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Cup tie will be decided at La Rosaleda

Málaga CF lost 2-1 to CD Mirandés, however the away goal from Santa Cruz has left the tie wide open for the return leg at La Rosaleda.

Málaga CF visited Miranda de Ebro for the first time in its history to kick off the Copa del Rey this season.  A fresh opportunity to score goals and secure the first away win this year in a different, and indeed special tournament.

The ‘Malaguistas’ were aware that the cold temperature at the Anduva municipal ground would be a handicap, however they came out pumped up and after 5 minutes Tighadouini had a shot at the target that hit the crossbar, following a pass from Horta.

Play was fairly equal as the match progressed.  Málaga CF improved when the players in midfield increased the pace of the game, however the locals piled the pressure on and prevented transitions from Juanpi, Espinho and Tighadouini.

Again, from an isolated move, a corner kick made it an uphill struggle for the Blue and Whites.  Álex García put Mirandés in the lead in minute 34’ as he took advantage of numerous rebounds in the ‘Malaguista’ area.

The final stages of the first half saw a promising shot by Filipenko from a Juanpi free kick, and the feeling that Málaga, for yet another day, didn’t deserve this punishment.

In the second half Horta again hit the post with a good left-footer at the target.  As happened to the Portuguese-born player against Espanyol, the post stood in the way of the goal.

At last the ‘Malaguistas’ could celebrate the first away goal of the season.  A pass from Espinho on the right to Santa Cruz – the highest goal-scorer in the Cup in Málaga CF’s history – saw the ball collide with the post in minute 52’, but luck was on his side as he found the net on the rebound and equalised for the Blue and Whites, scoring his 6th goal for the team in the Cup competition.

Ochoa, who was taking part in his first match of the season, was part of a one-on-one with Ion Velez, and prevented any danger with an impressive leg block.  However, ongoing pressure from Mirandés enabled Lago Junior to give his team a 2-1 lead from the far post.

Javi Gracia then made an immediate double substitution, and reserve team players, Ontiveros and Pablo stepped on to the pitch.  Cop also joined play as the Blue and Whites went in search of an equaliser, but the score board didn’t move and this Cup tie has been left wide open for the return leg.