These are some of the highlights of Osasuna-Málaga (2-1) corresponding to LaLiga 1|2|3 matchday 12, from the perspective of Muñiz’s men:
The realm of sanctions
The balance, at the expense of the opinion of the Competition Committee, was extremely negative for Málaga in regard to the number of players sanctioned for the next match. Blanco Leschuk (two yellow cards) and N’Diaye (straight red card) were sent off. Adrián, Ontiveros and Ricca were shown their fifth yellow card in the cycle. Most unusual.
Strategy, key
Another Malaguista goal arose from a strategic action. Pacheco, effective on direct and indirect set pieces, gave his second assist of the season. An astute Pau anticipated the Osasuna defence and made the most of the pass from the player from Pizarra to take a 0-1 lead. Coincidentally, the locals turned the match around based on two set pieces.
Centrals and debuts
Pau Torres, who has played all 12 matches of the competition so far in full, in the starting line-up, scored his debut goal with the Blue and Whites. In addition, David Lombán made his official debut with MCF, coming on in the final stages of the match (73’) to occupy the central area of the defence.
Always in promotion positions
In regard to the standings, the defeat at El Sadar didn’t stop the team from remaining in direct promotion positions to LaLiga Santander for another week. Although Granada are in the top spot with a one-point lead over Málaga, the distance in relation to the team in seventh place (UD Almería) - which marks the first team out of the promotion play-offs, is 8 points. A good cushion.
