Kick off was marked by an electric atmosphere in the stands and a pitch in optimum condition, despite the recent heavy rainfall. Juankar, the only new addition to the Blue and Whites’ starting-11 in regard to the last match in Vila-real, replaced Miguel Torres on the left. Keko and Chory were very active on the wings, causing trouble for the rival in the first 15 minutes of play.
On their first approach, the visitors scored from a free kick after a dubious foul in front of the target. Lemos was the goal-scorer for the Canaries-based rival (0-1, 19’). In minute 21, Charles claimed a possible penalty for a grabbing incident, but like last week, was shown the yellow card by the referee. Shortly afterwards, Pablo Fornals equalised with a beautiful goal that kissed the net guarded by Javi Varas (1-1, 27’).
Málaga were determined to get a second goal, and in minute 30 Keko scored, but was offside by mere centimetres. In 32’, Chory fired the ball over the crossbar. These were warnings of what was about to come. A textbook counter-attack driven by Keko assisted Charles to score the home side’s second goal of the night (2-1, 35’). The second consecutive goal for the Malaguista number ‘9’, putting his team in front on the scoreboard at half time, to the delight of the elated fans.
The second half kicked off in much the same way as the first, with a laser-like focus from Málaga CF on increasing their lead. For their part, UD Las Palmas didn’t back down, with Boateng launching a shot at Kameni’s goal in minute 50. Fornals in 54’ had a clear one-on-one with Varas, ending up with the Sevilla-born keeper testing his reflexes. Following this, in minute 61, Chory launched a perfect free kick from the left, and a Demichelis header got the post. Everything was pointing to a third goal.
That was until minute 70 when referee, Sánchez Martínez sent off José Rodríguez with a second yellow card. This forced Marcelo Romero to readjust his tactics, bringing on Llorente on the pivot alongside Camacho, in place of Keko who left the field of play to a standing ovation. Soon after, Michael Santos replaced Charles on the attack. Miguel Torres completed the substitutions, taking over from Pablo Fornals in minute 82.
In the final stages of play, the rival used their numerical advantage to go all out in search of Kameni’s goal, coming up against a well-placed Malaguista defence, focused on maintaining their lead. And the home side did just that. A 2-1 victory and three crucial points at La Rosaleda fortress to remain in the middle of the rankings. Vamos Málaga!
