The ‘Malaguistas’ got off to a good start, and just 40 seconds in, a pacey Juankar sought to force a penalty, and was shown the yellow card. In minute 6’, Charles tried his luck with a beautiful shot following a pass from an electric Amrabat on the right. As the first 15 minutes of play unfolded at Levante’s ground, Gracia’s men had a clear dominance on the pitch.
The aspect of the game didn’t change a great deal during the initial half of the first 45 minutes, as Málaga put on a solid performance in the wide area, and Levante lurked around waiting for any counter attack. The first corner kick for the local side came in minute 29’, and their first shot at goal was a high header by David Navarro.
Rubi’s team stretched themselves further after the first 30 minutes, however in minute 36’ the most promising chance of the first half arose for Málaga. Rosales on the wing, to Cop on the edge of the penalty area launched a left-footer that grazed the right post of Mariño’s goal. From here until the half-time whistle, there was little danger in either area, and the scoreboard remained at 0-0.
In the second half Rubi made some changes, bringing on José Mari in place of veteran, Juanfran, and striker, Ghilas proved a danger inside Kameni’s area in minute 47’. For the ‘Malaguistas’, an always active Amrabat sought to cause trouble between the lines to connect with the Charles-Cop duo.
Gracia made his first substitution in minute 58’, which saw Boka replace Pablo on the wing, moving Juankar to the left. Immediately afterwards, Xumetra substituted Nabil Ghilas for Levante. In the 63rd minute, there were two clear chances for both sides. The first was a long shot by Camarasa which lead to a fantastic save by Kameni. Boka, unmarked in front of Mariño, failed to convert a subsequent lethal counter-attack by Amrabat. In minute 68’ Juankar abandoned play due to injury discomfort and was replaced by Juanpi.
During the final stage of the match there were more goal opportunities as well as the definitive goal. Kameni saved an own goal by Albentosa (70’). Duda took the place of Cop in minute 72’, with the intention of boosting the attack. Five minutes later, the captain took a free kick. The Portuguese-born player cunningly sent the ball just over the defence barrier and, almost level with the pitch, scored the 0-1 winner. This victory is the third – second away from home – hard-fought consecutive LaLiga win for MCF. The final match of 2015, which has ended in the best possible way, gives the now mid-table Blue and Whites 20 points.
