It was a gala atmosphere to welcome Málaga CF who, after two away games against Atlético and Valencia, returned home eager to clinch their first win in front of the fans. No sooner had play got underway, Muniain forced a penalty that was coolly converted by Aduriz to put Athletic in front (0-1, 4’). Málaga rebuilt and in minute 10, Adrián tried with intention from outside the area, sending the ball to the left of Kepa’s post.
Just passed the midway point of the first half, dominance clearly belonged to the Blue and Whites, with a very active Álex Mula on the wings. Borja, with a header that forced a superb save from Kepa, and Mula himself, following an assist from Adrián, could have equalised in minute 27. All this effort was rewarded with an authentic goal. Diego Rolan, from the left of the attack, sent the ball straight into the back of the net (1-1, 35’).
Adrián again tried his luck in 39’ with a long shot, and in minute 45, just before half-time, and with a pass from a colossal Rolan, the Madrid-born midfielder propelled a close-range shot in the area, but came up against an immense Kepa.
In the second half, Málaga maintained their impetus, and by minute 48, generated a promising opportunity with a shot from Adrián following a centre by Ricca from the left. However, Athletic came back and scored again. A dizzying display which kicked off with Muniain, resolved by Williams with a powerful shot (1-2, 51’). Kuzmanovic, who called a foul on himself during the action of the Bilbao goal, was sent off a minute later with a double yellow card.
Juankar substituted Mula in 61’, in 69’ Juanpi came on in place of Ricca, and a minute later, the visitors scored their third goal. It was again Williams with a rapid action from the left, who made a quality cross in front of Roberto (1-3, 70’). The advantage both on the scoreboard and in numbers allowed Athletic to manage the timing of the game, however MCF didn’t give up. Baysse, with a close-range shot following a Juanpi free kick, reduced the difference to give the team wings (2-3, 81’).
Roberto prevented another Williams’ goal with an impressive save in 82’, keeping the locals alive. So alive that Diego Rolan scored his second goal in front of Kepa to level-up a crazy match (3-3, 83’). Rolón replaced Bastón in the 86th minute to fortify midfield. In stoppage time, Rolan narrowly missed out on a victory goal for Málaga thanks to a Kepa save, leading to shared points for both sides in this match of madness.