Málaga CF and CD Mirandés faced off on this chilly night of 20th January at Anduva. A total of 3,073 fans attended the match, including more than a hundred Malaguistas.
Sergio Pellicer fielded the following startin-11: A. Herrero; Puga, Pastor, Nelson, Víctor; Luismi, Manu Molina; Sangalli, Antoñito, Lobete, and Dioni.
The match got off to an even start. Both teams have earned respect in the league for their excellent tactical approach, and they did not disappoint. The game was dynamic, but there were not many clear-cut chances in the first half.
Puga came close to breaking the deadlock with a thunderous strike from the right side of the area that rattled the woodwork (0-0, 27’).
CD Mirandés replied with two shots inside the box, the most dangerous coming in the 33rd minute with a header from a corner. However, Alfonso Herrero impressively denied both attempts with spectacular saves.
In the 40th minute, Dioni delivered a pass from the right wing to Manu Molina, who finally broke the deadlock. The midfielder surged forward, receiving a low ball at the edge of the box, and struck a powerful and precise mid-height shot across goal to find the back of the net (0-1). The score remained unchanged as the teams headed into half-time.
For the second half the match resumed with both teams battling fiercely for possession in midfield.
The home side levelled the score from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. The referee awarded a penalty following a one-on-one situation involving Alfonso Herrero. Despite a VAR review request, the referee upheld the decision and booked the goalkeeper with a yellow card. Panichelli, wearing the number 9, executed the penalty with precision to secure the equaliser (1-1, 56’).
The home team pushed forward aggressively after their goal and managed to turn the game around in the 61st minute. Gorrotxategi capitalised on a ball at the edge of the box, delivering a low shot to the far post that left Herrero with no chance (2-1, 61’).
Málaga CF responded by pushing higher up the field and increasing their presence in the attacking third. Their persistence paid off in the 71st minute when Larrubia latched onto a loose ball following a corner and beat the opposing goalkeeper with a low shot (2-2, 71’).
After their goal, the Blue and Whites pressed eagerly for a comeback. A very active Larrubia caused tension in the home side's box with several runs down the right wing.
However, it was the hosts who ultimately clinched the win. Joel Roca sealed the 3-2 victory in added time with a low, precise cross-shot (90+4). Despite Málaga's tremendous effort, the three points remained at the impenetrable Anduva.
