A Monday night fixture to bring an end to the current matchday in the silver division, and a Málaga CF with two new additions to the team line-up. Both in defence. Luis Hernández in central defence replaced suspended Lombán, and Juankar, who returned to the pitch after several months out due to injury, was situated on the left in place of Diego González. In 5’, the first attacking move was a pass from Juankar and a shot from Luis that almost resulted in the first goal.
It didn’t take long for the home side to open the scoring. A clear foul on Ontiveros led to a penalty perfectly executed by Adrián (1-0, 16’). The ninth league goal for the Blue and White number ‘8’. A minute later, an Oviedo defender prevented Ontiveros from beating Champagne with a forceful cross shot inside the area. After 30 minutes, the referee showed Keidi Bare the red card, leaving Oviedo with a numerical advantage.
Despite being down to 10 men, Málaga didn’t stop generating dangerous situations. Adrián, in 33’, with a low shot that hit the post; and Blanco Leschuk, who came close to a goal in 37’ and 44’, with two attempts inside the rival area. Yet just before the half-time whistle, the madness ensued. Ontiveros directed a trademark missile into the back of the net, bringing the fans to their feet. A superb goal (2-0, 45+1’) and a well-deserved 2-0 lead at half-time.
Málaga CF maintained the same level of intensity in the second half, against a Real Oviedo that sought more possession and approaches to Munir’s goal. Although there were no clear opportunities for either side, the duel was balanced and Víctor Sánchez del Amo’s men didn’t notice their numerical inferiority on the pitch.
Diego González for Juankar (59’) and Iván Alejo for Ontiveros (70’) were the Malaguista substitutions to refresh the MCF team that continued to follow their game plan. A spectacular run from a solitary Cifuentes, led to a fantastic finish to net the third goal of the game (3-0, 80’). The fans applauded another return from long-term injury. Koné came on in place of Blanco Leschuk as the final Malaguista substitution (84’).
The final minutes of play, with the result clearly in favour of the locals, were of immense joy for the loyal fans at Martiricos. The 3-0 final result fairly reflects a win that places Málaga CF in 5th place in the standings with 62 points, one above the team in 7th place. In addition, the boys will remain in play-off positions for another week at least, as three points are automatically added next weekend against the retired Reus. Vamos, Málaga!