El Molinón – Enrique Castro ‘Quini’ Stadium hosted matchday 7 of LaLiga SmartBank between Real Sporting de Gijón and Málaga CF in front of 13.482 fans.
Equality prevailed in the opening stages, with both teams trying to impose their gameplay. A well-positioned Málaga CF were the first to get dangerously close to the rival goal. However, Brandon’s opportunity from a Paulino assist was declared offside for the Malaguista number ‘7’.
The balance of play tipped in minute 7 as Escassi was shown the red card. From then on, José Alberto’s men attempted to neutralise the local attacks as the home side sought to get on the scoreboard.
However, it was the Blue and Whites – dressed in black today – who opened the scoring. Juande took advantage of a superb pass from Jozabed from a corner to seal the 0-1 in 26'.
Following the Malaguista goal, Real Sporting de Gijón tried to gain more control of the ball but failed to generate many chances. Despite the five minutes of added time, not much else happened before the half-time whistle.
As play resumed, Lombán and Genaro came on in place of Jozabed and Kevin for Málaga CF. José Alberto’s men maintained a robust defence in the face of numerous attempts by the Red and Whites with a new formation. Yet the home side managed to go level (1-1) just before the hour-mark thanks to a goal from Djuka (59’).
One of the positives of the day was the debut of Sekou Gassama with the Blue and Whites. The forward stepped on to the pitch in place of Brandon (67’).
Malaguista fatigue and Sporting de Gijón’s numerical superiority was reflected on the scoreboard as Gaspar netted the 2-1 in minute 80.
In the end, Málaga CF suffered defeat after playing close to 90 minutes with 10 men. The Blue and Whites are momentarily in 11th place in LaLiga SmartBank. CF Fuenlabrada are the next Malaguista rival after two matches away from home.
