The match got off to a slow start, although Málaga didn’t take long to create the first chance to score. A powerful shot from Buonanotte on the left deflected off Cacereño’s Juli Ferrer, and very nearly opened the scoring for the Blue and Whites.
Conscious of the need for a 0-2 win tonight, Julio Cobos’s team focused on an upfront style of play. Toni set up their first shot at goal within ten minutes by taking advantage of a defensive error by Onyewu, however it presented no problem for Kameni. Sixteen minutes in and Toni had another chance to head the ball into the net following a Valverde free kick.
Buonanotte was quick to retaliate for Málaga, and just two minutes later he took a determined left-footed shot at goal, which deflected off the Cacereño post. Although the home side had the advantage due to the number of away goals, Cacereño were determined to give it their all in order to qualify.
A Santi free kick in minute 36 landed at Chapi’s feet, and following a successful tackle against Onyewu, curled the ball into Kameni’s net to put the visitors on the score board (0-1).
Both teams had another chance at goal before the half-time whistle. A shot from Recio from outside the penalty area forced Fuentes to pull out all the stops to avoid an equaliser. However only seconds later, a pacey Valverde found himself unmarked in front of Kameni’s goal area, although the Málaga keeper prevented a second Cacereño goal just before the whistle.
A notable lack of rhythm marked the start of the second half. Málaga tried to turn things around in minute 52 with their best attempt at goal in the entire match. Duda had a shot from the left wing, with the ball landing with Seba just outside the six-yard box. An impressive save by Fuentes only led to another shot for Seba, though the Cacereño keeper again prevented what looked to be a sure fire equaliser for the Blue and Whites.
Málaga were much more active on the pitch in the second half, and continued to pile the pressure on Cacereño, with a near miss by Duda from outside the penalty area 60 minutes in.
The visitors had another clear chance to put the score board at 0-2 with a shot by Gaspara on the left, which was saved by Demichelis and a corner kick granted. This led to a chance for Juli Ferrer, however the ball was deflected off Santa Cruz.
The second Cacereño goal in the 79th minute was disallowed by the referee, Checa, for being offside. The visitors had a final flourish in the last few minutes of play, determined for a second goal to keep their qualification dream alive. However Málaga keeper Kameni saved Santi Amaro’s shot in minute 86, to see the Martiricos outfit through to the next round.
Match stats
MÁLAGA CF: Willy, Jesús Gámez, Weligton (Demichelis, min. 46), Seba, Iturra, Duda (Camacho, min. 82), Buonanotte, Onyewu, Santa Cruz, Recio (Juanmi, min. 65) and Álex Portillo.
CP CACEREÑO: Fuentes, Juli Ferrer, Carrizosa, Checa (Elías, 82), Palero, Santi Amaro, Valverde Rivera, min. 60) Chapi, Toni, Esteve (Matias Saad, min. 73) and Gaspar.
GOALS:
0-1: Chapi (min. 36)
REFEREE: Cerro Grande (Madrid). Yellow cards were awarded to Palero (min. 60), Toni (min. 84) and Elías (min. 86).
INFORMATION Return leg of the Copa del Rey knock-out stage, held at La Rosaleda, in front of 13,392 fans.