The promotion playoff tightens up: Malaga strike away and Almeria hold firm at Castalia

Castellón 1-1 Almería: Castalia pushes, Arribas responds

The CD Castellón came close to a victory of huge value at SkyFi Castalia, but Almería managed to survive an awkward game and came away with a draw that could weigh heavily in the tie. The Orellut side were more intense for long stretches, especially in the first half, when they played with more rhythm, more aggression and more presence near the opposing box.

The home reward arrived just before the break. After a set-piece incident and several clearances inside the area, Brignani found the ball close to goal and fired the 1-0 that lit up Castalia. Castellón went into the dressing room with the advantage and the feeling that they had earned more.

However, Almería knew how to wait for their moment. In the second half, the Andalusians stepped up, gained ground and capitalized on a transition to level the contest. Sergio Arribas, decisive once again, popped up in the 66th minute to make it 1-1 after a move involving Adri Embarba.

The goal did not sink Castellón, who pressed again in the closing stages with fresh legs and with Castalia pushing right up to the final ball. Even so, the scoreline would not change. The draw leaves Almería with a slight emotional and classification edge, since the return leg will be played at their stadium and, if the tie is level after extra time, the better-placed team in the regular season would go through.

Match details:
Result: CD Castellón 1-1 UD Almería
Goals: 1-0 Brignani, min. 44; 1-1 Sergio Arribas, min. 66
Stadium: SkyFi Castalia
Next match: Almería - Castellón, Tuesday 9 June, 21:00

Las Palmas 0-1 Málaga: Larrubia silences Gran Canaria

Málaga CF landed the biggest blow of the first leg by winning 0-1 against UD Las Palmas at Estadio Gran Canaria. The Malaga side put together a very serious, competitive and mature performance, knowing how to suffer when needed and making the most of one of the best collective moments of the match.

Las Palmas never quite settled. The yellow team had spells of possession, but lacked clarity in the final stretch. Málaga, meanwhile, read the game tempo better, pressed with purpose and managed to stop many of the home side's inside connections.

The match was decided in the 57th minute. A good attacking move by Málaga ended with an assist from Dani Lorenzo for David Larrubia, who finished with his left foot to put 0-1 on the board. A goal of huge value that completely changed the outlook of the tie.

After the strike, Las Palmas tried to respond with attacking changes and more presence in the opponent's half, but they lacked precision. Málaga defended with order, protected their advantage and still had the chance to extend the gap in the final minutes. Horkas, the home goalkeeper, prevented the yellow defeat from becoming even more lopsided.

With this result, Málaga travel to La Rosaleda with an advantage and the chance to manage the scoreline in front of their fans. Las Palmas, by contrast, are left needing to win to stay in the race for promotion.

Match details:
Result: UD Las Palmas 0-1 Málaga CF
Goal: 0-1 David Larrubia, min. 57
Stadium: Gran Canaria
Next match: Málaga - Las Palmas, Wednesday 10 June, 21:00

Everything to be decided in the return leg

The first leg sets up a thrilling scenario. Almería start with home advantage and the value of having held firm at Castalia, but Castellón has already shown that they can compete toe-to-toe. In the other semifinal, Málaga have taken the lead with a prestigious away win, although Las Palmas still have room to respond.

The fight for the final spot in LaLiga EA Sports now enters its decisive phase. Two matches, two hot stadiums, and a final on the line.