The Blue and Whites (in navy blue on this occasion, the third strip), stepped on to the pitch at a chilly Los Pajaritos wearing a t-shirt in support of the victims of the earthquake a few days ago in Albania.
The locals kicked off with a strong attack, but the solid Malaguista defence managed to curb Numancia’s attempts effectively.
As the minutes passed, the visitors began to frequent the rival area. Sadiku sent out a warning with a long shot in 24’, forcing the keeper to show off some superb reflexes to deflect the shot. Just 120 seconds later, Pacheco missed out on putting his team in the lead by just a few centimetres by sending a good cross from Antoñín on the right of the attack to the post.
The Malaguistas’ last major opportunity of the first 45 minutes came in minute 29. Pacheco took advantage of a clearance, following a good personal display by Luis Muñoz, to send the ball to the heart of the area and score his second goal of the season. However, the referee disallowed the goal due to Luis Muñoz being offside. The decision was confirmed by VAR and the goal didn’t count. At half-time the result remained 0-0.
In the second half, both teams disputed possession of the ball in midfield. Dani Pacheco again had the 0-1 at his feet in minute 70 of play. He made the most of an indecision by the local defence to reach the edge of the area. He tried to surprise the goalkeeper, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.
Just two minutes later, Antoñín made a good personal display until he came face to face with the keeper, but Numancia defender Héctor gained possession at the last minute to deflect the shot.
The scoreboard didn’t move, and the final result was 0-0.
