Football isn't always fair. Sometimes it's barely even logical. If you mention Real Madrid vs Almeria to a die-hard La Liga fan today, you aren't just talking about a match. You’re talking about a wound that hasn't quite healed for the small-town fans in Andalusia and a night of "I told you so" for the Santiago Bernabéu faithful.
The history of these two clubs is, on paper, a total mismatch. You've got the Kings of Europe against a team that has spent a significant chunk of the last decade just trying to stay in the room. But football has a funny way of ignoring the bank accounts.
The Night That Broke the Internet: January 2024
Let's be real—most people searching for Real Madrid vs Almeria are looking for that game. January 21, 2024. Almeria, who hadn't won a single game all season, rocked up to the Bernabéu and went 2-0 up by halftime. Largie Ramazani scored in the first minute. The stadium was whistling. It was a disaster for Carlo Ancelotti.
Then the second half happened. Or, more accurately, the VAR room happened.
Three massive decisions went Madrid’s way. A penalty for a handball that Almeria felt was preceded by a foul. A disallowed Almeria goal for a "foul" on Jude Bellingham that looked pretty soft on the replays. And the kicker: Vinicius Junior’s equalizer. Was it a shoulder? Was it a hand? The referee, Francisco José Hernández Maeso, looked at the monitor and said "goal."
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The fallout was nuclear. Almeria’s Gonzalo Melero didn't hold back, saying they were "robbed." Even Barcelona's Xavi weighed in, talking about how "it's going to be very difficult to win this league." It wasn't just a game; it was a week-long trial of the entire Spanish refereeing system.
Why This Matchup Still Smarts
Honestly, it’s about the "Establishment vs. The Underdog." When Almeria plays Madrid, they aren't just playing eleven guys in white. They’re playing the history, the pressure, and—if you ask their fans—the "mystique" that seems to bend luck in Madrid's favor.
In the 2024/25 season, Almeria finally succumbed to the weight of their struggles and dropped to the Segunda División. But even in the second tier, they’ve remained a "Madrid-lite" of sorts, led by former Madrid youth products like Sergio Arribas. Arribas, who actually scored against his former club in that 3-2 thriller, has become the face of Almeria’s hope for a 2026 return to the top flight.
Modern Day: Where Are They Now?
Fast forward to January 2026. The landscape has shifted wildly. Real Madrid is currently in a "transition crisis," having recently parted ways with Xabi Alonso and handing the reins to interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa. It’s a mess. They just lost to Albacete in the Copa del Rey, and the fans are restless.
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Meanwhile, Almeria is currently sitting 3rd in the Segunda División, fighting tooth and nail for automatic promotion. They’ve evolved under Rubi. They aren't the pushovers they were a couple of years ago.
- Real Madrid’s current state: They've got Kylian Mbappé (when he's healthy), but the defense is a graveyard of injuries. Rüdiger, Militão, and Alaba have all faced spells on the sidelines.
- Almeria’s current state: Sergio Arribas is arguably the best player in the second division right now. He’s got 11 goals this season and looks far too good for that level of football.
The Tactical Nightmare
When these two meet, the pattern is usually the same. Madrid dominates the ball (usually around 70% possession) and Almeria tries to hit them on the break. In that infamous 3-2 game, Almeria only had 26% of the ball but they were clinical.
Madrid’s high line is a gift for players like Luis Suárez (the Almeria forward, not the Uruguayan legend) and Leo Baptistão. If you’re betting on this fixture in a cup match or a future league game, always look at the "over 2.5 goals" market. It’s almost a guarantee. Madrid’s defense often sleeps during these "easy" games, and Almeria plays with the "nothing to lose" energy that makes for great TV.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Real Madrid vs Almeria is a boring blowout. It’s not.
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Look at the stats. Out of their last few meetings, Almeria has almost always found the net. They don’t park the bus and pray; they actually try to play football. That’s their undoing, usually, but it makes for a hell of a match.
The misconception is that Madrid always wins because they are better. While true, they often win because they have a relentless psychological edge. In the 99th minute of that January game, Dani Carvajal scored the winner. It wasn't tactical genius; it was just Madrid refusing to die.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you are following these two teams as Almeria pushes for promotion back to La Liga for the 2026/27 season, keep these points in mind:
- Watch the "Homecoming" Players: Keep an eye on Sergio Arribas. Every time he plays against Madrid (or even just plays in their shadow), he has something to prove. He’s the engine of that Almeria side.
- Monitor Madrid's Defensive Gaps: Under Arbeloa, Madrid is playing a very aggressive, almost reckless style to compensate for a lack of midfield control. They are vulnerable to the exact type of counter-attacks Almeria excels at.
- The VAR Factor: After the 2024 scandal, referees are under immense pressure during Madrid games involving smaller clubs. Expect tighter calls and longer delays.
- Squad Depth: Almeria’s bench in the Segunda is better than most. If they get promoted, they won't need a total overhaul to compete.
The story of Real Madrid vs Almeria is a reminder that in Spanish football, the script isn't always written by the giants. Sometimes, the smallest team in the league can make the whole world stop and stare, even if it’s just for 90 minutes of chaos.
To stay ahead of the next meeting, track the fitness of Madrid's backline and the goal-scoring form of Arribas. If Almeria clinches promotion this May, their first game back at the Bernabéu will be the most anticipated "reunion" in years. Check the official La Liga standings and Almeria's promotion playoff schedule to see if the rematch is coming sooner than expected.