Thomas Partey’s Almeria rescue draw

Thomas Partey’s Almeria came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Celta Vigo to edge away from the relegation trapdoor.

It remains tight at the bottom of La Liga, with only four points separating Granda in 19th and Almeria up in 16th, but the Ghanaian and his teammates are gently moving away from the bottom three.

Two weeks ago, Sergi Barjuan’s side earned a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers, Derek Boateng’s Eibar, but they were unable to build on that triumph and were humbled 3-0 by Real Madrid last week.

They started badly against Celta, and it looked as though La Union would fall to a second-consecutive defeat.

By half-time they were 2-0 down, with goals from Nolito and Santi Mina putting the visitors on course to realise their own Europa League ambitions.

However, whatever Barjuan said to the side at half time clearly did the trick and two minute after the break they had halved the deficit.

Congo forward Thievy Bifouma scored from inside the box, before Jonathan Zongo of Burkina Faso headed home an equaliser with 20 minutes to play.

Almeria could still have lost it late on, but goalkeeper Ruben made a sharp save from Augusto Fernandez.

Partey—playing in his favoured position in the heart of the midfield—may be slightly disappointed with his performance, although he still chipped in with one tackle, some vital interceptions and two clearances.

The Ghanaian had a chance to score in the first half, but sent the ball wide of the target.

With three games left to play, Almeria sit two points clear of Deportivo La Coruna who occupy the third relegation position in 18th place.

Granada, two points below them, haven’t given up hope of an escape, while Boateng’s Eibar have now lost their last five and are nervously looking over their shoulder.