Two minutes into play and Julio Baptista was already putting pressure on rival keeper, Andrés Fernández, with a powerful shot at goal 30 metres away from the target, that resulted in a corner kick. Seconds later, clearance from the rival defence bounced off Saviola, who came achingly close to the Osasuna keeper, but Andrés Fernández prevented an early goal for the Blue and Whites, and the ball resulted in another corner.
Following numerous opportunities for Málaga, it was Joaquín in minute 20 who had a shot at glory in front of the penalty area, and after cruising through the Osasuna defence, missed the goal by a whisker.
One of Málaga CF’s most promising chances came in the 32nd minute, and a deep pass from Iturra to Saviola resulted in a pacey shot at goal, with the ball colliding with the far post, leading to another corner. A shot from Joaquín following impressive individual play, was saved by the Osasuna keeper.
A rival counter attack was soon on the cards, and it was Cejudo in the 38th minute who was aiming to net the ball, forcing a low-slung save by Willy, averting any danger of a goal. Three minutes later Osasuna’s Armenteros tried his luck, but failed to get through the Willy Caballero powerhouse.
With a goalless draw at half-time, it was the Blue and Whites who had dominated possession and deserved a better reward at this point in the match than their Pamplona-based rival.
The second half got underway in much the same way. Málaga CF maintained control, although failed to cause too much trouble for the Osasuna goalkeeper, apart from a Julio Baptista kick from the right wing that lacked enough strength to reach the back of the net, and a chance for Weligton following a free kick.
However Málaga were saving the best until last, and a Duda free kick in stoppage time led to a Camacho header to clear the way for Baptista to slam the ball into the back of the net and secure three crucial points for La Rosaleda’s team.
Match stats
MÁLAGA CF: Willy, Jesús Gámez, Weligton, Demichelis, Eliseu, Camacho, Iturra (Piazon, min. 81), Joaquín (Seba, min. 87), Baptista, Isco and Saviola (Duda, min. 73).
C.A. OSASUNA: Andrés Fernández, Marc B., Rubén, De las Cuevas (Masoud, min. 85), Kike Sola (Onwu, min, 78), Armenteros, Arribas, Oier, Cejudo (Puñal, min. 65), Silva and Raoul Loé.
GOAL:
1-0: Baptista (min. 92).
REFEREE: Velasco Carballo, (‘Colegio Madrileño’). Yellow cards were awarded to Kike Sola (min. 42), Rubén (min. 69), Iturra (min. 77) and Puñal (min. 90).
INFORMATION: 31st BBVA League match of the season, held at La Rosaleda.