Sergio Pellicer made several changes to the starting line-up and on all lines. Juan Soriano returned to goal; Alexander was back in his natural role, on the right, along with Ismael and Cristo back on the left; Escassi, following suspension, played as defensive pivot; and Caye and Jairo were upfront with Chavarría.
Málaga made their first approaches to the rival goal in minute 5. Chavarría forced a corner then Caye, immediately afterwards, launched the ball over the crossbar. Little by little, Alcorcón got into the game showing their credentials. However, it seemed MCF were in control of the game until midway through the first half.
In 33’, Marc Gual appeared on the right for the locals with a dangerous attempt at opening the scoring. The general tone of the match featured little presence in the areas and a lot of abrupt football. Escassi, just before half-time, was shown the yellow card that carries suspension, before another good chance for Gual. At half-time the scoreboard remained at 0-0.
The second half got underway with little change to the dynamic of the game, marked by the cold and wind in the Spanish capital. In 55’, Anquela made a change, substituting injured Hugo Fraile for Samu Sosa. Meanwhile, Pellicer didn’t take long to make his first change, introducing Yanis for Jairo (60’).
The team grew on the right, driven by Ismael, arrivals by Alexander and Caye on the wing. The ‘Alfareros’ barely approached Soriano’s area. Joaquín came on for Caye in 79’ to refresh the attack. The balance of forces continued into stoppage time, when Chavarría appeared. A successful counterattack by the Argentinean saw him score a spectacular goal and secure a hard-fought victory (0-1, 92’).
Three more points away from home for Málaga CF to total 31 out of 23 matches in LaLiga SmartBank. Vamos, Málaga!
