Almería's Rubi leads full squad to playoff final in Málaga

Almería manager Rubi, who has previously failed to secure promotion in four playoff attempts, will contest the first leg of the promotion playoff final against Málaga CF in Málaga. Rubi traveled to the venue with the entire 27‑player first‑team roster, including reserve‑team members, after a final morning training session. The only absentee is midfielder André Horta, who is sidelined with a muscle injury sustained earlier in the season.

The final determines which club joins Racing de Santander and Deportivo de La Coruña in Spain’s top division for the upcoming season. Rubi’s history includes a 0‑4 loss to UD Almería in 2013, a semifinal exit with Real Valladolid in 2015, and a recent semifinal defeat to Real Oviedo, making this his third appearance in a promotion final and his first chance to break a long run of playoff disappointments.