Málaga CF drew against SD Huesca, at La Rosaleda, on matchday 38 of LaLiga SmartBank. Decisive rival goalkeeper Andrés Fernández saved a penalty from Rubén Castro in 80' that prevented the Blue and White victory.
There was a spectacular atmosphere this afternoon, as in the previous home game against Cartagena, with an impressive reception around the stadium when the team arrived. The fans returned to populate the stands - best attendance of the season - cheering on the team from the outset.
On the pitch, there was a single change to Sergio Pellicer's starting line-up compared to the 11 in Lugo. Due to Ramón's injury, Jozabed took his place. In front, Huesca were well positioned in defence waiting to find a quick transition, with Obeng as an attacking benchmark.
Without occasions in either area, the first half of the match advanced without haste, but without pause. Febas, as usual, stood out in midfield, forcing fouls and breaking lines. Huesca, however, were very solid in all areas. In the last minutes of the first half, Ziganda's men withdrew into a low block, but MCF didn’t manage to generate any clear chance to score. At half-time the scoreboard remained at 0-0.
In the second half, Jozabed was replaced by Luis Muñoz. The Malaguista number 8, in minute 50, was shown the yellow card that carries suspension. In 56', Yáñez deflected a free shot in Andrei's area for a corner. In the subsequent corner kick, Mateu came close to an Olympic goal.
Lago Junior came on for Esteban Burgos in minute 58, changing the Blue and White formation to a classic 1-4-4-2. Six minutes later, Álex Calvo replaced Pablo Chavarría. The Juvenil winger tried his luck in the 70th minute with a long shot that went near the left post.
In the final stretch of play the team grew and searched hard for the goal. In an action against Escassi, reviewed by VAR, the referee awarded a penalty. It was minute 80. Rubén Castro took the penalty which was saved by Andrés Fernández. Even so, ¡sí se puede! resounded throughout Martiricos and the fans chanted the striker’s name without losing faith.
In 88', Pellicer made his final changes, bringing on Appiah and Fran Sol for Cristian and Rubén Castro. The referee added six minutes of stoppage time in which Málaga were unable to find the Huesca goal, ending the match with a goalless draw.
With four games to go before the end of the competition, Málaga CF have 40 points and are in 19th position in the table, six points from safety in LaLiga SmartBank.
