The match kicked off with a Malaguista dominance, whose line-up saw Torres as central defender and Ricca as left-back, along with Pablo and Camacho on the pivot. The first opportunity arose in minute 3 thanks to a promising shot by Chory, repelled by Levante keeper, Mariño. In minute 5, Rosales sustained physical problems and was forced to retire from play a few minutes later, substituted by Belarusian-born Egor Filipenko (11’).
The Blue and Whites’ left wing was like a Uruguayan highway, with both Ricca and Chory very active. A great shot from Ricca set up a header for Cop (15’), who tried his luck at close range, but was met with another impressive save from Mariño. The chances kept on coming for a superior Málaga, who had another opportunity in minute 18 thanks to Charles, that was saved in extremis by the rival defence. Rubi’s team were the danger in minute 28 with a counter attack that ended in a disallowed goal from Cuero.
The well-deserved reward finally arrived in minute 30. A splendid performance from Ricca set the wheels in motion from the left wing, and Duje Cop, with a perfect header gave his team a 1-0 lead and scored MCF’s historic 700th goal in the First Division. This is the fifth LaLiga goal for the Croatian striker. Immediately after, ‘Memo’ Ochoa’s hands saved a venomous shot from Rossi. However, in minute 42, a rapid counter attack from Morales ran under Ochoa. At half-time, the result stood at 1-1.
In the second half, the Valencian rival came out with more bite than in the first 45 minutes. In minute 50, Rossi tested Ochoa with a soft shot from inside the area. Málaga responded swiftly, and as is nearly always the case, from the left wing. Chory, insistent and sharp, instigated a fantastic shot that Filipenko headed against the post in minute 56. Two minutes later, Charles finished a counter attack led by Cop, aiming at the centre of Mariño’s goal.
Gracia made come changes, bringing on Atsu for Juanpi (62’). The first action by the Ghanaian, coming from the right, was an assist for a distant Camacho in minute 64. Soon after, Albentosa was shown the yellow card, which brings with it federative suspension. Chory, like a dagger on the wing, shook up the attack with his passionate actions. Team captain, Duda replaced Pablo, the third and final change for the Malaguistas in minute 72 of play.
The final stage of the game was electrifying. Charles, following a strong cross from Atsu, could have scored with a diagonal shot that grazed the post in minute 74. A minute later, Morales scored for Levante, but the goal was disallowed by Vicandi Garrido after consulting with the assistant referee. The rival, on the cusp of Second Division relegation, gave their all. Málaga continued to create danger with clear chances for Chory and Duda.
The onset of ecstasy kicked off in minute 89. An extremely long play with a shot from Charles that collided with the post, and Cop, attentive to the clearance, made it 2-1 scoring his sixth League goal. The action didn’t stop when it came to extra time. Another lethal counter attack against a broken rival, was transformed into a 3-1 lead for the home side thanks to Chory, to the delight of La Rosaleda. A win that means 45 points and an excellent eighth place in LaLiga, with two matches remaining in the competition.
