📝 Match report

Sabadell defeated Almería with a hard-fought 1-0 at the Nova Creu Alta, marking LaLiga Hypermotion's return to the stadium 2,000 days later. The ground was decked out for the reunion with professional football, and Ferran Costa's side proved superior with a solitary Nicholas Gioacchini goal in the second half. It was a joyous home debut for the harlequins, who arrive at this second phase still unbeaten. The run is notable enough to remember something that happened on Friday: the club had announced it had reached 10,000 members, a figure that speaks to the revival Sabadell is experiencing after their historic consecutive promotion. The Nova Creu Alta welcomed almost 9,000 spectators in a festive atmosphere, which is what you get when the Segunda División comes home after so long away.

The match unfolded as expected: Costa's side gave up possession but pressed high and troubled their opponents, while García Pimienta's Almería had kicked off the season with three matches against freshly promoted Primera Federación sides, though they started with a timid effort from Nico Melamed and Sabadell were clearly superior in the first half. In the 14th minute Gioacchini tapped in from close range, but the referee ruled out the 1-0 after consulting VAR for a foul by Arthur Bonaldo on Álex Muñoz—a touch that tempered the home dominance but didn't kill it. The Catalans kept arriving down Miki Codina's flank and his crosses kept searching for joy without finding it in the first half.

The second half was more of the same but with a finishing touch. The goal came in the 53rd minute in a move that exposed the Andalusian defence: Joel Priego crossed, Ton Ripoll rolled it back and Gioacchini made it 1-0. This time, no refereeing drama. Straight after, Ton Ripoll hit the post in a chance that would have wrapped it up. Almería tried to fight back but ended frustrated: Sabadell prowled around the visitors' box while Almería struggled to link up with Miguel de la Fuente, left stranded. Miguel volleyed from inside the area but it flew just wide—the clearest chance for the visitors. Neither side had much luck, really, and that's how it finished: a Sabadell still on a roll, playing the role of pleasant surprise, and an Almería missing the chance to shake off the dust after taking a battering in Tenerife.

By Elopi23

Match played

This matchday 3 fixture has already been played. The result and stats will be updated here shortly.