The match got underway with the visitors having a clearer chance at goal in the opening minutes, though they couldn’t get past a face to face encounter with Andrés Fernández.
Málaga found themselves more comfortable with the ball at their feet, counteracting Osasuna’s direct game play, with Cazorla having a chance to put the Blue and Whites ahead on the leader board. In response to this, Puñal had a shot at goal for Osasuna, which was diverted by Kameni into the corner. Bit by bit, the home side started to even out the possession, creating more danger for the Málaga defence, and in turn more space for counterattacks against Manuel Pellegrini’s men, who were looking to take advantage of Joaquín and Monreal’s speed.
Following several chances for the Navarra outfit, Málaga had a great chance to score after the first half hour, beginning with a solo run by Isco, who passed to Joaquín, with the ball arriving at Cazorla’s feet, but he couldn’t control the ball to get past the keeper. Immediately after, Monreal created another chance for the visitors, with a powerful left-footed shot, saved by Andrés.
In the final minutes of the first half, there were clear shots at goal for both teams, though it was Málaga who created the most danger, with a triangular formation in front of the penalty area, arriving at goal with quick passing combinations from behind. However the opportunities weren’t converted into goals, leaving the score board at 0-0 after 45 minutes.
The second half started with a very motivated Málaga on the attack, continuing their powerful display from the end of the first half. The Blue and Whites had several further shots at goal, as well as greater ball control than the locals, but Osasuna responded well to the pressure, with a shot from Cejudo, which was stopped by Kameni. Continuing this play, came a quick recovery from Osasuna, and a cross from the left allowed Nino to head the ball into the net, scoring the first goal of the match, and putting the home side in the lead.
Málaga were now pushed into moving further up the pitch, making the first substitution of the match, with the introduction of Ruud van Nistelrooy, to replace Rondón. The Dutch striker had his first goal chance, with a header just outside the six yard box, but another save from Andrés Fernández, saw the match continue to be dominated by the Red and Blacks.
However the visitors didn’t stop in their efforts, and impressive play between Joaquín and Cazorla, ended with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area from the Asturian midfielder, straight into the left hand side of the net, making it impossible for the local keeper to save. Santi Cazorla’s ninth League goal saw the Blue and Whites equalise in the 66th minute.
The 1-1 draw gave Málaga a renewed confidence, and they continued to control the ball with a strong attack, whilst Osasuna appeared to be more nervous in the minutes following the equaliser.
Tension mounted for both teams as the match entered the final 10 minutes, with both sides knowing how crucial every shot was. Málaga’s attack relied on their Dutch striker, along with Cazorla and Isco, whilst Osasuna concentrated more on direct play and long shots, which the visitors were able to overcome without too much difficulty.
Numerous Málaga corners came in the final few minutes, with a very active Cazorla creating the most danger for Osasuna. With just two minutes left, he set up a header for Camacho, which bounced off the crossbar. Cheered on by their fans, Osasuna also had several corners, with every one cheered as if it were a goal.
Electrifying final minutes of the match, saw Cazorla having one last shot from outside the penalty area, hitting the bar in front of Andrés Fernández. With more direct action from Osasuna, and one last corner for the Blue and Whites, referee Delgado Ferreiro blew the final whistle, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Málaga Club de Fútbol maintain their fourth position in the BBVA League with 52 points, three away from third placed Valencia, and three ahead of fifth placed Levante, who’ve played 34 matches.
Match statistics
CA Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertran, Lolo, Flaño, Damiá; Cejudo, Puñal, Nekounam, Timor (Lamah 74’); Nino and Leka (Onwu 77’)
Málaga CF: Kameni; Sergio Sánchez, Demichelis, Weligton, Monreal; Camacho, Maresca; Joaquín (Eliseu 70’), Cazorla, Isco (Duda 89’); Rondón (Van Nistelrooy 58’).
Goals:
1-0 (53’): Nino.
1-1 (66’): Cazorla.
Referee:
Delgado Ferreiro, (Basque Country): Yellow cards were awarded to Osasuna’s Cejudo and Damiá; and to Van Nistelrooy for Málaga.
Information:
The 35th BBVA League match, held in the Reyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona.