Things got complicated for José González’s team from the outset. In the first dangerous approach by the locals, Gerard defined well against Andrés Prieto (1-0, 8’). Rolan, with a pass from Lestienne, came close to an equaliser with a header shortly afterwards. However, it was the home side that increased their lead, following play on the right that was resolved by Sergio García (2-0, 27’).
At the end of the first third of the match, Leo Baptistao, with a superb cross shot, scored the third Espanyol goal (3-0, 30’). In the closing stages of the first half Málaga reacted, forcing a penalty due to a Naldo hand ball, which Adrián transformed with solvency (3-1, 39’). The third league goal this season for the Madrid-born midfielder.
Before the break, a run from Success on the left nearly culminated in a goal for the Nigerian winger, following a good individual display.
Homegrown player, Alberto López made his debut with the Malaguista first team in the second half. The number ‘37’ came on in place of Diego González, occupying the left-back position. MCF kicked off well in the second half, focusing on greater possession of the ball and with less demand on a defensive level. In 55’, En-Nesyri headed a cross from Rosales over the crossbar. Borja in place of Lestienne, in 59’, was González’s second substitution.
Success, in tune on the left wing, opened up the space between the local defence, and in 62’, assisted Rolan who almost beat Diego López in the small area. Ignasi Miquel, in 67’, was shown the yellow card, that carries federal suspension. Three minutes later, clamorous play from Espanyol forward, Sergio García missed out on another goal.
Adrián looked for his second goal with a long-distance shot that was saved by Diego López in 72’. At that minute, Rosales was shown his 10th yellow card of the competition and will miss out on the last League match. Piatti, following a penalty forced by himself – non-existent – scored from the penalty spot to further increase the rival’s lead (4-1, 79’). Immediately afterwards, Alberto Bueno replaced Success in the final MCF substitution.
En-Nesyri, with a powerful shot, tried his luck before the final whistle, which brought another defeat for Málaga CF this season.
