UD Santa Marta claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Almazan in the Spanish Tercera División RFEF on Saturday night, with a late goal settling a contest that swung both ways. Santa Marta led early, Almazan equalised after the break, and the home side found the winner in the closing stages to take all three points.

Match overview

Santa Marta began with intent and were rewarded for their early pressure with the opening goal. Almazan responded well, gradually working their way into the game and finding an equaliser in the second half. The match looked set for a draw, but Santa Marta pushed forward again and found the decisive moment with less than ten minutes remaining. A tense final stretch followed, but the home side held on.

Key moments

• 22' — Santa Marta take the lead with a close-range finish after a flowing team move.
• 39' — Almazan force a save from a free-kick as they begin to build momentum.
• 55' — Almazan equalise with a header from a corner.
• 82' — Santa Marta score the winner, converting a low cross at the back post.
• 90+4' — Almazan's last attack is snuffed out by a crucial interception.

Tactical story

Santa Marta controlled possession for long periods, using patient build-up to draw Almazan out of shape. The home side's midfield rotation created space in wide areas, and both goals came from deliveries into the box. Almazan's equaliser showed their set-piece threat, but they struggled to contain Santa Marta's late surges. The winning goal came from a sustained spell of pressure, with Santa Marta refusing to settle for a point.

Standout performers

Santa Marta's substitute made a decisive impact, providing fresh energy and the assist for the winner. The central defender also produced a strong display, winning key headers and reading danger well. For Almazan, the midfielder who scored the equaliser was their best performer, driving forward and linking play effectively.

What the result means

The win lifts UD Santa Marta in the Tercera División RFEF standings and gives the club a welcome boost ahead of a busy run of fixtures. Almazan leave with nothing despite a spirited second-half display, and they will need to turn promising spells into points as the season progresses.