Muñiz only included one new addition to his starting-11 in regard to the previous line-up. Lacen came on in place of sanctioned N’Diaye to occupy the wide area in midfield together with Adrián. From the outset, after an initial period of back and forth, both teams were very compact with great defensive determination. On the attack, Málaga showed certain danger from set pieces, but didn’t disturb the Oviedo goal.

In the final stretch of the first half, Oviedo generated a couple of opportunities that were disrupted by Munir and Diego González on the cross. The first was in 33’, following a cross shot from the right by Viti that was deflected by the Moroccan keeper; and then in minute 38, an action at the mouth of the goal that Toché wasn’t able to convert. At half-time the scoreboard still showed 0-0.

There wasn’t much change to proceedings as the second half got underway. Málaga remained faithful to their game plan against an Oviedo who also didn’t change their playbook. The defenders imposed on the forwards and equilibrium in midfield was the predominant note. Lacen, in 55’, sustained a blow and was tended to by the Malaguista medics. Fortunately, the French-Algerian player recovered a few minutes later and obtained a spectacular, sporting ovation by the Asturian fans.

Oviedo’s best chance of the match came in 76’. Viti’s shot collided with the post to the right of Munir. After the scare, Muñiz brought on Ontiveros in place of Pacheco in minute 78, with the Marbella-born winger almost scoring as soon as he stepped on to the pitch with a trademark play and a shot from the left. Tension remained until the final whistle but neither team was able to get a goal and so the points were shared.

As such, Málaga CF ends 2018 with 36 points, provisionally in second place of LaLiga 1|2|3.