During Marcelo Romero’s debut as coach, the team went out with bite on the left profile of the attack, and with a very active Chory. The Uruguayan left-winger caused trouble for the rival with a rapid counter-attack in minute 1’, and a shot at the target from outside the area in minute 4’. However, Celta didn’t give anything away in their first chance to open the scoring. National ‘pichichi’, Aspas came out on top in a one-on-one with Kameni – starting goalkeeper in his 100th match with MCF – to put the home side in the lead (1-0, 7’).
In the 11th minute, Miguel Torres left the field of play due to injury, making way for Diego Llorente. A sharp and elusive Sandro generated two opportunities to equalise with a cross shot in minute 19, and a clear approach to Rubén Blanco’s goal in minute 21. Mikel completed the run of promising chances for the Malaguistas, with a header to the left post from a Juankar pass in the 28th minute.
In the final part of the first half, Celta controlled the match in midfield thanks to the talent of Radoja and Wass, whilst Málaga focused on stealing possession and going on the counter-attack. At the half-time whistle, the scoreboard showed 1-0.
In the second half, Málaga CF were within a whisker of levelling thanks to Sandro, but Blanco put paid to the visitors’ hopes with a save in minute 46. Santos, with a high shot in minute 47, and a Llorente header, also came close to glory. However, it was again Celta who packed more punch, and Wass, following a pass from Bongonda, increased the local side’s lead (2-0, 59’).
Juanpi, who came on in place of Pablo, could have put the visitors on the scoreboard in minute 64, but Blanco prevented a goal with a good exit. Celta, with the wind in their favour, proved to be effective yet again. Fontás, completing a strategic play, scored goal number three for the Galician rival (3-0, 73’). Santos in minute 83, headed the ball to the post following a Jony corner, who had substituted Chory a little earlier. Wass, with an own goal after a venomous free kick by Sandro scored the MCF goal in the final minutes (3-1, 86’).
The Blue and Whites’ kicked off 2017 with a defeat, putting them in 13th place in the rankings with 21 points in LaLiga Santander 2016/17.
