The match got underway with a very early corner for Valencia, sparking a high intensity game, with great fighting spirit from both sides. There were several chances at goal for both Málaga and Valencia on a constant basis during the first part of the match.
As time went on, the speed of the game play slowed down a little, although the intensity was maintained, creating dangerous play from Soldado and Piatti for the visitors, and impressive passes from Isco and Maresca, looking for Joaquín on the wing, and Rondón on the attack.
Just before the first 30 minutes was up, came the Málaga goal: a throw-in from Joaquín to Jesús Gámez, who moved towards the centre of the penalty area, allowing a fantastic header from Camacho to direct the ball into the back of the net, straight passed Guaita. Málaga were at an advantage on the score board from the 27th minute, forcing Valencia to up their attacking display. However Manuel Pellegrini’s men kept the visitors on their toes, with a powerful shot by Isco from the front of the penalty area, which bounced off the crossbar.
Valencia had a few opportunities to score following the initial Málaga goal, resulting in corner kicks for the visitors. However there was no real danger for the Blue and Whites, particularly Carlos Kameni. The nearest chance to another goal in the remainder of the first half again came from Málaga. Isco found Cazorla who directed a powerful shot into goal, but was saved by Guaita. At the end of 45 minutes, Málaga were in the lead by 1-0 (Camacho).
The second half started with play from Rondón, passing to Cazorla, who made another attempt at goal, but a good save by the Valencian goalkeeper ensured the leader board remained the same. A subsequent corner taken by Eliseu, followed by a distance shot at goal from Joaquín, was also saved by Guaita. Málaga’s Venezuelan striker had another chance straight after, but the ball rebounded off the right post.
Málaga kept the pressure on Valencia, who were uncomfortable on the pitch throughout the entire second half, not able to reach the Blue and Whites penalty area.
Valencia’s Fegholi was awarded his second yellow card in the 61st minute, leaving the visitors with just 10 men for the rest of the game. There were several other interruptions in the remainder of the second half, disrupting the rhythm of play, allowing Valencia to create danger from their set-pieces and retaliate against the Blue and Whites’ attack.
However as the minutes went by, Málaga continued their dominance of the match, with a fantastic shot by Ruud Van Nistelrooy who had just come on to the pitch, which was saved by Guaita on the goal line.
With just five minutes left of normal time Valencia tried to gain possession, but this was short-lived. Coach Unai Emery made three substitutions just before the final whistle, in an attempt to find an equaliser. But it was Málaga who had the best goal opportunities, near the penalty area and from throw-ins. A powerful distance shot from Santi Cazorla nearly saw the Blue and Whites score their second goal, but the ball hit the crossbar. Extra time allowed Van Nistelerooy another shot, but to no avail.
The referee blew the final whistle, resulting in a crucial win for Málaga Club de Fútbol, by 1-0 thanks to a Camacho goal. The Blue and Whites are now tied in third place with today’s rival Valencia CF with 55 points in the BBVA League, three ahead of fifth placed Levante UD.
Match statistics
Málaga CF: Kameni, Gámez, Demichelis, Weligton (C), Eliseu; Isco, Camacho, Maresca (Duda 70’), Cazorla; Joaquín (Seba 84’) and Rondón (Van Nisteltooy 73’).
Valencia CF: Guaita; Barragan (Pablo 81’), Rami, R. Costa, Mathieu (Topal 81’); Feghouli, Maduro, Tino Costa, Jordi Alba; Piatti and Soldado (Aduriz 67’).
Goals:
1-0 (27’): Camacho
Referee:
Teixeira Vitienes, F. Colegio Cántabro: Yellow cards were awarded to Málaga CF’s Camacho and Demichelis; and Valencia CF’s Maduro, Tino Costa, and a double yellow for Feghouli.
Information
The 36th BBVA League match, held in Málaga’s La Rosaleda stadium.