Malaga finished 2014 in excellent form, winning three consecutive games, whereas Almeria came in to 2015 having won just two of their last five games, but had a slight confidence boost after beating Celta Vigo 1-0 in their previous game.

Straight from the kick-off Almeria pressed Malaga, allowing very little time or space on the ball for their key players such as Juanmi or Samuel. However this pressing didn't last and Malaga comfortably controlled the game in the opening stages, enjoying a lot of possession and a few chances.

Almeria gained a foothold in the game when Malaga started to become more adventurous with their possession. With a little over ten minutes played, Edgar went down looking for a penalty, he felt was hard done by when he saw his appeals turned down.

But Almeria's efforts finally paid off when Israeli international striker Tomer Hemed got his first of the game, showing exceptional concentration while sliding the ball past Kameni. Although Hemed was only in this position is was thanks to some atrocious marking from Miguel Torres, who had a game to forget.

Malaga suddenly got out of second gear and pushed for an instant reply. The first half finished with a brilliant stop by Julian Cuesta on Samuel, tipping a shot that normally would’ve normally gone in, onto the post, thus leaving Malaga 1-0 down at the break.

Almeria got off to a flying start in the second half, forcing Malaga manager Javi Gracia to make a double substitution in an attempt to stimulate a faltering attack. The tactical change proved effective as Samuel finally scored the equaliser, levelling things up with fifteen minutes remaining.

A minute later, Miguel Torres was whistled for a challenge on Hemed in the penalty area. The Israeli stepped up to the spot and notched his second goal of the evening, calmly slotting his penalty past Kameni and restoring Almeria's hard earned advantage.

Malaga had the wind taken out of their sails as they tried to come back yet again, but it was too late, even with Almeria's Michel getting sent off in stoppage-time.

Juan Ignacio Martínez' men were able to hang on to a precious three points that lifts them to 14th in the table. Malaga will come away from the match with a huge feeling of frustration, having enjoyed 60% of possession but having failed to convert that possession into three points.