Here are some of the standout details of #MálagaLasPalmas from last Saturday that ended in a 1-1 draw:
Change of system, same model
Víctor introduced four changes in respect of the line-up that debuted in Santander. In defence, Cifuentes and Mikel were featured, with Juanpi and Pacheco on the attack. In terms of the scheme, it went from a 3-5-2 with three centrals and shuttlers against Racing, to a more standard 4-2-3-1 with Adrián upfront. The football identity didn’t change, with the usual good treatment of the ball on the exit from the back as well as good combination in the wide area.
Juanpi recital
The Venezuelan excelled in this game. He offered a masterclass of passes between the lines, top-level technical gestures and personality with the ball at his feet. His ability to unbalance the rival led to the equaliser, forcing the penalty that allowed the match to go level. Talent and quality at the service of the team.
Adrián’s cool head
The captain didn’t miss his appointment with the goal. After scoring a goal worth three points on matchday 1, the number ‘8’ assumed the responsibility of taking a shot from the 11-metre mark some 10 minutes before the final whistle. With a cool head, temperament and placement, Adrián overcame the rival keeper to score his second goal in two league games. Impeccable.
Notable 4 out of 6
The numbers at the start of the season are, at the very least, notable. A victory and a draw to remain undefeated; sixth place in the standings to place the team two points away from the three leaders and one above the pursuers outside the promotion play-off positions.
17,612 million thanks
Once again, the fans were awesome. In the run-up to the match, during and even after it had ended, the Malaguistas at Martiricos didn’t stop encouraging, supporting and lifting their team’s spirits when the lads were 0-1 down. The players and the fans walked hand in hand as the public recognised the great effort shown by the team in clinching the tie in the closing stages of play.
