Coach, José González, during his debut on the local bench, selected the same starting-11 as last Monday in Eibar, with the only change being Borja for En-Nesyri on the attack. It was precisely the number ‘9’ who generated the first Malaguista arrival in minute 2, in a combination with Keko. The right-winger, in minute 9, launched a dangerous shot from outside the area. Recio, two minutes later, also tried his luck with a left-footer that went a little too high.
For their part Girona didn’t break down, with three centrals, two runners and two pivots on the defence, plus Borja, Stuani and Portu ready for any counter-attack. A Keko header in 27’ forced Bounou to intervene with a superb save. Half an hour into play, the Blue and Whites continued dominating the game, just missing out on that longed-for goal.
In the final part of the first half, the fate of the match didn’t vary too much, and at half-time, the score remained at 0-0.
In addition to the chilly temperatures, there was light rainfall at the start of the second half. Málaga and Girona fought an intense battle in the wide area, with arrivals to both goal areas somewhat scarce. In 59’, En-Nesyri joined play in substitution of Borja. Stuani, in minute 65, had the best chance for the visitors with a header that grazed the crossbar.
In the 73rd minute, Matiricos got to its feet with the ‘re-debut’ of Samuel García, who replaced a willing Keko. Undiano Mallenco sent off Chory Castro with a double yellow card (78’). The numerical disadvantage in the latter stages went by unnoticed, with Girona not making any modifications to their strategy. Adrián, in stoppage time, came close to an opener almost on the rebound, before the final whistle.
The second consecutive draw for Málaga CF who next week face a direct rival in the fight for permanency, away from home, UD Las Palmas.
