Málaga Club de Fútbol and Real Sociedad B faced off on matchday 26 of the league season at Anoeta Stadium. Around one hundred Málaga supporters travelled with the team and cheered them on from the stands. On the pitch, Funes named the following starting-11: Alfonso Herrero; C. Puga, Murillo, Montero, Rafita; Juanpe, Dotor, Aaron Ochoa; D. Larrubia, Joaquín, and Niño.
The Blue and Whites had the first chance of the match. In the 2nd minute, Larrubia received the ball inside the box, cut past the home defender, and struck with his right foot aiming for the far post. After a fine individual move, his shot went just wide.
Málaga CF took the lead through Larrubia himself. A superb cross from Joaquín on the left flank found the Malaguista number 10, who headed the ball into the net to make it 0-1 on the scoreboard (15’).
The home side responded quickly and equalised in the 24th minute. Carrera capitalised on a rebound inside the box to make it 1-1.
Málaga CF tried to retake the lead before halftime. A good combination between Larrubia and Puga left the full-back in a promising position inside the box. The Malaguista defender looked to pick out a teammate, but the ball was cleared by a home player (35’). At the break, it was 1-1.
After the restart, Izan came on to replace Juanpe. Right at the start of the second half, Joaquín made a diagonal run into the area, but his effort was cleared by the home defence. The Malaguista ‘11’ went down in the box following a challenge, but the referee didn’t deem it punishable.
Joaquín was once again involved in a dangerous move in front of Fraga’s goal. Larrubia found him on the edge of the box, but his shot went just over the crossbar.
In the 62nd minute, Chupe and Dani Lorenzo came on to replace Niño and Aaron Ochoa. Shortly after, in the 68th minute, the home side scored again. Rodríguez delivered a corner kick that was headed in by Ochieng to make it 2-1, despite Málaga’s protests for a positional offside.
Málaga CF pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and the home side were reduced to 10 men following Gorosabel’s sending-off (72’). After coming on, Chupe had the chance to level the score at his feet following a superb cross from Rafita.
Lobete and Jauregi came on to replace Joaquín and Dotor, as Funes completed all five substitutions. In the closing stages, especially in stoppage time, Málaga created several scoring opportunities, notably a header from Chupe in the 95th minute, but the score remained unchanged, confirming the final 2-1 in favour of the home side.
Málaga CF remain in the promotion playoff places, sitting 6th with 41 points after 26 matches played in LaLiga Hypermotion.
