#SportingMálaga left a multitude of highlights that are difficult to condense into a few lines. We review some of the stand out moments of the 2-2 draw in our usual ‘kilometre’.
More goal-scoring variety
Juanpi Añor and Mamadou Koné scored their debut goals of the season. The number ‘10’ forced the penalty that led to the 0-1, then with his bad foot caught the clearance of the shot launched by Leschuk from the penalty spot to net the goal. Meanwhile, the African player took advantage of a deflection by Mariño at point-blank range. In the League, there are now 10 players who have scored.
Changes without change
Muñiz was forced to change his starting line-up due to the numerous absences through sanction and injury. The team, however, didn’t suffer and continued to show the usual competitiveness. The ‘second unit’ responded in a highly demanding game, showing that every member of the team is ready to play imposing games such as the one in Gijón.
Day of debuts
Lombán and Diego González, in defence, and Boulahroud, in midfield, debuted in the starting line-up in LaLiga 1|2|3. In addition, reserve team player Keidi Bare debuted in the final minutes of play, becoming the first Albanian to take part in an official match with the squad from Martiricos. He is player number 345 to wear the Blue and White jersey as ‘MCF’.
Pau, the last survivor
Malaguista defender, Pau Torres is the only player on the team who has played all 13 matches of the competition in full (1,170 minutes). The ‘pichichi’ Blanco Leschuk has also played these 13 games but not all minutes, nor always in the starting-11 (he was on the bench in the first two league matches).
Run of matches in promotion positions with Muñiz
Asturias was the epilogue of an impressive streak of consecutive games in First Division promotion positions with Muñiz at the helm. A total of 42 of these matches were in the unforgettable 2007/08 season, plus another 12 this current season to total 54. Despite falling to fourth place in the table, Málaga maintain a +6-point lead over seventh place, and just one point away from leaders, Granada and Alcorcón.
