The last LALIGA HYPERMOTION match of 2024 for Málaga CF and Real Sporting de Gijón marked the end of the first half of the season at El Molinón - Enrique Castro 'Quini'. The match was played in a fantastic atmosphere, with over 300 Málaga supporters traveling to cheer on Pellicer's team from the stands. On the pitch, the starting-11 consisted of: Alfonso Herrero; C. Puga, Pastor, Nelson Monte, Dani Sánchez; D. Larrubia, Luismi, Manu N. Molina, D. Antoñito C.; Lobete, and Baturina.
The match kicked off with an offensive push from the home side, forcing Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero into several key interventions. The first notable moment came from a long-range shot initially heading off-target, intentionally redirected by Campu. The effort from the Red and White number ‘11’ caught the Málaga goalkeeper off guard, but Alfonso responded with a spectacular save. Shortly after, Alfonso once again proved crucial, stopping a powerful shot from inside the box to keep the score level.
Málaga CF sought to counter the home team's momentum through ball possession. Antoñito C. and Dani Sánchez were active on the left wing, but the most dangerous play for Pellicer’s side came from the right wing. A quick transition initiated by C. Puga and continued by D. Larrubia ended with a shot aimed at the far post of Yáñez’s goal.
Both Burgos and Málaga tried to break the deadlock, but neither team managed to find the finishing touch to open the scoring in the first 45 minutes. At half-time, the scoreboard remained 0-0.
After the break, the script changed almost immediately. In less than 20 seconds, Baturina capitalised on a ball at the edge of the box to unleash a powerful cross-shot, making it 0-1 in the 46th minute.
Following the Malaguista goal, Real Sporting pushed hard for an equaliser. In the 57th minute, P. García struck the crossbar with a well-timed effort arriving from the second line.
Dioni and Kevin Medina came on to replace Baturina and D. Larrubia in the 60th minute. Shortly after, in the 64th minute, Nacho Méndez created another dangerous opportunity for the home side. The Sporting captain once again struck the crossbar, this time with a left-footer.
Izan M. and Aaron Ochoa replaced Lobete and Antoñito C. in the 77th minute. The home side continued pressing for an equaliser and eventually won a penalty for a handball by Manu N. Molina, which the referee awarded after consulting with VAR. Campu stepped up to take the penalty, and Alfonso initially saved the shot. However, the rebound fell back to Campu, who slotted it in to make it 1-1 in the 82nd minute.
With the score level, Málaga reacted quickly. In the 86th minute, Dioni put the Blue and Whites back in the lead (1-2) with a left-footed strike, sending the ball into the far corner.
In added time (90+3’), the Málaga number '17' sealed the victory by pouncing on a loose ball in the box and beating Yáñez with a shot that wrong-footed the goalkeeper.
Málaga CF now have 30 points (10th in the standings) after 21 matchdays of LaLiga Hypermotion, concluding the first half of the competition.