The run-up to kick-off was marked by an emotional tribute by the Club to the Pérez Frías brothers, as well as ‘Málaga, la Bombonera’ sung a cappella by fans before #MálagaRealZaragoza got underway. Mula in place of suspended Keidi was the only change made by Víctor Sánchez del Amo to the Blue and White starting-11. Zaragoza took an early lead from a personal play by Pep Biel who surpassed Munir with a cross shot into goal (1-0, 9’).
Málaga noticed the blow whilst Víctor Fernández’s men grew in confidence following their goal, dominating the pace of play well into the first half. In 33’. Adrián on the left connected with Mula who headed the ball out of play. Ontiveros appeared in 35’ with a long shot deflected by Cristian Álvarez. Blanco Leschuk and Renato tried their luck in minute 42, just before the half-time whistle.
As play resumed, the Portuguese winger appeared again. Renato Santos sent out a warning in 50’ with a shot from outside the area that was a sign of things to come three minutes later. A pass from Juankar on the left and Renato, at the far post, beat the Zaragoza keeper with a convincing shot into goal (1-1, 53’). The second goal for the Blue and Whites followed soon after. Adrián passed to Blanco Leschuk who took no prisoners in front of goal (2-1, 60’). The ninth league goal, all at Martiricos, for the Argentinean number ‘9’.
Dani Pacheco returned to the pitch tonight following a lengthy period out of action, joining play in place of Mula in 63’. Ontiveros and Juankar, in 66’, generated a double chance, stopped in their tracks by good saves from Álvarez. The left-back was substituted soon after by Fede Ricca (72’). Then the third goal came. Adrián once again made the most of his approach, launching a powerful right-footer to score a stunner (3-1, 74’). The 10th goal of the season for the Malaguista ‘pichichi’.
Iván Alejo for Renato, in 80’, was Víctor’s last substitution. The fans, in the final stages of play, didn’t stop cheering on their own, celebrating a momentous victory ahead of the promotion play offs. Málaga CF, after 40 matches, provisionally occupies 4th place in the standings with 68 points, +7 above seventh place. Vamos, Málaga!
