It was a frantic start as both teams prioritised combinative play in the wide area, creating danger between the lines. Málaga created the first opportunity early on in the match. In minute 8’ Rosales assisted Charles, who with a header into the back of the net put his team 1-0 in the lead against his former team, scoring his seventh League goal of the season.
Having overcome the initial blow, a dangerous Celta hit back on the right wing as Orellana spared Kameni in minute 21’. The ‘Malaguista’ strategy was about to deal another hit to the Galician side. A perfect corner kick bv Juanpi, new to Gracia’s starting-11, allowed a waiting Albentosa at the back to score the 2-0 (26’).
The Blue and Whites, with the wind in their favour, were compact and sure in each of their actions, winning every duel against the skilful rival on the second line. An immeasurable Camacho in midfield symbolised MCF’s superiority. The rival came close to a goal just before half-time as a shot from Wass hit the crossbar (42’).
After half-time, Málaga continued the same level of intensity without losing their attacking presence. A very active Amrabat tried his luck with a long shot that narrowly missed the target (48’). Aspas attempted to overcome the ‘Malaguistas’, including an imperial Weligton who was enjoying his 200th LaLiga match with the Club tonight. In the other area, Nordin Armabat searched for another goal three times in a row just before minute 60’.
It was again Amrabat who was the star of the next key action in the game, leading to a penalty and red card for goalkeeper, Rubén. However, he missed the penalty (65’), thanks to Sergio Álvarez and the crossbar, who prevented the third Blue and Whites’ goal of the match. With superiority in numbers, and the entrance of Pablo Fornals, Málaga was again denied a third goal at close range with a cross from Pablo following assistance from Amrabat (75’).
Duda substituted Juanpi in the final stage of the match (80’). Pablo, in a deadly counter attack, missed out on a goal in front the area (85’). The fans then reacted to Gracia’s final change of the match, applauding and chanting ‘La Bombonera’ as Ontiveros replaced goal-scorer Charles. Camacho (89’) tried his luck with a close range shot, that missed out on a final dream ending. A 2-0 win, that could have been more, but gives the home side another three points, the fourth LaLiga win in a row and a fantastic start to 2016.