The Malaguistas kicked off with more intensity in the opening stages. Rosales had the first chance of the game. His shot from outside the area sailed over Oier’s crossbar. Three minutes later, Rolan tried his luck from in front of the target, but he didn’t convert. José González’s team created the most promising shot to take the lead in the 18th minute. A Lestienne cross followed by an Ideye header was blocked by the local keeper. The Malaguistas continued to dominate as the fourth chance arrived. This time it was Chory Castro with a powerful shot from the left. Again, Oier impeded a Blue and White goal. Levante tightened up midway through the first half. They enjoyed a couple of dangerous approaches from the wing, but shots from Morales and Ivi didn’t find the net. The response from the visitors wasn’t long in coming, with a good display by Ideye on the left wing. His shot grazed the right post of Oier’s goal. Lerma was shown the first yellow card of the game for bringing down Rolan and cutting a counter-attack. Five minutes before the half-time whistle there was another chance for Málaga CF to go in front. A Chory Castro corner and a shot from Ignasi Miquel licked the left post of the Levante goal. After 45 minutes the scoreboard remained level (0-0).
Levante UD made some changes at the start of the second half. Paco López brought on Postigo in place of Cabaco. The home team came back from the dressing room with the clear idea of increasing the pressure when Málaga had the ball, and subsequently created two good opportunities. Both stemmed from Campaña, yet free kicks by the Sevilla-born player didn’t find the goal. In 67’, José González made his first substitution of the match. The Blue and Whites’ coach brought on Iturra in place of Lacen. A minute later came Levante’s best chance to get a goal. Roger controlled the ball inside the area and tried his luck, but the ball went wide. In minute 70, Jason substituted Ivi. With a quarter of an hour left to go, Bueno came on in place of Chory. López and González used up all their substitutions in the closing stages. Campaña went off in place of Lukic, and Ideye was replaced by Borja Bastón. In the final minute of play, Boateng scored for Levante (1-0).
