Cruel defeat at the home of the league leaders (2-1)

Málaga CF headed to the Municipal de Ipurúa to face the league leaders in their first away match of 2023. The Malaguista starting-11 with Nacho in the dugout due to Pepe Mel’s suspension, was the same as the previous league fixture, except for the changes of N’Diaye and Burgos for the injured, suspended players, Genaro and Escassi. 

From the outset, Eibar were intense and controlled possession of the ball, against a Málaga more focused on defence. Around minute 10, Tejero had the first chance of the match from a cross served by Imanol from the left, but his shot went over Rubén Yáñez's goal.

As the first half advanced, Pepe Mel's men managed to link some plays with a good degree of danger. Fran Villalba found Chavarría (24'), but the Argentinean's header didn’t prove to be a big problem for Zidane.

The match continued evenly until an unfortunate play by Jozabed in the 32^nd minute, who gave up a ball that led to the first goal of the game. Local goal scorer Stoichkov made the most of his advantageous position to put Eibar 1-0 in front.

Before half-time, Fran Villalba found Rubén Castro upfront and the Blue and White number 24 gave way to N'Diaye, who entered the local area unmarked. The midfielder's shot went wide in what was the clearest opportunity for the team in the first half.

In the second half, Málaga maintained the same gameplan as the first. In 53’, Javi Jiménez entered the area and made a great pass to the heart of the area. N'Diaye, coming in from the second line, touched the ball, but didn’t connect with his entire left foot.

In the 55^th minute, Lago Junior debuted wearing the Malaguista jersey, coming on in place of Jozabed on the left of the attack. Four minutes later, the new Blue and White number ‘7’, generated his first chance to score. Rubén Castro filtered a great pass and Lago defined with his left leg, but Luca Zidane avoided the equaliser.

In 71’, Luis Muñoz and Álex Gallar stepped on to the pitch in place of Febas and Rubén Castro. Whilst in 83’, Appiah, making his debut, and Fran Sol replaced Chavarría and Fran Villalba. This used up MCF’s five changes.

The substitutions took effect and Luis Muñoz took the game level, although the goal was annulled due to Fran Sol's previous offside. Nevertheless, the team continued their quest for an equaliser and got their reward. In minute 89', the team achieved the objective thanks to a goal from Esteban Burgos (1-1).

The 1-1 draw lasted barely a minute. In the 90^th minute, the local team provoked a corner kick that resulted in the 2-1 score. Berrocal surpassed the Malaguista defenders and connected with a strong header that beat Rubén Yáñez.

After five minutes of stoppage time, during which Appiah had the chance to make it 2-2 thanks to a great individual display, the ref blew the final whistle. MCF remain with 20 points in the relegation zone.