Málaga CF were in action at El Toralín on LaLiga SmartBank matchday 12 against SD Ponferradina. There were four new faces in Sergio Pellicer’s starting line-up compared to the last game. Juan Soriano was in goal, Lombán was in central defence, whilst Matos and Yanis were on the left wing.
The Malaguistas, dressed in yellow at Comarca de El Bierzo, picked up speed early on and the start of play saw the most action. In minute 4, Lombán skied a free kick served up on the left by Ramón. Gaspar for the locals then found the crossbar in 8’. Shortly afterwards, in 16’, Málaga CF opened the scoring. A long ball from Iván Calero found Chavarría who assisted Yanis Rahmani to convert the 0-1. After the goal, the horizon became clearer. This was followed by a more placid section of play for the Malaguistas, but who were always ready for anything. A high header from Yanis, a Jairo cross and a long distance left-footer by Iván Calero were the chances for Pellicer’s crew in the remainder of the first half. However, ‘Ponfe’ caused some turbulence thanks to Caxe, whose bicycle kick went high, followed by a shot that grazed the post in 43’. Ríos Reina then tried his luck against Juan Soriano, but the ball sailed over the crossbar.
At the start of the second half, ‘Ponfe’ launched two headers at the target, the work of Caxe and Yuri, whilst the Malaguistas sought to avoid traffic with rapid recoveries in search of the upfront trio made up of Jairo, Chavarría and Yanis Rahmani. In 74’, Curro Sánchez scored the equaliser, converting a Ríos Reina cross from the left. Two minutes later Joaquín Muñoz made his debut wearing the Malaguista jersey. Pellicer’s men took control of play, generating a great degree of danger in the local goal. First Chavarría launched a superb header inside the area, then Iván Calero sent the ball to the post, deflected to a corner by Caro. Subsequently Cristian went in search of a second goal. Benkhemassa and Pellicer were sent off in stoppage time, and the Malaguistas had to pull out all the stops to secure the draw at El Toralín, which was jeopardised by a clear chance for Caxe.
Málaga obtained a point in Ponferrada in a very hectic weekend, to reach 18 points and remain in a comfortable position in the LaLiga SmartBank standings. The next match is on Saturday 21st November at 14:00 against CD Leganés at La Rosaleda.
