Almeria had not won on matchday two in La Liga this century, but they made a positive start as they looked to end this unwanted record.
Largie Ramazani caught an early volley sweetly, and though it was straight down the throat of Edgar Badia, that positivity continued as the first half proceeded. Good defensive work was required from Enzo Roco, who headed the ball to safety, but with himself and Umar Sadiq (25) also clashing in the air and requiring treatment.
Striker Sadiq had to be bandaged up following the collision, but this didn’t put him off, and he was on hand shortly after to give the Rojiblancos the lead, showing real desire to get to Lucas Robertone’s corner first to head home.
This setback sparked Elche into life, and just after they had gone close through Tete Morente on the half-hour mark, they found an equaliser when Barcelona loanee Alex Collado (23) received the ball inside the area, before cutting onto his left foot and firing a shot in at the near post for a debut goal.
Sadiq was looking like the likeliest Almeria player to restore his side’s lead, and he had a good chance early in the second half after breaking through and letting a shot fly which was saved by Badia.
The Elche goalkeeper then showed even sharper reactions to deny Srdjan Babic from close range, after the defender had directed a header goalwards.
The hosts had a good chance to turn the game around in the final half-hour, when Johan Mojica’s corner picked out an unmarked Morente, who connected well with his header but saw it pushed away by Fernando, before the match meandered to a stalemate.
Elche climb out of the bottom three with this point, while Almeria rise to 11th, with both teams still searching for their first win of the season.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Lucas Robertone (Almeria)
