A chilly night at Martiricos and a special one for Luis Hernández, who played his 100th official match wearing the Blue and White jersey. Diego González and Adrián, for Lombán and Luis Muñoz, were new to the Malaguista 11 in regard to last weekend in Soria. Rubén Baraja debuted as Tenerife manager.
The visitors got off to a good start, with a cross from Suso in 2’ that made its way to Munir’s area, as well as a dangerous set piece. However, little by little, Málaga began to impose their gameplay. Pacheco in minute 10 sent a cross from in front of the area. Keidi, a minute later, finished a notable collective display with a high shot at the target. Adrián in 15’ tried his luck with a shot saved by Ortolá, and Cifu, immediately afterwards made an attempt from the second line.
After the initial 15 minutes, the dominance of VSDA’s men was palpable. Pacheco, with a left-footer, caused trouble for Ortolá in 21’, with the player from Pizarra very active on the inside. The first goal stemmed from a corner. Sadiku launched the ball at point blank range to put the Blue and Whites in front (1-0, 27’). The fifth league goal for the Albanian forward.
After conceding a goal, Baraja’s men attempted to react by increasing possession in midfield, with an active Lasso and Sanz. Malbasic, in 44’, tried a long shot, but at half-time the scoreboard remained at 1-0.
In the second half, Sadiku in 48’, came close to a second goal with a powerful shot deflected by Ortolá. A pacey Juankar caused trouble each time he found space to run. The fans, as always, pushed the Malaguista players on with their continuous cheers and chants. Tenerife didn’t disturb Munir’s goal, but stayed alive in the match after the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Without major incidents in either area, the match advanced with a narrow lead for MCF. In 72’, there was a double substitution for the Blue and Whites, with Benkhemassa and Renato coming on in place of Adrián and Pacheco. Shortly afterwards, the first ever penalty was awarded to Málaga following a VAR check. Sadiku converted from the penalty spot (2-0, 76’). A brace tonight and the sixth goal for the number ‘9’.
In the closing stages of play, Lorenzo came on in place of goal-scorer Sadiku (88’), who received rapturous applause from the stands. Málaga CF secured a 2-0 victory, the team’s fourth of the season in LaLiga SmartBank, the second at home, with 20 points in the pot and a provisional 17th place. Vamos, Málaga!
