Málaga CF still without victory in 2013 after draw with Celta (1-1)
Despite a good first half, Málaga CF was unable to defeat Celta de Vigo. Augusto scored the equaliser for the visitors following Demichelis opening the scoring for Málaga in the first half, leaving the ‘Malaguistas’ without a win again in 2013.
The low temperatures didn’t stop Málaga imposing their style of play from the start, against a rival who also focuses on possession. The first chance for the Blue and Whites came after two minutes, as a shot from Sergio Sánchez landed at Buonanotte’s feet, however without too much power behind the ball, it was easily saved by Celta goalkeeper, Javi Varas. Álex López created a similar chance for the visitors from just outside the penalty area, but failed to get past Caballero.
The intensity of the match increased as time went on. A shot from Monreal on the right wing following impressive play from the Blue and Whites, led to a counter-attack from Celta de Vigo which ended in a chance for Aspas in the penalty area, though he couldn’t get the goal.
Celta’s best chance to score in the match so far came in the 15th minute from Krhon-Deli, as he took advantage of an Aspas header to slam a powerful shot at goal, only to be saved by Willy Caballero. Málaga began to take the reigns of the match, as the intensity and pace began to slow down, though not creating any real danger for Javi Varas.
A misunderstanding in the 33rd minute between Demichelis and Weligton allowed Aspas to be unmarked outside Willy’s penalty area, however the shot at goal from the left wing was no trouble for the Málaga keeper.
Two minutes later, following a good combination between Isco, Buonanotte and Joaquín, a header from Santa Cruz narrowly missed the goal line. Despite a Javi Varas save, nothing could stop Demichelis putting the ball in the net to put Málaga in the lead by 1-0 at half-time.
Celta kicked off the second half with a renewed determination to equalise. However Manuel Pellegrini’s men soon took control and continued the same dynamic as in the first 45 minutes. A fantastic shot from Joaquín allowed Santa Cruz to launch a mighty shot at goal in the 52nd minute but it was saved by Varas.
Despite having not caused too much trouble in the Málaga penalty area so far, Celta took advantage of a goal opportunity to level up the score board. An unlucky mistake in the Málaga defence, in which Weligton left the ball unmarked, allowed Augusto to crash through Willy Caballero’s defence to get the equaliser.
This goal made things more difficult for the ‘Malaguistas’, as Celta stepped up their defence in order to prevent a reaction from the locals before the final whistle.
With six minutes of full time remaining, a Duda free kick went too far to the right of the goal. Portillo came close to scoring Málaga’s second goal following a fantastic pass from Duda, but a quick reaction from Javi Varas prevented the Blue and Whites scoring the winning goal minutes before full time. Only seconds later it was a header from Demichelis that looked promising for the home side, but there wasn’t enough power behind the ball.
Celta also had the opportunity to snatch victory in the final minutes. Just as Lucas looked set to get Celta’s second goal of the game, a decisive save from Willy kept the score board level.
The match, which lacked a certain level of intensity throughout, ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving Málaga without a win so far in 2013.
Match stats
MÁLAGA CF: Willy; Sergio Sánchez, Demichelis, Weligton, Monreal; Isco (Duda, min. 74), Toulalan, Iturra, Buonanotte (Portillo, min. 66), Joaquin and Santa Cruz (Saviola, min. 59).
CELTA DE VIGO: Javi Varas; Jony, Cabral, Demidov, R. Lago; Augusto, Álex Lopez (Bermejo, min. 74), Oubiña, Krhon-Dehli, Natxo Insa (De Lucas, min. 57) and Iago Aspas (Bellvis, min, 86).
GOALS:
1-0 (min. 35): Demichelis.
1-1 (min. 76): Augusto.
REFEREE: Estrada Fernández ‘Colegio Catalán’. Yellow cards were awarded to Javi Varias (min. 35), Iago Aspas (min 41), Demichelis (min. 78), Lago (min. 78) and Bellvis (min. 89).
INFORMATION: The 20th BBVA League match held at La Rosaleda in front of 20,304 fans. A minute’s silence was held following the death of former CD Málaga President, Antonio Pérez-Gascón.
