UD Almeria’s promotion charge has a new, very famous cheerleader – and he was purring again on Monday night.
The Andalusian club swept aside Cultural Leonesa 3-0 to tighten their grip on the automatic promotion places in Spain’s second tier, chalking up a fifth win in six league games and climbing to second in the table. For a side that hasn’t occupied the top two since November, it felt like more than just another three points.
Watching from afar, part-owner Cristiano Ronaldo wasted no time in celebrating. The 41-year-old, who bought a 25% stake in the club earlier this month, posted a simple message on Instagram after the final whistle: “Great win today. We continue.” Brief, but very much on brand.
Ronaldo is currently in Madrid, working his way back from a hamstring injury while juggling his duties as Al Nassr captain, but his influence is already being felt in Almeria. His arrival has added a global spotlight to a project that was already ambitious under Saudi investment, and results on the pitch are beginning to match the noise off it.
Relegated from LaLiga in April 2024 and taken over by a Saudi investment group a year later, Almeria have spent much of this season chasing rather than leading. Now, after 29 games, they sit four points behind leaders Racing Santander and, crucially, in one of the two spots that would send them straight back to the top flight.
Coach's Perspective
Coach Juan Francesc Ferrer, better known as Rubi, was quick to dampen any talk of celebrations in March.
“This is where we all want to be, but the important thing is to be there by matchday 42,” he reminded everyone after the win. “We have to keep our feet on the ground because there are 39 points left to play for.”
Rubi has quietly built a squad that blends youthful energy with players who know this might be the biggest opportunity of their careers.
“The squad is ready,” he said. “We’ve brought in young players, but also veterans, who have arrived with the enthusiasm of a child. Some of them know this could be their first major achievement in their sporting careers.”
That mix has given Almeria a harder edge in recent weeks. Five victories in six outings is the kind of form that wins promotions, and the 3-0 against Cultural Leonesa underlined a growing maturity: controlled, clinical, and largely untroubled at the back.
There is still a long road to travel – 13 games, 39 points, and all the usual promotion nerves to negotiate – but the picture is suddenly clear. Almeria are no longer just a fallen LaLiga side with big backers and a superstar shareholder. They are a team playing like they belong in the top two.
And somewhere in Madrid, between rehab sessions, Cristiano Ronaldo will have liked what he saw.
