The start of the match was even between both sides, with a motivated Real Sociedad in front of their fans against a compact Málaga eager to secure another victory. The highlight of Míchel’s line-up, the line of three ‘enganches’ behind striker, Sandro made up of Keko, Jony and Juankar.
During the first part of the initial 45 minutes, Málaga had a strong chance for an opener via Keko, but it was annulled for being offside. The locals responded in minutes 25 and 30, with Recio saving a shot under the goal line following a corner, and a dangerous ball from Willian José, respectively.
Straight after, a rigorous penalty on Illara was converted by Xabi Prieto to give Real the advantage (1-0, 31’). Yuri, with a high left-footer in 38’, and Vela with a powerful shot that was deflected by Kameni in 41’, could have increased the Real lead. However, it wasn’t to be. Before half-time, MCF made the most of a rebound off the crossbar as Luis Hernández found the net following a great shot from Juankar (1-1, 45’).
Real Sociedad came out strong in the second half, with right-back, Odriozola nearly scoring following a good sprint on the right in 51’. Another rival defender, Raúl Navas, headed the ball to Kameni’s left post in 58’ from a corner kick. In the 67th minute, Oyarzabal tried his luck with a toxic shot from the left of the target.
In minute 71, Míchel made his first substitution, bringing on Chory – who received a standing ovation from his former home crowd – in place of Jony. Two minutes later, Sandro narrowly missed out on a goal, with a stunning header that came close to Rulli’s area. It was the prelude to a sublime goal by Recio, an accurate long shot from today’s captain, slamming the ball into the back of the net (1-2, 75’).
Demichelis strengthened the defence coming on in place of Keko in 78’. Subsequent chances followed for both teams. Iñigo with a header, came close to an equaliser in minute 80. Juankar, on the counter-attack, came up against a mighty save from Rulli in 82’. Bautista left the bench and levelled up the match with an unstoppable shot (2-2, 85’). Santos joined the match, taking the place of Juankar shortly before the final whistle, and with a deep pass left Sandro unmarked, who had the last chance with a shot at goal in minute 92.
At full time, it was a draw for MCF at Anoeta, and one more point to total 46 in LaLiga Santander rankings, staying in 11th position with the last match of the competition remaining.
