An Andalusian derby on a chilly night marked by rain and strong winds. Despite the weather, Muñiz’s men followed their classic script at home, unchanged, from the outset. Ever-present N’Diaye in the wide area with Erik Morán making his debut safeguarding his usual position, tried his luck in minute 6 with a low shot. Keidi Bare made up the trio in midfield and played a part in the opening goal. A fantastic cross from the Albanian reserve team player from the right, and an impeccable shot by Adrián into the back of the net (1-0, 12’).
Following the fifth goal of the season by the Madrid-born number ‘8’, Almería attempted to gain more possession and approach Munir’s goal. In 25’, Juan Carlos Real launched at the post in the first dangerous chance for the visitors. However, Málaga didn’t wait to respond, making the most of their strengths; the set piece. Renato, in 33’, propelled a free kick towards the target without success in 33’.
Before half-time, Almería came close to an equaliser, but Cifuentes cleared a shot from Real inside the six-yard box. After 45 minutes the scoreboard remained at 1-0.
In the second half, MCF could have increased their lead thanks to a push from the midfielders. N’Diaye in 51’ assisted Keidi from the left, who didn’t manage to overcome René at close-range. Renato, in 56’ and 61’ generated two opportunities that he couldn’t convert, just before being substituted by Ontiveros (62’).
It wasn’t until minute 73 that Almería approached the Blue and White area with a dangerous ball that was narrowly missed by Saveljich. A minute later, Seleznov came on in place of Erik Morán, who received applause for his debut. The Red and Whites, in the final 15 minutes, intensified their arrivals at the area against a Málaga ready to sentence the game at any time. Seleznov, from a Keidi pass, had the second goal at his feet in 79’ with a left-footed cross. However, Almería didn’t give up and encircled Munir’s goal until they got their reward with a goal from Luis Rioja to level up the scoreboard in stoppage time (1-1, 91’).
Another point – the first draw at home this season – to total 44 points from 24 games, with Málaga CF provisionally tied in first place of LaLiga 1|2|3 with Granada CF.
