Málaga CF hosted FC Cartagena on matchday 17 of LaLiga SmartBank. Both teams were separated by nine points at the start of play, 25 for the Blue and Whites and 16 for the visitors, wearing red on this occasion. On the rival’s return to La Rosaleda having won Second Division promotion at this ground, two players with a Malaguista past were present: former reserve team member, Clavería who was in the starting line-up; and Harper waiting his turn on the bench.

In the run-up to kick-off, a group of fans warmed up the chilly Málaga night by cheering on the Malaguistas on their arrival at La Rosaleda.

Pellicer introduced four changes to the starting line-up in respect of the 11 who won in Fuenlabrada. Iván Calero was on the right, Ramón and Cristian in midfield and Orlando Sá upfront. It was the Portuguese striker who generated a clear opportunity after five minutes of play, connecting a header with a Cristian cross that went wide. The Blue and Whites got off to a good start as they sought to open the scoring. This territorial dominance paid off as Cristian, in 16’, gained possession outside the area, the ball hit the crossbar and Marc Martínez before entering the goal. Málaga were in front and the situation seemed under control. Until minute 29. Cartagena went level with a goal from a free kick, which looked to be a pass from Álex Gallar that nobody touched, and ended up inside the local goal. The action was checked by VAR and the goal was allowed. The remainder of the first half was extremely disjointed with continuous fouls that prevented fluidity on the attack.

At the start of the second half, both teams attempted to take control of play, but lacked depth in the final metres. De la Bella for the visitors, in a sporadic action in minute 59, combined with Elady on the left to surpass Juan Soriano with a cross shot to give Cartagena the lead. Pellicer made a triple substitution to change the situation of play, bringing on Cristo, Luis Muñoz and Caye, the latter who was permitted to play following suspension. Larrubia subsequently joined the match and the Malaguistas advanced lines in search of an equaliser. Julio was the final substitution to bring fresh legs on to the pitch for the closing stages of play. Yanis Rahmani brought the Malaguistas closer to the Cartagena goal, but Pellicer’s men let the points escape from La Rosaleda tonight.

Málaga CF’s next league duel is on Sunday 13^th December at 16:00 against UD Almería at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos.