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Adrián and Harper secure a hard-fought comeback (2-1)

Victory for Málaga CF against CD Lugo at La Rosaleda stadium on LaLiga 1|2|3 matchday 22. Josete put the visitors in front in the first half, but Adrián and Harper turned the result around to claim the provisional leadership of the category.

Before the match the Malaguista players wore t-shirts bearing the slogan ‘Todos con Julen’, and everyone in the Martiricos stands stood in support of the little boy from Málaga who fell down a well in Totalán a week ago. On the pitch Muñiz introduced three changes to the last starting line-up in Zaragoza: Lombán for Diego González in defence, Adrián for Lacen in midfield, and Harper in place of injured Hugo upfront.

As occurred on matchday 1, Lugo took an early lead on the scoreboard. Josete, on the exit of a corner by the visitors, put the side from Galicia in front (0-1, 8’). Málaga, despite the rival goal, were still immersed in the game, without losing a hint of intensity. Blanco Leschuk (14’) and an active Renato on the wing (17’ and 22’) had promising chances just before the midway point of the first half.

In 33’ Lazo, with a free kick forced by himself after a good individual display, propelled a dangerous shot to the side of the net. Before the first half came to an end, also from a free kick, Lombán forced Juan Carlos to clear a ball that slipped into the goal. At half-time the scoreboard remained at 0-1.

In the second half, Muñiz’s men netted a pacey equaliser. A pass from Ricca on the left, a subsequent extended Leschuk header and Adrián, in the six-yard-box, converted at close range (1-1, 50’). Second consecutive goal – fourth in the league – for the Madrid-born player, and the fourth assist for the Argentine striker this season. The number ‘9’, in the 64th minute, captured another fantastic pass in a rapid counter attack that culminated in a skied shot from Cifuentes.

In minute 67 Muñiz made a double substitution. Pacheco came on in place of goal-scorer Adrián, and Seleznov made his official debut, replacing Renato. Three minutes later, Josete brought down Leschuk on the edge of the area and was sent off. Juanpi substituted Gustavo in 76’ to complete the changes for the Blue and Whites. Then, 10 minutes before the end, ecstasy. A superb Ricca made a perfect pass to Harper who headed the ball into the back of the net (2-1, 80’). The fourth league goal for the homegrown striker from Fuengirola. A minute later, Munir made an impressive save as Iriome attempted to go level.

In stoppage time, although there was a hand ball, Herrera came close to an equaliser for the visitors following a corner. However, the scoreboard didn’t alter from 2-1 at the final whistle, and another three points are added to the pot of the provisional leaders of LaLiga 1|2|3 with 42 points. Te Quiero, Málaga!