The start of LaLiga Santander 2016/17 saw Juande Ramos’ first starting-11 during his second time heading up the Blue and Whites. As well as the coach, new signings Llorente and Koné made their debut in the line-up in central defence; Keko and Jony on the wings and Sandro upfront. The first 15 minutes of play was marked by a slight local dominance, but without any clear goal opportunities.
As time progressed in the first half, Málaga were more imposing against an Osasuna who retreated at the back, and were very together in midfield and on the defensive lines. Midway through, there were numerous consecutive corners on Nauzet, the Osasuna and former Málaga B keeper’s goal, leading to a dangerous cross from Fede Ricca. Juanpi’s quality on the left wing shone through, as he searched for partnerships with Jony, who tried his luck with a long shot in minute 35.
In minute 38, Keko came in on the right with a tight shot to Sandro, who launched a powerful finish, the ball collided with Nauzet, however the keeper prevented a local goal. Soon after, Osasuna gave a rapid counter attack with a low shot from Oriol Riera, but despite great intentions, Kameni was brilliant with a great clearance. With fairly transparent chances for both teams, the first half ended with a 0-0 draw.
After half-time, Juande brought on Charles in substitution of Keko, changing his traditional 4-2-3-1 for a 4-4-2 with the Spanish-Brazilian and Sandro pairing up as a ‘double 9’. The start of the second half was excellent. The first goal of LaLiga 16/17 arrived in minute 56 by Málaga CF – sealed by two left-wingers. Starting on the wing with superb assistance from Jony, Juanpi opened the scoring with a majestic goal. With a 1-0 lead, La Rosaleda was euphoric.
Osasuna didn’t give up, particularly young player, Buñuel - who substituted Fuentes in minute 49 due to injury – who put on a sharp performance on the right. Juande, in minute 70, strengthened midfield with another player making his debut, Serbian-born Kuzmanovic, who replaced a much applauded Jony. Soon after, Charles, with a pass from Juanpi, had a shot at the target from the right, but Nauzet prevented a goal from the Blue and Whites’ highest scorer of LaLiga 15/16. Immediately afterwards, an inspired Juanpi left an unmarked Sandro, but his shot went high.
It was precisely the Canary Islands striker who made way for ‘Chory’ Castro in the final stage of play. Six minutes from the final whistle, the rival equalised. A quick action on the right by Fran Mérida mischievously anticipated the Malaguista defence to score the 1-1 in minute 84. In the 90th minute, Chory searched for a goal in a bizarre move that didn’t make Nauzet’s goal. This was the last chance to take the lead but the scoreboard didn’t move again. The final result was 1-1, and a point for Málaga as they kick off their 16th season as MCF in the First Division.