The match between the pericos and the malaguistas got off to a slow start, with both teams aware of the possibilities ahead of them, and the importance of their rival. After the first few minutes, with no chances to score for either side, it was Espanyol that took the initiative, and began to further develop their game play, edging closer to Willy Caballero’s area.
20 minutes into the match, and Brazilian midfielder Coutinho took advantage of a defence error by Málaga, with a powerful low shot just under the barrier, straight into the net. This not only signified the first goal of the game and the home side first on the leader board, ahead by one goal to nil, but the substitution of Willy Caballero, following an injury to his left hand trying to save the ball. Carlos Kameni was brought on to the pitch, his debut this season for Málaga Club de Fútbol against his former team, who he was with for several years. The African keeper received a standing ovation as he went on to the pitch in the 30th minute.
The substitution of Caballero for Kameni delayed the game for five minutes, but when play resumed, there was a change in the dynamic of the match, this time with Málaga Club de Fútbol the dominant team, creating danger for the home side, and making goal opportunities. However there were two unlucky chances for the visitors, with two shots that hit the post: the first being a header from Enzo Maresca, who showed a great attacking display throughout the first half, and then a shot from Isco, just missing the Espanyol area.
Despite Málaga having clearer chances to score, the first half ended with the score board at 1-0 to the home side.
The second half got underway with a strong attacking display by Espanyol, but the pericos found themselves up against an awesome Málaga defence, with a superb performance by Kameni, who showed a lot of confidence, speed and strength in his actions, including a fantastic save with his right hand, preventing the local side from being two goals up.
Málaga coach Manuel Pellegrini made some changes in the second half, firstly bringing on Seba Fernández, and then Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The changes couldn’t have turned out better for the visitors, with the Dutch striker scoring a fantastic equaliser within three minutes of getting on to the pitch.
Following the equaliser in the 75th minute, well controlled play by Isco, coming down the middle towards the edge of the penalty area was stopped by Espanyol’s defence. However the second goal came only a minute later, with Cazorla taking a corner kick, who found Rondón who then headed the ball towards the net, but Casilla made a save forcing the ball to the right, only to find Martín Demichelis, who scored the second goal for Málaga.
Espanyol went on the attack in the last minutes of the match, creating danger for the visitors, with opportunities at goal. Very intense game play in the final minutes, with both teams looking for a goal, for the home side to draw, or Málaga to seal their win with a third goal. But the ball didn’t go near either penalty area during the rest of the match, and after three minutes of added time, referee Clos Gómez blew the final whistle.
Another victory for Málaga Club de Fútbol sees them in fourth place in the BBVA League with 47 points, tied third with Valencia CF, both in Champions League positions.
Match statistics
RCD Espanyol: Kiko Casilla, Javi López, Raúl Rodriguez, Forlín, Dídac; Baena, Cristian Gómez (Albín 73’), Weiss (Romaric 62’), Verdú, Coutinho and Uche.
Málaga CF: Willy Caballero (Kameni 32’), Sergio Sánchez, Weligton, Mathijsen, Monreal, Cazorla, Maresca (van Nistelrooy 73’), Demichelis, Eliseu (Seba 60’), Isco and Rondón.
Goals:
1-0 (23’): Coutinho
1-1 (75’): Van Nistelrooy
1-2 (77’): Demichelis
Referee:
Clos Gómez, (Aragón): Yellow cards were awarded to Espanyol’s Didac, Javi López and Baena; and Málaga’s Demichelis.
Information:
30th BBVA League match, held in the Cornellà-El Prat Stadium in Barcelona.
