The match got off to an exciting start with a standout player: Chory Castro. The Uruguayan put rival keeper, Juan Carlos to the test in minute 2 with a powerful low shot, and again a minute later with a dangerous centre shot.  Juanpi and Rosales coming up on the wing, new to the line-up in place of Torres, exemplified the Blue and Whites’ dominance, until Quini (10’) launched a shot at the target that hit the post.  The rival then went on to test Ochoa’s reflexes with a cross from Embarba (20’).

Mid-way through the first half, a lethal counter-attack from the omnipresent Chory resulted in a left-footed shot from Juanpi that narrowly went high (23’).  Chory, of course, fired into the side of the net after successfully gaining possession, with a subsequent pass from Recio (28’).  The high pressure in the attacking half impeded the usual game of touch for the Vallecanos, who weren’t comfortable on the pitch at La Rosaleda.

The final minutes of the first half led to a less intense rhythm of play, and a negative incident for Paco Jémez’s men, who were forced to substitute injured Zé Castro in central defence for veteran, Amaya (42’).  Despite the numerous chances generated, the scoreboard didn’t move at the half-time whistle, 0-0.

The wood again prevented a rival goal as play resumed.  In minute 47, Málaga-born former Malaguista, Javi Guerra powered the ball into the crossbar, and on the rebound, Guerra again sent the ball right next to the post to the left of Ochoa.  The striker from Vélez-Málaga sustained injury and was carried off on a stretcher in minute 53, to applause from the Martiricos terraces.  Another striker local player Charles, appeared from the right with a counter attack, but his shot hit the post (59’).

In minute 62, Rayo opened the scoring.  Embarba with a very distant shot, tapped in by Baena, who after a diabolical parable, put his team 0-1 in the lead.  Soon after, Duje Cop tried his luck with a tame shot inside the area, that was saved by Juan Carlos.  In minute 71, Gracia brought on Atsu in place of Recio to revolutionise the attack.  The Malaguista players didn’t lose face throughout the match, quite the opposite, and were bursting with energy on the hunt for an equaliser.

In minute 77, Axarquía-born striker, Baena was the third Rayo player to retire due to injury.  In 84’, Málaga made a double change: Horta and Roque for Chory and Cop.  In stoppage time, the Blue and Whites equalised with participation from the newly introduced players.  Juanpi gained possession of the ball inside the area, with Horta and Fede Ricca keeping it there, making the most of an assist by a Santa Cruz header to send the ball into the net (1-1, 91’).  A goal that equals another point to total 42, for an MCF sitting comfortably in ninth – provisionally – position in the table.