Holy Sunday with an emotional minute’s silence ahead of kick off in memory of Nacho Pérez Frías, a Club legend who died the day before yesterday. José González put forward the same eleven, who two weeks ago drew in Vigo, against an opponent with familiar faces on the bench (Javi Calleja) and on the pitch (Asenjo, Castillejo and Fornals).
From the first moments, Málaga tried to shake-up the usual combinative football of the rivals, without forgetting to look for fast, offensive transitions, with En-Nesyri as the stand out player in this regard. Fornals had the first chance for the visitors in the 21st minute when he shot hard over the crossbar. Then, Diego Rolan, in minute 31, came close to scoring with great skill, having passed very close to the corner.
Shortly after, Rolan forced a penalty after a brilliant spot of solo action that Chory then saw through to completion (1-0, 37 '). This, the Uruguayan’s fourth goal, was dedicated to Dr. Juan Carlos Pérez Frías. The team, now spurred on, looked for the second goal before the break - and almost got it with a header from En-Nesyri in minute 44 to Rosales, but which was ultimately blocked by Asenjo.
In the second half, MCF remained focused on its game plan, minimising as much as possible the Villareal’s strengths capitalising on their own resources. Rolan, powerful and upfront, generated a good opportunity in minute 54 after a bit of powerful playmaking from Chory on the left. In minute 66 came the first malaguista change, with Alberto Bueno coming on for Isaac Success.
En-Nesyri, meanwhile, received from a pass from Chory in minute 70, but his shot went to corner. Castro, in minute 75, was substituted for Lestienne on the attacking left wing. And Adrián, in minute 79, replaced Lacen in the midfield to join Iturra. In minute 81, Lestienne almost connected with an active En-Nesyri who, a minute later, helped graze the goal with a pass to Iturra.
Calleja’s men ramped up the pressure in the closing minutes. Martinez, in the 88th minute, fired hard but Roberto blocked safely. But the three points remained in Martiricos. It was a just victory for a Málaga CF who reach 17 points in the table and, with eight matches to go before the end of the championship, is eleven points away from the permanency.
