A superb atmosphere in Girona and, on the pitch, Víctor Sánchez del Amo selected the same starting line-up as last week, with the exception of homegrown player, Hugo, who came on in place of Pacheco on the left wing. The rival, a powerful team eager to get the first win in front of their fans on their return to the silver division.
Following the first quarter of an hour, Girona showed their credentials. A good play on the left by Marc Gual, assisting Gumbau who missed at close range (17’). Málaga continued to stand up to the opponent, but in the second clear action the locals were unforgiving. A pass between the lines from Borja García and Stuani, on the limit of being offside, beat Munir in the one-on-one (1-0, 30’).
In the closing stages of the first half Málaga attempted to score a psychological equaliser, with Juanpi heading up operations. Cifuentes tried his luck with a header in 41’ without success. At half-time, Girona FC were 1-0 up.
The second half got underway with no changes to either side. The rain made an appearance, whilst the Malaguistas made no approaches to the goal. In minute 59’ a Renato Santos’ shot forced goalkeeper, Juan Carlos to deflect. The locals managed their minimal advantage, but MCF maintained their options to get on the scoreboard intact.
In 68’, VSDA brought on Pacheco and Ramón in place of Renato and Boulahroud. Juankar, from the left, kept moving upfront looking for the rival winger, Maffeo (with a yellow card). Juanpi in 70’, sent the ball to the side of the net, following a combination with Cifu. In the same minute, Adrián skied the ball over the Red and White crossbar. These were Málaga’s best moments.
The final stretch of play didn’t vary too much. The Blue and Whites dominated territorially but lacked punch. Keko Gontán, in 88’, substituted Cifuentes on the right. Time was up and so was the possibility to score any points. Málaga CF’s first defeat of the season, on matchday 3, to continue with four points.
