An electric atmosphere, enhanced by a new Blue and White mosaic in the stands (30,083 spectators) at Martiricos. On the pitch, there were three changes in Juanfran Funes’ starting-11 compared to last Wednesday’s match against UD Las Palmas: Rafa, Ochoa, and Niño came in for Izan Merino, Joaquín, and Chupe.

In minute 1 came the first shot on target of the match. Red and White player Embarba tried a low, central effort, comfortably saved by Alfonso Herrero. Rubi’s side were mainly pushing forward down the right flank through Chirino and LALIGA HYPERMOTION’s top scorer, Sergio Arribas. For Málaga, Dani Lorenzo’s influence grew after the 15-minute mark, giving structure and purpose to their play whenever he touched the ball.

As the minutes went by, the Blue and Whites were increasingly in control of possession against a UD Almería side defending in a mid-block. The first clear chance fell to Niño, whose shot from a Dotor assist was saved by Andrés Fernández in the 24^th minute. A minute later, Lopy came close with a strike that went narrowly wide of the left post.

Adrián Niño, around the half-hour mark, tried again on goal, but once more Andrés prevented the Malaguista goal. The fans kept pushing their team relentlessly in a tense, high-intensity match with frequent stoppages and tactical fouls. In first-half stoppage time, Rafa attempted a powerful long-range effort from outside the box. At half-time, it remained 00.

At the start of the second half, Funes made a change: Joaquín came on for Aaron Ochoa, slotting into the left side of the attack. The team’s momentum, boosted by the crowd, was clearly noticeable. Opposite them, UD Almería remained disciplined and fully focused on their game plan.

In minute 63, a double substitution for the Blue and Whites: Izan Merino and Chupe entered the pitch, replacing Rafa and Niño. Málaga were on top of their opponents, and in the 67^th minute Joaquín tested Andrés again with a powerful angled shot that forced a sharp save. Ten minutes later, Dani Lorenzo received a standing ovation as he left the pitch, making way for Ramón in midfield.

In the final stretch, UD Almería had a good counterattacking chance through Nico Melamed in the 84^th minute. Immediately afterwards, Embarba fired a shot that was safely gathered by Alfonso Herrero. At the edge of minute 90, Julen Lobete came on to replace a visibly exhausted David Larrubia.

After four minutes of added time, the referee blew the whistle. The goalless draw leaves everything open for the second leg in Almería. Vamos, Málaga!