The team got off to a strong start, remaining tight against Córdoba. In minute 2, Michael Santos launched a shot at the target from a distance with certain danger, and Sandro, in the 5th minute, tested the reflexes of the rival goalkeeper with a powerful ball. On the wings, Rosales and Ontiveros multiplied on the right, and Chory was very active on the left.
Dominance in the creation of goal opportunities took shape after the first quarter of an hour. Ontiveros combined well with Sandro, and the latter finalised the perfect shot from the right to open the scoring for Málaga (1-0, 18’). The Canaries-born striker, who scored his eighth goal in this 2016/17 season so far, then crashed the ball into the crossbar following a corner kick, narrowly missing out on a second goal (25’).
A crouching Córdoba were not in the least forgiving in their first opportunity. A lethal counter attack by Piovaccari levelled up the scoreboard (1-1, 27’). Immediately afterwards, Ontiveros, with a strong shot, along with a Santos header, led the Málaga reaction to the equaliser. It was Sandro who claimed the glory for the second time this evening with a goal from outside the area (2-1, 39’). Straight away, Piovaccari equalised for Córdoba again in a rapid counter attack (2-2, 41’). Santos and Sandro went in search of a third goal before the half-time whistle, but it didn’t materialise.
In the second half, Juande Ramos’ men stepped on the accelerator from minute 46. Córdoba, with a clear advantage on the scoreboard, tried to contain the Blue and Whites’ attack, with Ontiveros and Sandro in their sights. In minute 58, Jony substituted Mikel – who kicked off as a central and played as number ‘3’ – on the left, in an attempt to capsize the rival. It was precisely on that side that Chory came close to a goal with a promising cross in minute 63. A hyperactive Sandro tried his luck in minute 64, but it was the rival who were about to score their third goal. A foul by Llorente on Pedro Ríos led to a penalty, with the latter scoring from the penalty spot to take the lead (2-3, 68’).
En-Nesyri and Duda stepped on to the field of play, in substitution of Juanpi and Ontiveros (70’) to refresh the attack, although at this point winning the tie was impossible. The team continued to create chances, thanks to Sandro and Santos between minutes 75’ and 83’, whilst Pedro Ríos pardoned the fourth goal in minute 86’. A mighty right-footer from Chory levelled the playing field temporarily (3-3, 88’). However, Ríos went on to complete his double with a close-range header, to give victory to Córdoba (3-4, 89’) and qualification to the last-16 (aggregate, 3-6). Having been knocked out of the Copa del Rey, MCF will now focus on LaLiga Santander when the competition returns in 2017.