MCF’s first visit to Cartagonova on a chilly Saturday night. On the pitch, Dani Barrio returned to the starting-11 in goal, whilst reserve team player Alberto Quintana made his league debut in the starting line-up, playing the role of an anchor ahead of the defence due to the absence of Escassi.
In minute 2, the locals tested Barrio’s reflexes from a well-executed corner. Yanis responded in 4’ with a cross that grazed the crossbar. Just before the 15-minute mark, a rapid attacking action from Cartagena was converted by Alberto Cayarga (1-0, 14’). Then a Cristian López bicycle kick, in 18’, hit the post. The match went from a possible 2-0 to a close 1-1, following a great play from Jairo that Caye didn’t manage to finish (19’). Half an hour into the game and MCF tried to overcome a tough rival that made the most of their lead on the scoreboard. An electric Jairo on the right launched a powerful shot at the target that was intercepted by Chichizola. The ball subsequently moved to the other area forcing Barrio to save a shot from goal-scorer Cayarga (40’). At half-time the home side held on to their 1-0 lead.
Sergio Pellicer made a double substitution at the start of the second half. Benítez and Stefan joined the game in place of Alexander and Quintana, changing the formation to a 1-4-4-2 with a double nine upfront. An attempt from Matos from the left, in 49’, hit the post. The team improved in pace and movement of the ball but lacked punch upfront. Jairo, in a counter-attack, passed the ball to Stefan which the Serbian headed into the hands of Chichizola (60’). Matos, immediately afterwards, was shown his fifth yellow card of the competition, meaning he’ll miss out on the match against Almería. The player from Sevilla could have equalised in 71’ when he finished a superb pass from Benítez at close range, but the shot was saved by the local keeper.
Pellicer made a second double substitution, bringing on Ramón and Julio for Luis Muñoz and Caye (73’). Yanis, like Matos beforehand, was shown his fifth yellow card.
Málaga went level with a goal from Jozabed (1-1, 81’) in the final stages of play. The Malaguista goal-scorer left the pitch in 88’ and was replaced by Cristian. A minute later, Raúl Navas elbowed Yanis and was sent off. However, there was no time for more and the final 1-1 draw gives MCF 42 points and a comfortable place in the standings.
