Before play got underway, a minute’s silence was held in memory of Francesc Arnau. With Pellicer in the stands due to suspension, and Manolo Sánchez in the dugout, the Malaguista line-up was formed of 11 professional players, none with a number higher than ‘25’.
The first big chance of the game wasn’t long in coming. Jozabed, with a shot that grazed the right post, almost put the Malaguistas in the lead in 1’. The Blue and Whites (wearing yellow tonight) remained solid in the first third of play. The pepineros had their first shot at goal in 32’, with a shy header from Sabin Merino saved without any problems for Juan Soriano.
In the final stages of the first half, Málaga continued to carry the weight of the game more than the rival, without approaching Riesgo’s goal. The scoreboard remained at 0-0 at half-time.
Like the first half, MCF soon generated a good opportunity. Alexander, from the right of the area, skied the ball over the crossbar in 49’. Leganés reacted and could have scored in 54’, from a one-on-one with Miguel de la Fuente saved by Juan Soriano. The first Malaguista substitutions came in 58’, with the entrance of Luis Muñoz and ‘juvenil’ Loren in place of Joaquín and Stefan. Soriano appeared again in 64’ with another miraculous hand that prevented the locals getting on the scoreboard. Garitano’s men, more intense than in the first half, forced several dangerous situations from corners and lateral free kicks.
The match began to open up in the final stages, with more spaces for counter-attacks and gaps in defence. Caye and Mini, for Jairo and Jozabed, were the second double Malaguista substitutions in 80’. In 85’, Escassi was shown the yellow card that carries suspension. Shortly before the full-time whistle, the locals scored the winning goal, the work of Rober Ibáñez (1-0, 88’). Haitam, for Alexander, was the last attacking change in the search for an equaliser that never arrived. The team deserved more with the effort made.
