Both teams arrived at the 30th LaLiga Santander match fully aware of the importance of the three points at stake. The Blue and Whites travelled to Gijón with the firm intention of returning to the Costa del Sol victorious, and they fulfilled their objective.
The Malaguistas dominated possession of the ball and controlled the rhythm of play in the first stages of the match. Míchel’s men stalked the local goal area with dangerous intent, and made several approaches.
Kameni went all out to deflect a shot by Traoré on the line in minute 30. However, this chance for Sporting didn’t deter the Blue and Whites, who continued their insistence in search of a goal.
Keko served a superb pass from the back line to Sandro’s right, who from the heart of the area, powered the ball into the back of the net. The ball, which was touched by a defender and local keeper, found the target in the 40th minute (0-1). With this result, the referee signalled the end of the first half.
The visitors stepped on to the pitch in the second half with the clear idea of maintaining the same script as the first 45 minutes; keeping possession and seeking approaches to the other end of the pitch with clarity. Keko traced his action which led to the 0-1 lead, and delivered a through ball to Pablo Fornals in 48’. The midfielder didn’t manage to connect well at the height of the penalty spot and his shot towards the target went high.
Málaga CF, well-positioned on the pitch, maintained possession and temporised the remainder of play. The locals had various approaches, but the Málaga defence repelled with solvency the Red and Whites’ attack. Kameni saved a mighty shot from a Burgui free kick in minute 88 of play, as well as a tight send to the far post by Víctor in extra time.
An important victory for Málaga CF against Real Sporting de Gijón, at El Molinón, in the 30th LaLiga Santander match of the season.
