A former member of the academy setup at Real Madrid today did his ex-employers a favour, courtesy of a starring display for Almería.
The player in question? Sergio Arribas.
Midfielder Arribas was back in action a short time ago, as Almería, sitting dead bottom of the La Liga table, played host to shock title challengers Girona at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos.
The latter were widely expected to simply sweep their hosts aside, amid what has proven nothing short of a scintillating campaign to date.
Upon the full-time whistle bringing a close to proceedings on Sunday, though, Girona were forced to make do with only a point.
This came owing to a hard-fought goalless stalemate, which also saw Blanquivermells standout Aleix García shown a red card.
Of the host of Almería stars deserving of credit on the back of a fine result for all associated with the club, meanwhile, none stood out more this afternoon than the aforementioned Sergio Arribas.
Operating from his berth on the right, youngster Arribas shone bright, on his way to collecting Man of the Match honours in Andalusia.
And more grateful than any for such endeavours on the part of the Spaniard will be his former employers, Real Madrid.
Los Blancos, whom Arribas departed for Almería on a permanent basis last summer, will now return from their Supercopa adventure in Saudi Arabia in the knowledge that a victory in their game in hand will guide them back clear of Girona, to the summit of the La Liga standings.
Conor Laird | GSFN
