There was a great atmosphere in the stands, and on the pitch there were several changes to José Alberto’s starting line-up in the third match in seven days for the Blue and Whites. Juande, Cufré, Jozabed and Antoñín were the four new additions to the 11.
The first Malaguista opportunity arrived in the first minute, with a shot from Sekou that skimmed the left post. After the initial 15 minutes, a cross from Paulino forced the rival keeper to intervene. In minute 25, Sekou once again tried his luck with a header towards the target. Meanwhile Lugo waited for a counter-attack against a Málaga CF that showed more initiative in the game.
After the 30-minute mark, the MCF goal arrived thanks to a sensational cross from Víctor Gómez from the right and an accurate finish by Genaro (1-0, 31’). The fans, totally committed to the lads, spurred the team on. Following the goal, the rival timidly approached Dani Martín’s goal with a cross shot from Iriome that grazed the crossbar in 40’.
Just before the half-time whistle, Sekou Gassama sustained injury and was substituted by Brandon. After 45 minutes, Málaga CF maintained a 1-0 lead.
Genaro, now in minute 47’ of the second half, made another attempt with a slightly deflected left-footer. Víctor Gómez created a chance in 50’ with an impressive shot at goal. Málaga sought to increase their lead with a second goal. Then in 58’, there was another very clear opportunity after a shot by Antoñín that was saved by the keeper and Jozabed, unmarked inside the area, sent the clearance out. In the 60th minute, Paulino's attempt was diverted to a corner by Vieites.
Lugo continued to try to weather the storm and stay alive in the match. José Alberto, in minute 63, brought on Kevin in place of Antoñín on the left side of the attack. The magician from Llano de la Trinidad, in the 70th minute, almost scored in an action that lifted the audience from their seats.
In the final stages of play, the team made continuous arrivals, eager to increase their lead on the scoreboard and seal the win. Roberto for Jozabed was the third and final substitution for the Blue and Whites in the 88th minute. Juanpe, in stoppage time, made an attempt for the visitors that landed in the hands of Dani Martín.
At full-time, a well-deserved 1-0 victory for Málaga CF who remain unbeaten at home with four wins and two draws in six matches played at La Rosaleda. In total, 14 of the 17 points obtained up to now after 12 games have been won at the Martiricos fortress. Vamos, Málaga!
