Málaga CF won away at Real Zaragoza on matchday 42 of LaLiga Hypermotion. Chupe scored both goals in the Malaguista victory.
Málaga Club de Fútbol and Real Zaragoza faced off on matchday 42 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION at the Ibercaja Stadium. Around 1,500 Malaguistas were present in the stands, backing the team away from home. On the pitch, Funes’ side lined up as follows: Alfonso Herrero; C. Puga, Murillo, Einar, Rafita; Dotor, Izan M., Dani Lorenzo; Joaquín, D. Larrubia, and Chupe.
The match began with Málaga CF taking the initiative. In the 5th minute, Dotor and Joaquín created the team's first chances. The midfielder had a clear opportunity, but the home keeper made the save. Joaquín collected the rebound, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
In minute 14, Larrubia had a great chance to open the scoring. Following a corner kick, Joaquín found him inside the penalty area, but the number 10's effort was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper. Shortly afterward, in the 22nd minute, Larrubia was involved again, sending a shot from the edge of the box just wide of the post.
Málaga CF's opening goal came after an excellent play by Larrubia down the right flank. The winger cut inside and went for goal, but the home goalkeeper made the save. Chupe reacted quickest to the rebound, getting ahead of his marker to make it 0-1. Málaga went into half-time holding a narrow lead.
After the break, Málaga resumed without making any changes. Later on, however, Aarón Ochoa replaced Joaquín in the 61st minute. Niño and Rafa then came on for Dani Lorenzo and Izan Merino in the 69th minute.
Shortly after entering the pitch, Niño won a penalty for Málaga. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, and Chupe converted from the 11-metre mark to make it 0-2 in minute 77. In the 83rd minute, Ramón and Víctor were introduced in place of Puga and Larrubia.
The match ended 0-2. Málaga CF finished on 73 points, securing 4th place, and qualifiying for the promotion playoffs to the First Division. Next Sunday 7th June, they will play the first leg of the opening playoff round against UD Las Palmas at the Estadio Gran Canaria (21:00). The return leg will be played on Wednesday 10th June at La Rosaleda (21:00).