Sergio Pellicer introduced several changes to the line-up in respect of the last home game, both in terms of numbers and tactics. The team burst out on to the impeccable pitch at El Molinón-Enrique Castro ‘Quini’, an impressive ground even without the crowd in the stands. The silence was broken in minute 9 of the first half by the famous song ‘Ahora, Quini, Ahora’ in memory of the local legend.
Málaga completed a notable first quarter of an hour subduing the rival, who were at the mercy of the Yellows' game, a colour that has brought luck to the team away from home this season. The first major goal opportunity had to be for the Malaguistas. And it was. Yanis, with a powerful long left footer, put Mariño to the test in the 20th minute. Shortly afterwards, Dani Barrio, back in the starting-11, prevented a Manu García goal with a good save in Sporting's first approach (24’).
The match began to even out as time went on towards half-time. However, in minute 35, MCF nearly opened the scoring from a Jozabed corner headed by Caye. However, the scorebaord remained all square at the end of the first half.
Nevertheless, the deadlock was broken at the start of the second half. Djuka, the home side's top scorer, and indeed the highest scorer in the division, scored from point-blank range (1-0, 48'). Two minutes later, Mariño saved an attempt from Jozabed whilst Matos, in the rebound, skied the ball. Mejías, in the 53rd minute, headed the ball into the hands of the rival keeper following a corner. However, despite the setback, Málaga were still very much alive in the game.
Pellicer made some changes in minute 64, bringing on Cristian and Jairo in place of Jozabed and Caye. Sporting attempted to stop the pace of play, asserting their narrow lead on the scoreboard.
In the 75th minute, the referee turned to VAR to review a possible penalty against Yanis and a hand ball from Babin following a shot from Cristian, but neither of the two actions were punished. Cristo, in place of Matos, was the next Malaguista substitution to refresh the left wing 10 minutes before the final whistle. Then in the 84th minute, Pellicer brought on Orlando Sá for Alexander González.
Málaga kept on insisting until the end, but their efforts didn't pay off at one of the toughest grounds in the category.
