In the run-up to kick-off on this Sunday afternoon, the Club and the Fondo Sur 1904 stand paid tribute to ‘El Rubio’, a charismatic Malaguista fan who recently passed away. “Thank you for everything Rubio, Malaka Legend. Honour,” read a gigantic banner behind the goal in the Gol Bajo stand.
On the pitch, Natxo González made several changes in relation to the last match in Fuenlabrada. ‘Juvenil’ Andrés Caro was positioned on the right profile of defence, in place of sanctioned U-21 international Víctor Gómez. Escassi was in central defence together with Lombán, whilst Paulino and Roberto completed the quota of new additions on the attack in place of Kevin (absent due to a viral infection) and Brandon.
It wasn’t until midway through the first half (22’) when Málaga sent the first serious warning to a well-positioned Huesca in defence. Jairo, from the right, reached the line and crossed to Roberto, whose heel-kick landed in the hands of Andrés Fernández. The Blue and White number ‘10’, due to injury, left the pitch and was replaced by Hicham in 35’. The Moroccan winger, around the 45’ minute mark, generated a good chance for Roberto to finish, yet he once again came up against Andrés.
As soon as the second half got underway, the home side received a hammer blow. Marc Mateu scored for Huesca (0-1, 47’). Ten minutes later, perfect definition by the rival’s ‘pichichi’, Seoane in front of Dani Barrio increased Huesca’s lead (0-2, 57’).
Natxo introduced two changes in minute 60. Antoñín and Brandon freshened up the attack in place of Vadillo and Paulino. In 68’, former Malaguista Joaquín Muñoz initiated a play that resulted in a shot for Escriche that narrowly missed the target.
Nerves took over the team, with the players clearly affected by the rival goals. In 77’, MCF made the final substitutions. Ramón and Chavarría came on in place of Febas and Roberto. Mikel Rico, now in minute 86, missed out on a third goal for the visitors from a clear opportunity. At full-time, SD Huesca won by 0-2 at Martiricos.
Málaga CF remain with 37 points in LaLiga SmartBank, in 18th place in the standings, with +6 points above the relegation zone.
