The Blue and Whites faced Real Zaragoza this Thursday evening on LaLiga SmartBank matchday 9, the first of two games scheduled during the team’s stay in Aragón. The Malaguistas will remain there until Monday, due to Sunday’s clash with SD Huesca on matchday 10 of the competition.

The Malaguista squad sought out the rival goal from the start and approached no sooner had play got underway. In minute 4’, Sadiku put the visitors in front by finishing off an intelligent pass from the right by homegrown player, Ismael Casas. The forward launched the ball from the heart of the area to outwit the rival keeper (1-0).

Zaragoza tried to react following the goal, with both teams exchanging attempts in a pacey first half. In 32’, Lombán saved a shot at goal from Papu on the line. After a great deal of back and forth, local striker Luis Suárez took his team level on the scoreboard just before half-time (1-1, min 41). The score remained all square after 45 minutes.

In the second half, both teams attempted to maintain the same rhythm of play as the first half. The Blue and Whites, wearing the pink strip today, generated several opportunities to regain the lead; Sadiku, Juanpi and Renato were just a few centimetres away from the post in three clear chances.

Málaga didn’t give up in their efforts, and eventually managed to score another goal just before the end of play. Lombán masterfully converted a corner kick with a perfect twist to send the ball tight to the post, which the rival keeper was unable to save (1-2. Min 89’). However, in the following minute, the rival again equalised thanks to a goal from Raúl Guti (2-2, min 90’). The end result was a draw at a stadium where Real Zaragoza still haven’t suffered defeat so far this season.