The match kicked off with the big addition of Atsu to the starting line-up, making his debut with Málaga, and joining African-born Boka on the left wing. Following the first few moments of back and forth play, the talent of home grown player, Juanpi Añor shone through. With a magical left-footed slalom, the Venezuelan defeated the Getafe keeper with a sublime quality (1-0, 9’). The number ‘28’s third consecutive LaLiga goal.
With the match going in Málaga’s favour, the home side dominated play without any trouble, and half way through the first 45 minutes, the rival suffered another blow. Juanpi filtered a pass to Charles on the right, who, showing great resilience, assisted Atsu to score the 2-0 (23’), outwitting keeper Guaita. A debut and a goal for the Ghanaian. The only negative news for Gracia’s men was Recio’s yellow card (29’), meaning he’ll miss the next match.
In the final minutes of the first half, Getafe stepped up their attack to get closer to Kameni’s area, with Víctor and Pedro León leading the attacking argument. However, it was again Málaga who took the glory. A spirited Juanpi started off, Cop continued with a perfect cross from the left and Charles fired the ball into the back of the net with the edge of his right foot to increase Málaga’s lead (3-0, 43’). The ninth League goal for the Brazilian ‘pichichi’.
After half-time, Gracia brought on Horta to replace Atsu, and Escribá also moved the bench around, with striker, Álvaro substituting midfielder, Lacen. With a standout performance, Juanpi made a sensational pass to Charles in minute 51’, and only a great save by Guaita prevented the fourth Blue and Whites’ goal of the night. Soon after, Pablo Fornals replaced an applauded Recio, to accompany Camacho in the wide area of midfield.
La Rosaleda, tonight celebrating its 600th match, counting all CD Málaga and Málaga CF’s First Division matches, revelled in the atmosphere, the fans chanted, did the Mexican wave and enjoyed the time with their team. Getafe meanwhile only caused a danger with a free kick on the edge of the area by Pedro León, which grazed Kameni’s left post in minute 74’ of play. Straight after, there was a standing ovation for the ‘killer’ Charles, who was replaced by Santa Cruz.
The final stage of the game resembled those basketball games that are already settled due to a great advantage, with Málaga playing for time against a Getafe who didn’t show any real bite. Cop, in minute 90’, could have scored the fourth ‘Malaguista’ goal, but Guaita made another great save. At the final whistle, the Blue and Whites claimed a 3-0 victory and the Martiricos stadium was in celebration. Another three points now totals 30 for the extremely competitive Blue and Whites.
