The ‘Malaguistas’ lightly dominated the match from the start of play, however it was the visitors who created the first goal opportunity with a powerful display from young Peñaranda, which was deflected well by Angeleri (5’). It was the Argentine player, who from a free kick created the first chance for Javi Gracia’s men in minute 7’. However a masterful pass from Duda to Juankar in minute 14’ looked promising as he launched a strong right footer, but Andrés Fernández prevented the home side taking an early lead.
After the first 15 minutes the swords came out. Duda attempted to impose his quality style in the wide area; whilst the Red and Whites counted on every move Peñaranda made as being deadly in three quarters of the ‘Malaguista’ pitch. Whilst there was hardly any danger near either goal area, the tension was rising amongst both teams as half-time approached, due to the importance of the points in play.
The action continued in midfield until Amrabat appeared, who combined with Juankar in a dangerous counter attack, shrugged off two rivals to try his luck from inside the area but impacted with a rival player and a penalty was demanded (35’). Málaga subsequently stepped on the accelerator and generated two corners between minutes 40’ and 45’. Just before half-time, a precise shot from Torres on the left was converted by Charles to give the Blue and Whites a 1-0 lead. This is the fourth League goal this season for the Spanish-Brazilian striker.
In the second half, following the classic back and forth action between both sides, Estrada Fernández sent off Tissone with a second yellow card (52’), which sparked angry protests by the player. Gracia brought on reserve team player, Pablo in place of team captain, Duda, whilst Sandoval reinforced his attack with Rochina. After a tremendous tackle from Lopes to Juankar – yellow card that could have been red – the second ‘Malaguista’ goal came.
A sensational shot by Charles on the left was spliced by Amrabat, then deflected by Andrés, and the newly entered Pablo with a half scissor made his LaLiga scoring debut in a massive way (2-0, 57’). Despite being a man down, Málaga’s determination didn’t stop in the first 15 minutes of an electric second half. Juankar and Charles could have scored a third goal from subsequent clear chances. Little by little, Granada began to gain more possession and arrived at Kameni’s area, albeit without too much conviction.
Gracia refreshed his team in the final stages of the match, brining on Juanpi to replace an exhausted Amrabat. Just before Santa Cruz made his debut this season, Granada pulled one back thanks to El Arabi, who was also a sub tonight (2-1, 83’). The Paraguayan-born striker replaced Charles, and immediately after the visitors equalised, Rochina made it 2-2 with a great header in minute 85’. Both teams therefore shared the points, which was bittersweet for Málaga and the local fans.