On the back of a notable 1-0 victory over European qualification candidates Real Betis, Espanyol began the game affirmatively as Fernando Martínez remained attentive to any impending danger in the Almeria goal.
After three draws from four matches, the hosts were not without opportunities as Adrián Embarba’s spontaneous effort flew fractions wide. Without a league victory since early November, Almería were even closer to breaking the deadlock as Embarba’s long-range strike skimmed the paintwork of the right-hand post.
However, the Rojiblancos’ unrelenting pressure finally paid dividends when Embarba crossed for Luis Suarez to sweep home from inside the area in the 21st minute.
On course for a much-needed three points, Almeria were indebted to the intervention of VAR when referee Javier Iglesias Villanueva refused to award Espanyol a penalty due to a marginal offside in the build-up.
Espanyol were then left with a mountain to climb shortly after the hour mark when Leo Baptistao fired home from a tight angle to double Almeria’s advantage in the contest.
However, Almeria were not yet finished with their goalscoring, as substitute Francisco Portillo fired a third past a frustrated Fernandez in the 77th minute.
Despite Joselu adding a late consolation, Almeria will be pleased with their night’s work under the lights of the Power Horse Stadium, with a much-needed three points moving Rubi’s side five points ahead of the heavily-congested LaLiga relegation zone.
Meanwhile, after missing out on the opportunity to register a hat-trick of league victories, Espanyol could conclude the current round of matches above the bottom three on goal difference alone.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Adrian Embarba (Almeria)
