fought back and equalised thanks to Pablo Alvarez in the closing stages, and the scoreline finished level.

Deportivo currently reside just outside of the Champions League positions, with coach Miguel Angel Lotina continuing to work miracles on a modest budget, while Almeria were hurting after squandering a winning position at the Bernabeu last weekend only to lose 4-2.

Sanchez could call upon striker Kalu Uche, who put his side ahead in that match versus Real Madrid, while Lotina had Mista and Adrian up top as they looked to continue their good away form.

Both sides had their chances in the first period, with Diego Colotto and Adrian both going close for the visitors, while Uche and Santiago Acasiete should have broken the deadlock for the home side.

Juan Rodriguez somehow managed to strike the post from inside the six yard box as Deportivo put Sanchez's side under pressure.

However, the deadlock wasn’t broken until the hour mark, and it was the industrious Uche who made the difference.

Michel whipped in a teasing cross, and the Nigerian headed home from inside the area to give his side the lead.

But Deportivo are made of stern stuff these days and Lotina’s men pulled level on 74 minutes.

Veteran midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron was the provider, whipping in the cross and Pablo Alvarez powerfully nodded the ball into the net, and the score was level.

In the closing stages, Uche should have won the match for Almeria. Firstly, his left-footed shot was well saved by Daniel Arunzubia, then moments later his header drifted agonisingly wide of the far post with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

Pablo Alvarez almost stole the points for the away side but his shot flew over the crossbar, and in the end a share of the spoils was perhaps the correct result.

Deportivo recorded their first draw on the road this season, while Almeria edged slightly further away from the relegation zone.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com