This Monday night fixture brings an end to matchday 16. A special night for Iván Calero as the Malaguista winger returned to the starting line-up more than 11 months after he sustained injury in Almería. Another winger, Javi Jiménez scored in minute 3, but the ref disallowed the goal for a previous offside action by Jozabed.
Tenerife responded with three clear chances at Dani Martín’s goal. Two from Elady in 7’ and 10’ and a cross shot by Rubén Díez in 11’ that grazed the post. Yet it was Málaga that opened the scoring. There was a clear foul on Brandon who went on to convert from the 11-metre mark. The third league goal for the number ‘9’ who joins Paulino as MCF’s top scorer.
As always, the fans spurred the team on. It wasn’t until minute 33 when Málaga once again approached former Blue and White keeper, Juan Soriano, with a high header from Roberto. Calero, in 36’, tried his luck with a distant shot, putting on a great performance throughout, constantly moving up the wing. Before the half-time whistle, Brandon almost scored a second. His header was saved by a rival defender on the goal line.
Play continued along the same lines in the second half. Málaga, fuelled by the fans, controlled Tenerife with the ball in midfield, yet lacking punch in the attacking area. In 50’, Genaro was shown the yellow card and will miss out on the next game. In 69’, José Alberto made his first substitution. Ramón came on in place of Roberto in the wide area.
In defence, Juande and Peybernes were imperial against one of the best strikers in the division, Enric Gallego. In the closing stages there were another three substitutions: Kevin and Sekou replaced Paulino and Roberto in 80’; and goal-scorer Brandon made way for Antoñín in 87’. A minute later, Mollejo had a great opportunity to go level with an attempt that hit the left post. Tenerife piled the pressure on in stoppage time, but MCF held on to their 1-0 lead.
Three more points at home, 20 out of a possible 24 at La Rosaleda, putting Málaga CF in seventh place in the standings, three away from promotion playoff positions. Vamos, Málaga!
