LaLiga SmartBank matchday 9 took Málaga CF to Castilla y León to face Real Valladolid at the Nuevo José Zorrilla, in seach of the first away win of the 21/22 season.
José Alberto introduced three changes to the starting line-up compared to the clash with CF Fuenlabrada last weekend. Ismael came on in place of Víctor Gómez, who was in action with Spain’s Under-21s. Following his one-match ban, Escassi returned to the 11 in place of Ramón, whilst Paulino replaced Roberto.
The formation was 1-4-2-3-1 with Dani Martín in goal; Ismael, Juande, Peybernes and Javi Jiménez in a line of four in defence; Escassi and Genaro on the double pivot; Paulino and Kevin on the wings; Jozabed acted in a playmaker and second striker role; leaving Brandon on the attack upfront.
The locals kicked off with great impetus and dominated the opening stages, whilst the Malaguistas sought rapid transitions. Dani Martín repelled an attempt from Cristo in 12’ with a stunning save. From then on, the Blue and Whites gradually stepped up the intensity and became more comfortable on the field of play.
In minute 36, an action by Paulino on the right ended in him being brought down inside El Yamiq’s area, that referee Iglesias Villanueva declared a clear foul and awarded a penalty. Brandon converted from the 11-metre mark to score his first goal wearing the Málaga CF jersey (0-1, 37'). By half-time the Malaguistas were in front on the scoreboard and very comfortable on the pitch.
Not long into the second half, the home side went level. Óscar Plano surpassed Dani Martín with a shot from the left straight into the Malaguista goal (1-1, 53').
The minutes after the goal were the most dynamic of the game. Brandon had a good action, in which he dribbled past former Malaguista goalkeeper, Roberto whilst his shot was stopped by El Yamiq. Immediately afterwards, Dani Martín saved Toni Villa's shot at point-blank range.
Paulino was shown his fifth yellow card of the season in minute 60 which carries suspension. Ten minutes later, he was substituted by homegrown striker, Roberto, who advanced more upfront whilst Brandon moved to the right side.
Newcomer Roberto came close to the second Malaguista goal with a low shot with his left leg from outside the area, blocked by his namesake in the local goal. The home side responded with a corner by Nacho from the left side that missed the mark by Óscar Plano.
Antoñín came on in 79’ in place of Brandon, the Malaguista goal-scorer. A corner from Jozabed was picked up by Escassi, but he didn’t find the goal. The third Malaguista change came in stoppage time as Ramón came on in place of Jozabed. Another save by Dani Martín prevented a local win.
The points were shared at the Zorrilla and MCF claimed their second point away from home this season against one of the candidates for promotion to LaLiga Santander.
