Málaga Club de Fútbol and Real Racing de Santander faced off on matchday 8 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION at El Sardinero. Around a hundred Blue and White fans supported the team in the stands. On the pitch, Pellicer made some changes and lined up the following starting-11: Alfonso Herrero; Gabilondo, Murillo, Montero, Víctor; D. Larrubia, Juanpe, Dani Lorenzo, Lobete; Rafa R. and Chupe.
The Blue and Whites tried to dominate both with and without the ball, looking for the first goal of the match to bring them closer to victory. In the 5th minute, they had their clearest chance. Dani Lorenzo targeted the goal from a free kick on the edge of Ezkieta’s area. The ball went just past the post.
Alfonso Herrero left his mark in the first half thanks to a highly commendable action. The goalkeeper saved a close-range shot from I. Vicente with a display of reflexes and positioning.
Almost at the end of the half, the match saw a pivotal moment. Montero tried to intercept a ball but failed and collided with Andrés. The referee initially showed him a yellow card, but after consulting the VAR footage, the yellow was upgraded to a red card. Málaga CF were left with 10 men just before half-time.
No changes were made after the break. Racing held the majority of possession, while Pellicer’s side, down a player, focused on defending and trying to move the ball quickly. In the 60th minute, Málaga made their first substitution: Dani Sánchez came on for Lobete.
In the 62nd minute, Villalibre scored (1-0). Sangalli was forced into a one-on-one with Alfonso Herrero. His shot was blocked, but the ball fell to the local striker, who converted the first goal of the match.
Málaga CF responded to the goal and had chances to equalise thanks to actions from Rafa and Dani Sánchez. Rafa tested Ezkieta with a powerful shot inside the box, while the fullback headed on target from a corner. The team was clearly pushing for an equaliser.
In minute 74, the home side scored their second goal. Arévalo finished from inside the area following a run down the wing.
After the goal, Málaga made a double substitution: Jauregi and Aaron Ochoa came on for Chupe and Víctor. Later, in the 82nd minute, Darko and Rafita replaced Gabilondo and Rafa.
In minute 83, Andrés scored the third and decisive goal of the match after cutting past Alfonso and finishing into an empty net.
The next match will see the Malaguistas return to La Rosaleda, where they will host RC Deportivo on Sunday 12th October at 21:00.
