There was a fantastic atmosphere at Sevilla’s Estadio La Cartuja, with a strong travelling contingent of Málaga fans in the stands. Before kick-off, a moving minute’s silence was observed in memory of the victims who recently lost their lives in the rail accident in Urda (Toledo).
On the pitch, Juanfran Funes made nine changes to his starting XI compared with the previous Copa fixture in Alcázar de San Juan, with only Calero and Dotor retaining their places in the line-up.
In the opening stages, Betis threatened Alfonso Herrero’s goal on several occasions, but the Málaga goalkeeper produced a series of assured saves to thwart the home side’s considerable attacking threat. Manuel Pellegrini’s team, were driven forward in midfield by two former Blue and Whites: Isco and Fornals.
For Málaga, Niño and Dotor spearheaded the attack as the visitors looked to exploit quick transitions. Dotor tested Valles’ reflexes with a well-struck effort in the 34th minute.
Betis took the lead through Marc Bartra, with the Catalan centre-back heading home a free-kick delivered from the flank by Isco (1-0, 39’). Fornals doubled the hosts’ advantage in stoppage time at the end of the first half (2-0, 45+2’).
After the break, the home side created fewer chances, allowing Málaga to enjoy more possession. In the 61st minute, Funes made a double substitution, bringing on Rafa and Chupe for Ramón and Larrubia.
Adrián Niño pulled one back in the 68th minute, scoring for the fourth consecutive league matchday to make it 2-1. The Rota-born striker now has five league goals to his name, making him Málaga’s leading scorer.
With 10 minutes remaining, Málaga made their second double substitution, bringing on Cajuste and academy graduate Juani, who was making his LALIGA debut, for Dotor and Calero. In the 85th minute, Chupe came close to equalising with a header that Valles turned behind for a corner. Málaga fought until the final whistle but were unable to find another goal and secure at least a point.
After 11 rounds of LALIGA EA SPORTS, Málaga CF remain on five points and sit 20th in the league table.
