The Malaguistas dominated play from the start, today with second coach Marcelo Romero at the helm, due to Javi Gracia’s suspension. The Blue and Whites’ first goal opportunity arrived in minute 2, with a cross from Charles that was deflected by Lizoain. The rival keeper prevented another goal in minute 10, saving a one-on-one with Duje Cop.
Mid-way through the first half, Málaga opened the scoring – despite a shot from Las Palmas’ Willian José in minute 20 forcing Ochoa to show off. The local goal came from a great pass from Torres on the right, leading to an impeccable header into goal by Cop (1-0, 26’), the Croatian striker’s seventh LaLiga goal. The joy was short-lived, as the rival equalised soon after. Tana, following a corner, assisted Willian José to glory at close range (1-1, 31’).
In the final stage of the first half, everything happened. Las Palmas’ David García was injured in minute 36, right in the rival domain. In minute 40, Ochoa made two consecutive, memorable saves to prevent the second goal for the Yellows. Just before the half-time whistle, Málaga scored again. A hand ball by Lemos inside the area led to a penalty for Málaga, which was converted by Charles, his 11th League goal (2-1, 45’).
The second half kicked off with Las Palmas playing well over three quarters of the Malaguista pitch, but without causing any real danger for an inspired Ochoa. Chory Castro appeared in minute 54 with his usual running power, showing how much trouble Málaga can cause on the counter-attack. To give even more speed to the attack, Atsu substituted Juanpi (61’), who was given a standing ovation. Straight after, Recio, who was physically spent, abandoned the pitch to applause, and was replaced by Pablo (62’).
The match entered a more controlled phase for the Blue and Whites, although the quality of play by the visitors between lines meant there was no time to relax. The last substitution for the Malaguistas saw Duda step on to the pitch, his 299th game with MCF in the First Division, in replacement of Cop (74’) to rapturous applause. Meanwhile, fans on the terraces at La Rosaleda did the wave, chanted in support of the team, sang and thoroughly enjoyed the last match of the season.
‘Memo’ Ochoa again demonstrated his reflexes with an incredible save as Vicente Moreno tried his luck in minute 77, followed by a chance for Pablo immediately afterwards from midfield. The party atmosphere was rife throughout Martiricos. Duda, in minute 83, had the third goal within his grasp, but seconds later, a magnificent display by Atsu led him to score a quality goal (3-1, 84’). The party went on, as goal number four arrived. A counter on the left led to Duda, who masterfully set up a golden ball for ‘pichichi’, Charles, (4-1, 87’). A double in this game, and the 12th goal of the season for the Spanish-Brazilian striker.
At the final whistle, the result was a 4-1 win for the home side, and sees the end of an excellent season, matching MCF’s third best campaign in history, securing eighth place. A well-deserved reward for the Club, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, who after the match stepped on to the Martiricos pitch for a lap of honour with the players and coaching team, at the end of a remarkable season in the Spanish footballing elite.
