It was another game at La Rosaleda which began with both teams working moves in the middle of the pitch but without much action going on inside the penalty areas. Even though Málaga had one of the first corners of the match, a lack of Zaragocistas meant some dangerous moves were produced until Seba’s shot, following a pass from Monreal, was stopped by the goalkeeper, Roberto.
However, the well-armed Zaragoza defence ensured there was no rhythm of play and the ‘Maños’ side became more comfortable on the pitch, so much so that they scored the first goal thanks to a move by Aranda, who shot one in from the right in minute 21 of the match.
Málaga soon reacted, but without converting their chances with Roberto once again saving a great rocket from Mathijsen after another corner. And once again Zaragoza managed to put the game to sleep by not only cutting off Malaguista attacks but by also creating some danger around Willy Caballero’s goal.
Only was it in the first half’s last breath that a pass from Isco, met with Sebastián Fernández’s head, allowing the Blue and Whites to equalise just at half time as Roberto was simply unable to stop the shot.
The second half saw a more intense Málaga, and taking the reins were Seba and Rondón who proved to be very active, even though the Venezuelan wasn’t able to convert the best opportunity of the first few minutes - again a shot that had been set up by the Benalmádena-born Isco. With 10 players momentarily, as Demichelis came on for Sergio Sánchez who was suffering from a muscle injury, a long shot from Recio narrowly missed Roberto’s goal.
With Joaquín also now also on the pitch, substituting Recio, the Blue and Whites generated various dangerous moves, but were once again unable to convert. It was a lucky move which eventually turned the game around for Málaga as Isco shot the ball from the right wing to Rondón but the pass was touched by Da Silva, meaning an own goal, and putting 2-1 on the scorebaord for the Blue and Whites.
And to avoid any doubt, Pellegrini’s men scored another set of goals in quick succession: the first was by Martín Demichelis with a powerhouse header (minute 77); and the second was by Isco, who managed to secure Málaga Club de Fútbol’s fourth goal. It was neatly concluded with a great move from Rondón who finished off a Nacho Monreal pass from the left wing to achieve the squad’s fifth and final goal.
In the end, an overwhelming win for Málaga Club de Fútbol with five goals to one, giving the Malagistas 34 points and pushing them into Champions League positions.
Match details:
Málaga CF: Willy; Sergio Sanchez (Demichelis 54’), Mathijsen, Weligton (C), Monreal; Cazorla, Toulalan, Recio (Joaquín 55’), Isco; Seba (Maresca 75’) and Rondon
Real Zaragoza : Roberto, Álvarez, Lanzaro, Da Silva, Obradovic, Pinter, Edu Oriol, Abraham (Juan Carlos 56’), Micael, Lafita (Luis García 73’) and Aranda (Postiga 73’)
Goals:
0-1 (21’): Aranda
1-1 (45’): Sebastián Fernández
2-1 (67’): Da Silva (own goal – pass to Isco)
3-1 (77’): Demichelis
4-1 (79’): Isco
5-1 (88’): Rondón
Referee:
Turienza Álvarez, Colegio Castellano-Manchego: Yello cards for the home side’s Toulalan; and the visitor’s Lanzaro, Pinter and Álvarez.
Notes:
The 25th BBVA League match at Málaga’s La Rosaleda stadium
