The match began with dominance by Hamburg. Seven minutes into play, Kostic put the German side in the lead (0-1), making the most of an Andrés Prieto clearance leaving a dead ball inside the area. Following the initial goal, Málaga began to pile the pressure on and make dangerous approaches to the rival area. The Malaguista goal wasn’t long in coming. En-Nesyri took advantage of a one-on-one to outwit the German keeper and go level (1-1). After the Blue and Whites’ goal, Míchel’s players had their best minutes of the game, with a very active Juanpi as a playmaker. However, the Málaga dominance didn’t transform into goals, and it was the German side that scored again. Six minutes before the end of the first half (39’), Salihovic put Hamburg back in front with a strong left-footed cross, with Andrés Prieto unable to intervene. The first half ended with a minimal advantage for the German rival (1-2).
Míchel made some changes in the second half. Cengo, Ignasi Miquel and Iturra (the Chilean making his debut following his recent incorporation) stepped on the pitch in place of Andrés Prieto, Abqar (also debuting) and Rolón. Cengo impeded the third Hamburg goal with a superb save on the goal line. In minute 55, the Malaguista coach brought on Luis Hernández, Rosales, Diego González, Keko, Peñaranda, Borja and Chory Castro, in substitution of Baysse, Cifu, Ricca, Mula, Juanpi, Ontiveros and En-Nesyri. The German side tightened up midway through the second half as they sought to increase their advantage, but it was Keko who narrowly missed out on a goal in minute 71. A shot from in front of the target skimmed the crossbar. The best opportunity in this half stemmed from Chory Castro. A majestic free kick from the Malaguista winger collided with the post. Three minutes later, Peñaranda put the rival goalkeeper to the test with a long shot, but luck wasn’t on his side. Málaga kept insisting until the end, but didn’t manage an equaliser.
