What will Tuesday's clash decide?

UD Almería steps into the second leg of the promotion playoff semifinal on June 8, 2026 as the favorite, after a 1‑1 draw in the first leg. The match, scheduled for 21:00 at the UD Almería Stadium and broadcast on DAZN and Movistar+ LaLiga, is decisive: a win sends them to the final, while a draw still favors them because of their higher regular‑season ranking.

How did the team reach this point?

The Andalusians finished third in LaLiga Hypermotion, ahead of CD Castellón, who placed sixth after 42 rounds. In the opening game, Fabrizio Brignani gave Castellón the lead before halftime, but Sergio Arribas, the Segunda’s top scorer, equalised in the 66th minute. That stalemate left Almería with home advantage for the return and, if the tie ends level again, progression by virtue of a better league finish.

What absences and doubts does the squad face?

Coach Rubi confirmed the loss of André Horta through injury and the unavailability of French defender Jérémy Mellot, also sidelined. Moreover, wingers Brian Cipenga and Awer Mabil will miss the match, as they are with their national teams (Congo and Australia) for the World Cup. Rubi urged fans to fill the stadium and cheer loudly, noting the intimidating atmosphere in Castellón.

What is expected in the second leg?

If UD Almería opens the scoring, the margin for error will be slim; the opponent has already shown they can create chances. Castellón’s manager Pablo Hernández said the first leg acted as a mirror and that his players will go to Almería ready to “give everything”. Almería’s line‑up features Andrés Fernández, Luna, Ely, Bonini, Muñoz, Dzodic, Lopy, Baptistao, Arribas, Embarba and Miguel de la Fuente, relying on experience to seal the tie.

What lies beyond the semifinal?

The winner will meet Málaga CF or UD Las Palmas in the playoff final, where the last promotion spot to LaLiga will be decided. UD Almería aims to return to the top flight after the 2023‑24 relegation, while Castellón dreams of a comeback after 35 years. The stakes are high, but the club believes its supporters and the advantage of a higher regular‑season finish will be decisive in achieving promotion.