Málaga Club de Fútbol and Albacete Balompié faced each other on matchday 18 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION at the Carlos Belmonte. Around a hundred Málaga supporters travelled to back the team from the stands. On the pitch, Funes fielded the following starting XI: Alfonso Herrero; C. Puga, Recio, Einar, Víctor; Izan M., Dotor, Dani Lorenzo; D. Larrubia, Joaquín, and Jauregi, who was a new addition leading the attack.
The Blue and Whites had the first chance of the match. In the 3rd minute, Puga played a fine pass into the box for Dani Lorenzo, who struck the ball powerfully. A home defender blocked the shot and broke up the action.
Alfonso Herrero left his mark in the first half with a highly commendable save. The goalkeeper denied a close-range effort from Puertas with excellent reflexes and positioning.
In the 38th minute, an unfortunate play opened the scoring for Albacete BP. A shot by Riki following a corner kick was deflected by Einar and ended up in the Málaga goal (1-0).
Málaga CF pushed to level the match before the break. A strong run by Dani Lorenzo failed to find a teammate inside the box, and a well-timed move and headed effort by Jauregi were the closest chances before the referee’s whistle. At half-time, it was 1-0.
There were no changes for the Blue and Whites after the restart. The team found an early equaliser thanks to a goal from David Larrubia. In minute 52, Joaquín produced a brilliant individual move, but his final shot was blocked by a defender. However, Málaga’s number 10 collected the rebound and beat Mariño to make it 1-1 on the scoreboard at the Carlos Belmonte.
Just a few minutes later (59’), another goal followed. Víctor won the ball back in midfield and played it to Izan, who then found Dani Lorenzo. The number 22 held off the first defender and beat the second for pace before finishing with a fine low cross-shot to make it 1-2.
Funes began making substitutions from the 65th minute, bringing on Chupe and Aaron Ochoa for Jauregi and Joaquín. In the 77th minute, there was another double change, with Dani Sánchez and Rafa Rodríguez coming on for Izan Merino and Dotor, while the final substitution saw Murillo replace Carlos Puga in the 88th minute.
One minute later, Aaron Ochoa was brought down inside the box and the referee awarded a penalty. The spot kick was converted by Chupe, who sent it to his left and wrong-footed the goalkeeper (1-3, minute 91).
The match ended with a 1-3 victory and the three points head back to Málaga. The team now has 23 points and sits in 11th place in the standings.
The next match, and the last one of the year, will be on Sunday 21st at 14:00 against UD Almería at La Rosaleda.