The clash between Real Madrid and Almeria on that fateful evening will forever be etched in the annals of football history. It was a match that showcased the true spirit of the beautiful game, where both teams fought tooth and nail until the final whistle. The scoreline may have read 3-2 in favor of Real Madrid, but it was a contest that left spectators breathless.
From the first whistle, it was evident that Almeria had come to play. Their relentless attacking prowess caught Real Madrid off guard, as they quickly found themselves trailing by two goals. However, Real Madrid's resilience shone through as they mounted a remarkable comeback.
Almeria, who are without a league win this season, took a surprise 2-0 half-time lead against Madrid. However, Ancelotti's side responded with three second-half goals, including a 99th-minute winner to return to the top of the table.
Madrid got three favorable video reviews in the second half, then scored a winner nine minutes into stoppage time to rally to a 3-2 win over Almeria, the only team yet to win in the league this season.
The dramatic late win moved Madrid two points in front of Girona, which hosts relegation-threatened Sevilla later Sunday.
The fixture, which is practically top against bottom, gives the Italian a rare chance to rest some players with less risk than usual before Los Blancos head down the home stretch in the domestic championship and on the continent in the Champions League.
At his pre-match press conference on Saturday, however, the manager refused to confirm that he would make rotations despite a gruelling extra time defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey last time out.
The front three of Ramazani, Marezi and Arribas had Los Blancos on their heels with lightning-fast interplay and visiting captain Lucas Robertone played through injury for much of the game and it was his pinpoint pass that set up the opener that stunned the Bernabeu into silence.
But the pick of the bunch was centre-back Edgar’s exquisite volley from outside the box that flew straight into the top corner and gave Kepa Arrizabalaga - reinstated between the sticks for Real Madrid - no chance.
While the hosts came out fighting in the second half with Ancelotti ringing the changes, they continued to threaten and deserved to take something from the game.
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