There was a forced change to the RC Celta de Vigo starting-11 just before kick-off. Starting goalkeeper, Rubén Blanco sustained injury during the warm-up and was substituted by Sergio Álvarez in the Celta goal. Once the setback had been resolved, the match got underway. There was back and forth between both sides in the opening stages, although it was Málaga CF who tried to open the scoring with chances from Chory on the left wing, that were repelled by the rival defence. Juan Carlos Unzué’s team attempted to increase the pressure with long balls to Maxi Gómez, but the well-positioned Blue and Whites’ defence didn’t make it easy for the Uruguayan striker. There were subsequent arrivals for the visitors, but no clear scoring opportunities in front of Sergio Álvarez’s goal. The most promising chance for José González’s men came from Chory Castro in 39’, with a powerful shot that hit the base of the post, narrowly missing out on the target. Rosales saw the first yellow card of the game (41’) for restraining Pione Sisto as he advanced towards Roberto’s goal. Aspas and Miguel Torres were also shown the yellow card for arguing.
The second half got underway with no changes for either side. Celta stretched themselves more in search of the Malaguista goal. Aspas tried his luck from the left wing, but Luis Hernández was quick to intervene. Celta’s most dangerous opportunity came in minute 62. Iago Aspas led a good counter-attack to assist Maxi Gómez, however there was no-one available to convert the shot from the Uruguayan forward. Unzué made some changes, bringing on Radoja and Boyé in place of Pione Sisto and Méndez. José González did the same, substituting Success with Keko. Roberto saved two clear goal chances, from Aspas and Sergi Gómez. Celta took control of the game in a second half full of give and take. Lestienne joined play in place of Chory in 73. Maxi Gómez enjoyed another great opportunity, but his attempt was stopped by Roberto. Minutes later, Aspas failed to connect a shot a metre and half from the area. Lestienne almost led Málaga CF to victory in the final minute of the match, but the ball collided with the post in Sergio Álvarez’s goal.
