Almeria

HISTORY

AD Almería was a team that played in the first division between 1979-1981, but disappeared in 1982, and was arguably UD Almería's predecessor. In 1989, a club named Almería Club de Fútbol was born, but in 2001 was renamed Unión Deportiva Almería. After playing one season in the second division, they got relegated to the second B and the third divisions.

After spending several seasons in the second division, the side was first promoted to the top flight after finishing runner-up in 2006-07. After some outstanding performances, the team achieved a final 8th league place in 2007-08. At the club's helm was coach Unai Emery, as striker Álvaro Negredo finished team topscorer with 13 goals.

After Emery left for Valencia CF, Gonzalo Arconada stepped in, but was sacked on December 21, 2008, after a string of poor results, without ever reaching the last three. Mexican Hugo Sánchez took the job, and fared slightly better, for a final mid-table position.

Famous matches in the first division

    * Sevilla 1-4 Almería
    * Almería 2-0 Real Madrid
    * Deportivo La Coruña 0-3 Almería
    * Almería 2-2 Barcelona
    * Valencia 0-1 Almería
    * Almería 3-0 Villareal