A great atmosphere in the stands on a cloudy Sunday afternoon, with an exciting clash between two historic clubs in Spanish professional football. On the pitch, Pellicer made two changes to his starting lineup: Dani Sánchez replaced Víctor García on the left-back position, and Larrubia took Sangalli's spot on the right side of midfield.
The first part of the match saw alternating dominance, with a competitive Real Zaragoza having their first real chance in the 23rd minute, when former Malaguista Keidi Bare took a shot that was safely saved by Alfonso Herrero. Málaga’s best chance came in the 28th minute when Dioni couldn’t beat the rival goalkeeper, Poussin, in a one-on-one.
In the 35th minute, David Larrubia, assisted by Manu Molina, took a cross-shot that narrowly missed the right post of the Zaragoza goal. Three minutes later, Zaragoza responded with a direct free-kick from Toni Moya that grazed the crossbar. In the final moments of the first half, the referee, following VAR review, overturned a penalty initially awarded to Málaga.
The second half began with the score still 0-0. The goals came quickly, one for each side. Málaga CF took the lead thanks to Dioni, who finished calmly after a great assist from Lobete (1-0, 50’). It was Dioni’s sixth goal of the season in LALIGA HYPERMOTION. Moments later, Real Zaragoza equalised through a direct free-kick by Tasende (1-1, 54’).
The team reacted well and even had the chance to take the lead again. Dani Sánchez, following a corner in the 58th minute, forced Poussin into a great save. In the 59th minute, the first Blue and White substitution was made: Chupe came on for Antoñito. Then, in the 72nd minute, Dani Sánchez almost scored after a pass from Dioni.
Zaragoza took the lead in the final moments through Pau Sans (1-2, 73’). Pellicer quickly made three substitutions: Ramón, Kevin, and Ochoa replaced Manu Molina, Lobete, and Larrubia in the 76th minute. The last change for MCF came in the 85th minute and was an ultra-offensive move: Baturina came on for Dani Sánchez.
After seven minutes of added time, during which Málaga CF couldn’t beat Poussin, the 1-2 victory gave all three points to the Zaragoza side. As a result, the Blue and Whites remain in the middle of the table with 31 points after 24 league games.
