La Liga: Almeria out of bottom three with win over Eibar

Almeria moved out of the relegation zone with a much-needed 2-0 Primera Division victory over Eibar at the Mediterraneo on Sunday afternoon.

Thievy Bifouma and Verza were on target in each half as Sergi Barjuan's strugglers claimed just their second win from their last 11 matches to move level on points with their opponents, who sit a spot above them in 16th.

Eibar, who have won just one of their last 15 games, face a similar task of fighting off relegation with five matches of the season remaining.

The hosts began the strongest and it did not take long before they started to press for an opener with left-back Jose Manuel Casado sending a long ball forward and causing problems inside the away side's box after six minutes.

Two minutes later Almeria took the lead through 22-year-old Congo striker Thievy, who collected the ball from Tomer Hemed outside the 18-yard-box and drilled the ball past Xabi Irureta and into the bottom corner.

The home side appealed for a penalty after Thomas went to ground in the box following a tackle from Didac Vila, but referee Carlos del Cerro Grande waved play on.

Manu came closest to netting an equaliser for Eibar but sent his effort over the crossbar before Mikel Arruabarrena tested home goalkeeper Ruben, who pulled off a fine save as the half wore on.

The hosts came out looking for a second after the break and Jonathan Zongo set up Thievy with a great cross but the latter's shot crashed into the bar.

Thievy came close again as the match approached the hour mark but this time Eibar stopper Xabi Irureta went down to keep his effort out.

The away side came close with a great chance to equalise minutes later as Borja met a high ball on the edge of the box before sending his effort just wide of the post.

Almeria doubled their lead after 67 minutes as Brazilian winger Wellington Silva went to ground following a challenge with Vila, with Verza converting the resulting penalty.

Eibar came close to pulling a goal back through Manu and Federico Piovaccari deep into the second half, but the home side held on for the three points.