A Saturday afternoon fixture played out in a fantastic atmosphere in the stands at La Rosaleda, with 28,334 spectators in attendance. On the pitch, Funes made two changes to his starting XI from the previous match against Real Betis in Sevilla: Pastor replaced Puga in defence, while Chupe came in for Larrubia in attack.

Before kick-off, both teams paid tribute to Jesús De Miguel, the late CD Tenerife player, by observing a minute's silence. In the 9^th minute, the referee stopped the match and the stadium's big screens showed an emotional video dedicated to Jesús. The tribute was met with a heartfelt standing ovation from the fans under the banner “always in our memory.”

On the quarter-hour mark, Málaga created their first clear opportunity through a counterattack, which Chupe finished with a low, angled shot. In the 20^th minute, Racing's top scorer Zabiri threatened the goal guarded by Alfonso Herrero.

In minute 24, Rafita was forced off through injury and replaced by David Larrubia. Funes maintained his three-centre-back formation, with two advanced wing-backs, three central midfielders and a front two. Málaga took the lead thanks to an excellent cross from Larrubia, which Niño flicked on with his head before Dotor fired past Agirrezabala (1-0, 28').

Shortly afterwards, almost an identical move saw another Larrubia delivery find Niño, whose header went just wide in the 34^th minute. The Rota-born striker, a constant threat throughout, came close to doubling Málaga's advantage with another effort in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Chupe tested Agirrezabala's reflexes in the 48^th minute. Moments later, Iker Luque brought Racing level (1-1, 50'). José Alberto's side grew in confidence and began to take control of the game following their equaliser. Herrero denied the visitors a second goal in minute 58, saving an effort from Pablo Ramón. However, he was unable to prevent Zabiri from putting Racing ahead just two minutes later (1-2, 60').

The referee sent off Aznou in the 65^th minute, although Dotor came close to equalising for Málaga shortly afterwards, in the 70^th. A minute later, Einar and Ramón made way for Salinas and Rafa R. In the 82^nd minute, Funes made his final substitutions, bringing on Martínez and Joaquín for Dotor and Dani Lorenzo.

In minute 86, the referee awarded Málaga a penalty following a foul on Salinas inside the box, but overturned his decision after a VAR review.

The Blue and Whites pushed for an equaliser until the final whistle, including throughout the six minutes of added time, but were unable to draw level. #MálagaRacing ended in a 1-2 victory for the visitors.

After 12 rounds of LALIGA EA SPORTS, Málaga CF remain on five points and sit 20^th in the league table.