An unprecedented match this evening between Málaga CF and CF Reus, these two clubs have never met in official competition before and did so for the first time on LaLiga 1|2|3 matchday 20. The Catalan side made the most of their visit to La Rosaleda thanks to goals from Borjita, Gus Ledes and David Querol.
The match got off to an exemplary start. The Malaguista fans, who have received a number of recognitions for their show of fair play, again proved this at the start of play when they unanimously applauded the visiting rival who are currently experiencing a difficult off-pitch situation.
In regard to play, the match soon became an uphill struggle for the Blue and Whites. Borjita headed a great pass from the right to put his team in the lead in 11’ (0-1).
Following the goal, Muñiz’s men attempted to make dangerous approaches to the opposing goal on various occasions. Pau Torres, Juanpi, Ricca and N’Diaye, twice in the same play, came very close to going level, but whether it was the keeper or bad luck, the home side didn’t achieve their objective. At half-time the score was 0-1.
Muñiz decided to make come changes in the second half. He brought off Pacheco and Juanpi and introduced two somewhat more vertical players, Renato Santos and Hugo, making his debut. It was barely noticeable that the latter was enjoying his first time in the category and he made numerous shots throughout the second half. In 52’ he came close to an equaliser with a personal action, but his shot was slightly too high.
In the subsequent play, it was Cifu who tried his luck. Harper, another homegrown player, hooked the ball and at the far post the winger appeared but his shot was deflected. Then came a harsh blow. In a long ball the referee declared a penalty for a foul by Diego González on Querol. Gus Ledes converted from the penalty spot.
Despite the second goal, the Blue and Whites kept insisting. In 68’, Héctor Hernández joined the game to accumulate more men upfront. There was more depth on the wings, but still no goal.
With the team upfront in search of a goal to put the Malaguistas in the match, CF Reus sentenced the game in 83’. In one of the visitors’ long possessions in the second half, Alfred Planas set up a ball for a David Querol header that surpassed Munir.
In the final stage of play Málaga showed more heart than head, but the ironclad defence by the Catalan side and two magnificent saves from Pol prevented any reaction. As such, Málaga kick off 2019 without scoring any points at home.
