Málaga CF ends the group stage with a draw against RSC Anderlecht (2-2)

The match got underway with a strong performance from both sides, who didn’t take too many risks in the first few minutes.  The first goal chance for Málaga came after five minutes, beginning with a pass from Eliseu to Iturra outside the penalty area, sending the ball to the right of keeper, Proto.
 
Diego Buonanotte made full use of a high ball and sailed through the Anderlecht defence to create another goal opportunity for the Blue and Whites in minute 10.  Another good save by Proto sent the ball to a corner.  A cross from Onyewu made it to the six-yard box, giving Weligton a shot at glory, though the defender sent the ball into the terraces.
 
Málaga took the reigns of the game and began to overpower the Belgian keeper.  However bad news was just around the corner, and suffering with an injured knee, Toulalan was substituted by Camacho after 15 minutes, to avoid any further problems for the French-born defender.
 
Manuel Pellegrini’s team continued with the same rhythm of play, though with a notably lesser attacking display.  Despite the dominance from the home team, Anderlecht created the perfect chance to open the scoring 20 minutes in with a shot from Mbokani.  However there was no getting past a colossal Kameni with a powerful save on the goal line.

The visitors didn’t stop there.  A promising cross from Jovanovic on the left, set up a good ball for Bruno directly in front of the goal, but again the Málaga keeper prevented another chance for Anderlecht to take the lead.  The Belgian-based side began to show their determination to win third place in the group giving them access to the Europa League, however news of a Zenit goal in Milan at the San Siro drastically reduced their options.

Just before half-time, following a disallowed goal from Safari, Seba created a great chance for a Málaga goal with a cross to Duda from the right wing, allowing the Portuguese-born midfielder to smash the ball into the back of Proto’s goal from in front of the six-yard box.  The Blue and Whites were 1-0 up as the half-time whistle was blown.

The second half kicked off with a surprise goal for Anderlecht.  A pass from Mbokani allowed Jovanovic to take advantage of a Málaga error and level up the score board.

Only minutes later, Jovanovic launched another powerful shot at Carlos Kameni’s goal, but the ball hit the post, preventing a 1-2 lead for Anderlecht.

Málaga retaliated in minute 58 with fantastic play between Duda and Eliseu; the latter setting up a chance for Roque Santa Cruz, though the ball deflected off the post.  This was the first real chance for Pellegrini’s men in the second half.

The Blue and Whites continued on the attack, and a brilliant Buonanotte display sailed through the Belgian defence, allowing Duda to curl the ball into the back of Proto’s goal to put the locals ahead by 2-1.

Duda was aiming for a hat trick minutes later with a free kick from outside the goal, however luck was on Proto’s side and another goal was averted.

Anderlecht certainly weren’t throwing in the towel.  Jovanovic overcame the Málaga defence inside the penalty area in the 68th minute, desperate for an equaliser, however Kameni ensured this wasn’t the case and made another great save.

Ten minutes before the end and Duda received a standing ovation as he was substituted by Portillo.  The midfielder added another two goals tonight to his scoring record.

The match was far from over however, and in minute 88, just as La Rosaleda was preparing to celebrate, Mbokani ensured the second chance at an equaliser for Anderlecht, didn’t fall at the last hurdle.  A minute later and Mbokani had the chance to put the visitors in the lead by 2-3, although Kameni saved the ball on the goal line, and scuppered the Belgian team’s chance of a place in the Europa League.

The final draw means that Anderlecht didn’t end up in third place in the group, and Málaga’s million euro prize money has been halved as they didn’t claim a victory.  The best news of all was already announced.  Málaga finished in first place in Group C and are through to the next round.


Match stats

MALAGA CF: Kameni, Sergio Sánchez, Weligton (Jesús Gámez, min. 52), Onyewu, Eliseu, Toulalan (Camacho, min. 15), Iturra, Seba, Duda (Portillo, min. 79), Buoanotte and Santa Cruz.
RSC ANDERLECHT: Proto, Deschacht, Biglia, Jovanovic (Vargas, min. 84), Kouyaté, Kljestan, Safari, Mbokani, Praet (De Sutter, min. 71), Gillet and Bruno.

GOALS:
1-0: Duda (min. 45).
1-1: Jovanovic (min. 50).
2-1: Duda (min. 60).
2-2: Mbokani (min. 88).

REFEREE: Deniz Ayketin.  Yellow cards were awarded to Duda (min. 7); Kljestan (min. 32) and Mbokani (min. 76).

INFORMATION:  Sixth and final Group C match in the UEFA Champions League, held at La Rosaleda in front of 21,796 fans.