Málaga CF and FC Cartagena faced off on matchday 27 of LaLiga Hypermotion at Cartagonova. Nearly a thousand Málaga fans supported the team from the stands. On the pitch, Pellicer made some changes to the line-up, starting with: Alfonso Herrero; Gabilondo, Murillo, Einar, Dani Sánchez; D. Larrubia, Manu N. Molina, Izan M., Lobete; Chupe, and Dioni.
The first half saw both teams exchanging opportunities, though Málaga CF dominated possession. Millán and Escriche had the best chances for the home side. The first, a header, went over the crossbar, while the most dangerous effort, by the number 10, was denied by Alfonso Herrero, who pulled off an impressive low save.
With Málaga CF controlling possession and looking for an opening. Chupe had a chance to put Málaga ahead, finishing off a well-worked set-piece delivered by Dani Sánchez from the corner and flicked on by Izan M., but his shot went over the bar. Five minutes before half-time came the clearest chance of the match. A brilliant combination between Einar and Dani Sánchez led to a double save by P. Cuñat, denying shots from Lobete and Dioni in quick succession.
After the break, Pellicer made a double substitution, bringing on Ramón and Aaron Ochoa in place of Lobete and Izan M. The second half started with a similar pattern to the first 45 minutes, with Málaga continuing to dictate the tempo.
Aaron Ochoa tried his luck several times from the edge of the box, but P. Cuñat stood firm with solid saves.
FC Cartagena responded, forcing Alfonso Herrero into action. First, he made a crucial one-on-one save against Clemente. Then, he denied Núñez, stopping a powerful shot to keep the score level.
Kevin Medina and Roko came on for Dioni and D. Larrubia, as Málaga CF intensified their attacking efforts in the final minutes. The team pushed forward, crowding Cartagena’s half and creating more chances near the box. Amid this late offensive push, Málaga made their final substitution, bringing on Antoñito C. for Chupe.
Then, in the 94th minute, Gabilondo received the ball on the right wing and delivered a precise cross into the area. Baturina rose to the occasion, executing a perfect finish from just outside the six-yard box, placing the ball into the top right corner of the net.
Málaga CF secure their first victory of 2025 and now set their sights on the next challenge. On Friday the 21st the team will host CD Tenerife at La Rosaleda.
