A chilly afternoon at Martiricos with the run-up to kick-off marked by various highlights. On an emotional aspect, a minute’s silence was held in memory of CD Málaga legend, ‘Fito’ Vilanova, who recently passed away. In addition, members of the MCF Foundation’s Supercapacitad@s Football School paraded on to the pitch and received an ovation from the stands.
From a sporting aspect, muscular discomfort to the left leg took captain Adrián out of the line-up at the last minute. The starting-11 selected by Víctor Sánchez del Amo’s – second match of suspension for the coach, with David Dóniga at the helm – featured the Benkhemassa - Juanpi duo in midfield. Diego González also returned to the starting line-up, on the left profile of defence, in place of Lombán.
No sooner had play got underway, in minute 2, the first clear opportunity arrived. A Juanpi free kick was deflected by Biel Ribas, whilst the dead ball was sent out by Renato. Málaga came out with their usual textbook gameplay, maintaining the ball, generating numerous arrivals and corners. Fuenlabrada, meanwhile, stayed compact although they didn’t appear on the attack with any danger until 24’, when their pichichi Hugo Fraile skied the ball. In 38’ Boulahroud substituted Renato Santos, suffering with physical problems. Hicham and Mikel, in 44’, sought out a goal before the half-time whistle, but a 0-0 tie remained.
In the second half, there wasn’t too much change. Fuenlabrada impeded Málaga CF from generating football in the danger zones. In addition, from set pieces, the Madrid-based side with Hugo Fraile upfront, could have caused problems for Munir. This is what happened in 52’, when Anderson made the most of a clearance to shoot near to the crossbar. Soon after, in 56’, an action from Cifu on the right to Antoñín was blocked by Biel.
Further actions that looked like they could end in goal came for the Blue and Whites in 65’. A double opportunity, the first with a shot from Boulahroud on the edge of the area; and immediately afterwards, an attempt from Hicham and a Diego González cross that went to the right of Biel. Málaga intensified their approaches to the rival area, but without success in front of goal. In 82’, Lorenzo came on in place of Hicham upfront. Four minutes later, a shot from Benkhemassa was saved by Biel. Keko in place of Pacheco in 88’ was the final Malaguista substitution.
With no time for more, the match ended in a goalless draw. MCF claim another point to total 15, sitting in 17th place in LaLiga SmartBank.
