Míchel made numerous changes to the starting-11 in regard to the previous LaLiga line-up against Real Madrid. Only Luis Hernández and Adrián were repeated in the line-up, which contained nine new players, resulting in the debut of homegrown defender, Ian Soler making his first team debut in an official match. Numancia got off to a good start, showing speed and boldness in the Malaguista zone.
After quarter of an hour, the quality altered to the wing occupied by Robles, who launched a shot to Borja who came close to converting. In the following action, Adrián sent a cross from the left straight into the back of the net to put Málaga in front (1-0, 18’). The goal encouraged the team, who looked hard for the second goal with a very active Ontiveros and Jony on the wings. In minute 29, Juanpi had a clear opportunity to increase his team’s lead, who from close range finished a great pass from Cifuentes, forcing a showy save from Munir.
In the 40th minute of play, a cross shot from Borja led to another opportunity to further the home side’s advantage. Nacho, in 44’, could have equalised for the visitors with a shot that grazed Andrés Prieto’s post. The score remained at 1-0 at half-time.
In the second half, Málaga CF started on the same line as at the end of the first half. Jony, in 50’, hit a volley with his left foot, propelling the ball over the crossbar. However, Numancia went level with a goal from Elgezabal from a corner (1-1, 52’). The fans got behind their team, knowing it would only take one goal to even up the tie.
Míchel brought on Rolan for Robles (66’), in an obvious attacking move. The Uruguayan was positioned on the left wing ahead of Jony. En-Nesyri, in minute 72, came on in substitution of Rolón to further reinforce upfront. At the same time, there was a double opportunity for Juanpi and Borja at point-blank range in front of Munir’s goal. Mula, in 80’, completed the substitutions for the Blue and Whites, coming on in place of Ontiveros.
In the 87th minute of play, Borja headed a cross from Rolan that grazed the left post of the Numancia goal. This was the last major chance before the full-time whistle for a Málaga who deserved much more, against a rival that made the most of their best chance to qualify to the next round, with an aggregate 3-2 win.
