UD Almería miss promotion after playoff defeat to Málaga

Almería coach Rubi described the second‑leg playoff against Málaga CF at the UD Almería Stadium as “the most important in many years”, stressing that the match would decide the club’s long‑awaited promotion to the Primera División. He highlighted the team’s hard work, the vital support of the fans and the various plans the squad had prepared for a win.

After the loss, Rubi called it “the hardest moment of my career by far”, thanking the supporters and lamenting the missed chance to secure promotion. He acknowledged the effort of the players and the disappointment of not achieving the goal despite a strong playoff run.

Both statements frame the high stakes of the promotion battle and the emotional impact of the defeat on the club and its followers.