Málaga CF hosted RCD Mallorca at La Rosaleda on matchday 38 of LaLiga SmartBank. The rival, second in the table, were a tough opponent on the day the home side sought to surpass the 50-point mark and ensure safety.
Pellicer opted for a 1-5-4-1 formation, with four changes to the starting-11 compared to the last match against Espanyol. Juan Soriano was in goal, Benítez and Matos as fullbacks and Joaquín on one of the wings.
The match soon went in favour of the Malaguistas when Benítez made a cross from the right, leading to a Brian Oliván hand ball. After a Var check in minute 6, a penalty was awarded that was calmly converted by Lombán with a low shot to the right of former Malaguista Manolo Reina (1-0, minute 10).
After the goal, the visitors took a step forward and generated the clearest chances, forcing Juan Soriano to make a stellar save from a Sedlar shot in 24’. This was the preamble to the equaliser, which arrived in 29’ with a header into goal from Lago Junior from the ball served up by Sastre (1-1).
During the remainder of the first half there were two high finishes for Málaga, one a Matos header and a shot from Joaquín, whilst Mallorca also had a chance to go in front with an attempt from Amath in front of the area that was deflected by Juan Soriano.
Pellicer made some substitutions in the second half. Cristo, Luis Muñoz and Yanis joined the game in place of Ismael, Matos and Jairo, changing the formation to 1-4-5-1.
Gameplay in the second half advanced in the wide area, with two very clear opportunities at the start, one for each team. In 51’, Juande miraculously saved a shot from Amath in goal that had already surpassed Juan Soriano. Three minutes later, Caye Quintana assisted Luis Muñoz from the right, yet his shot from inside the area was saved by Manolo Reina. This was the most promising chance for the home side to regain the lead. Stefan came on in 69’ in place of Caye who gave his all as always.
Salva Sevilla skied a close free-kick in 72’, and up until the full-time whistle, there were many interruptions and very little continuity. Mini made his first team debut tonight, joining the match in place of Joaquín in 83’. This coincided with heavy rainfall at La Rosaleda. Cristian in 89’ tried his luck with a long free kick that was saved by the Mallorca keeper, whilst the last action of the match featured a direct free kick by Lombán from 20 metres that was deflected by Salva Sevilla.
With tonight’s point, Málaga now have 50 and move ever closer to safety. The next league fixture, matchday 39, is taking place on Monday 17th May at 19:00 against Real Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere.
