There was a stunning atmosphere tonight at Martiricos and a new face in VSDA’s starting-11, the return of Pacheco on the left profile of the attack. The player from Pizarra, like the team, got off to a strong start. In minute 4, there was a double chance to score and, in 9’, he initiated a play in which Renato crossed to Sadiku who came up against rival keeper, Champagne. Oviedo didn’t appear in Munir’s area until the 11th minute of play, with a timid action from the pichichi of the category, Ortuño.
In 15’, Renato tried his luck after an individual action. Midway through the first half, the visitors stopped the pace of play, which was interrupted numerous times. In minute 27, it was again Pacheco who came up on the left associating with Mikel, whose shot crashed into the Oviedo defence. A superb Champagne made a minor mistake following a Pacheco corner in 29’, which came close to a goal. Shots at goal by Dani and Adrián, in 42’ and 44’ against came up against the rival keeper.
In the second half, the balance tipped in favour of the Blue and Whites and the goalless draw deadlock was broken. Antoñín, with a superb manoeuvre from the left profile, crossed the ball into the back of the net to the fans’ delight (1-0, 55’). The second league goal for the homegrown player, both at home. Six minutes later, again Antoñín featured, forcing a penalty that was converted by Adrián (2-0, 63’). The third goal of the season for the team captain.
The fans, wholly committed to their team, didn’t stop cheering on the lads and dreaming of the first home win of the season. VSDA refreshed the attack with two substitutions, receiving an ovation by the crowd: Juanpi for Pacheco (67’) and Hicham for Antoñín (74’). It was precisely the Moroccan winger, following a lethal counterattack, and the Venezuelan player, with a powerful shot, who came close to scoring in 76’ and 80’ respectively.
The Malaguista victory wasn’t without suspense. Ibra made the most of a dead ball inside the area to reduce the home side’s lead (2-1, 84’). Víctor reinforced the defence, introducing Diego González for Sadiku in stoppage time. Before the final whistle, Lolo from the visitors was shown his second yellow card and sent off. At the full-time whistle, the 2-1 result meant the first, well-deserved victory at La Rosaleda Stadium for MCF, the second consecutive win following the triumph last week in A Coruña. After 13 matches in the competition, there are now 14 points in the pot with the team sitting in a provisional 16th place. Vamos, Málaga!
