Skip to main content
EN
Report

First match of the year results in defeat at home (0-1)

Málaga CF was defeated by RCD Espanyol, at La Rosaleda, in LaLiga Santander matchday 18. An early goal from Sergi Darder led the visitors to victory.

The first official match of the year saw several changes to Míchel’s 11, highlighting the debut of winter reinforcements, Miquel and Iturra, as well as the presence of En-Nesyri on the attack. It was precisely the Moroccan-born striker who, in minute 3, almost stood alone in the rival area, but was stopped in his tracks by David López. In minute 6, the first arrival from Espanyol resulted in former Blue and Whites’ player, Darder showing good definition with a low shot into the back of the net (0-1, 6’).

Keko generated two dangerous actions on the wing that neither Chory nor Peñaranda, in 10’ and 14’ respectively, were able to convert. As the first half progressed, Malaguista domination intensified in the search of an equaliser, but without any clear opportunities. Espanyol meanwhile focused on ‘their’ game, without a great fanfare, maintaining their minimal lead.

At the end of the first 45 minutes, the scoreboard showed a 0-1 lead for the Barcelona-based rival.

There was barely any change to the scenario in the second half. Peñaranda, in 53’, appeared with an attractive individual play, which culminated in a weak shot that was saved by Pau López. In 59’, Míchel brought on Borja and Ontiveros in substitution of Peñaranda and Chory. The Marbella-born winger, in minute 67, allowed himself to be seen with a pass to En-Nesyri that narrowly missed the target. Two minutes later, Juanpi replaced Keko, and Dídac came close to a second goal for Espanyol in a fleeting counter attack.

Ignasi Miquel, with a solvent performance during his debut at Martiricos, tried his luck in 71’. Juanpi also had an attempt with a distant shot in 77’. The powerful throw-ins from Luis Hernández became a good resource to approach the rival area, but didn’t create clear shots. As such, Espanyol made the most of their initial goal to claim three points from La Rosaleda.

Málaga CF ends LaLiga Santander matchday 18 still in 19th place, 5 points away from permanency in the category.