Málaga CF didn’t waste any time in creating an opportunity to score, with impressive play by Sergio Sánchez from the right, with an Eliseu header just missing former ‘Malaguista’ Munúa’s penalty area, 90 seconds into the match. Six minutes later and Málaga had another chance to score from a shot by Joaquín, leading into fantastic play by Portillo, which unfortunately didn’t end in a goal.
Saviola falling inside the penalty area in minute 16, following a pass from Isco should have led to a penalty for the local team.
The Blue and Whites then took the initiative, with Levante only putting a stop to Manuel Pellegrini’s side, by being issued with two yellow cards in the first 25 minutes. A pass from Málaga’s Isco allowed Saviola to be up against Munúa on his own in front of the penalty area, with a powerful shot into the left of the goal. Málaga were now a goal up in the first 30 minutes of play. The Blue and Whites continued to dominate the match, and petitioned for another penalty in the 35th minute as Sergio Sánchez fell in the visitors’ six yard box.
Levante had their first chance at goal in minute 41 with brilliant play from the left wing, prevented by Caballero, which resulted in a corner kick.
The visitors started the second half in much the same way as the first, though nearly equalised following a possible foul on Sergio Sánchez. However it was Míchel that put the score board level, with a shot from directly in front of the goal area. Málaga created further goal opportunities in a bid to get a second goal, and Joaquín put the Blue and Whites in the lead again in minute 57, as a result of a direct pass from Saviola.
Paraguay-born Roque Santa Cruz made his Málaga CF debut in minute 63, substituting Saviola, who scored his first goal for the Blue and Whites, following his appearance in the third League match against Zaragoza. Recio also came on to the pitch, in place of second goal-scorer, Joaquín.
Málaga CF continued to dominate the rhythm of the game, against the Levante outfit who failed to create any further goal chances. In one of the last shots of the match, a brilliant centre kick from Duda led to a goal for Portillo, putting Málaga 3-1 up.
Málaga CF continues to be near the top of the table with another three points, ahead of their Champions League match against Zenit on Tuesday.
Match stats
MÁLAGA CF: Willy, Sergio Sánchez, Demichelis, Weligton, Monreal, Camacho, Portillo, Joaquín, Recio (min. 73), Isco, Saviola (Santa Cruz, 63) and Eliseu (Duda, 80).
UD LEVANTE: Munúa, Navarro, Barquero (Pallardó, min. 62), El Zhar (Ríos, min 57), Juanfran, Gekas, Ballesteros, Juanlu, Míchel, Chris and Diop (Rubén, min. 74).
GOALS:
1-0: Saviola (min. 25).
2-0: Míchel (min. 46).
2-1. Joaquín (min. 57)
3-1, Portillo (min. 92)
REFEREE: Velasco Carballo (Colegio Madrileño). Yellow cards were given to Chris (min. 7), Ballesteros (min. 24), Camacho (min. 54), Diop (min. 63), Willy Caballero (min. 79) and Míchel (min.86). Sergio Sánchez was sent off with a double yellow (min. 35 and min. 86).
INFORMATION: Fourth BBVA League match held in La Rosaleda.
