Málaga CF visited the Estadio Cerro del Espino to face Rayo Majadahonda on LaLiga 1|2|3 matchday 26. Blanco Leschuk and Keidi, sanctioned, left their places in the starting-11 to Seleznov and Dani Pacheco. The first clear opportunity for the Blue and Whites arrived after five minutes with a pass from Iván Rodríguez to Seleznov, but the rival keeper intercepted the ball before the Ukrainian striker made a connection. Three minutes later saw a replica from the local side. Héctor propelled a good shot towards the target that was deflected by Munir with a superb save. After 18 minutes, local defender Rafa was substituted due to injury, with Morillas taking his place. Verdés was shown the first card of the game after nudging Seleznov in a dispute for the ball. Two minutes later, in 36’, the Malaguista centre forward sent the ball to the back of the net following a great free kick from Pacheco, but the goal was disallowed by the referee for a previous foul. Towards the end of the first half there was no clear danger in either area.
The local coach made some changes during half-time, bringing on Aristóteles in place of Manu del Moral. Muñiz’s men piled the pressure on in the second half, generating the first Malaguista approach, a shot from Erik Morán from an Alejo pass. The ball was deflected to a corner by the rival defence. Ten minutes into the second half, Muñiz brought on Harper in substitution of Erik Morán to play with the two forwards. Rayo took control of the match midway through the second half. In 71’, the Blue and Whites made their second substitution. Renato replaced Seleznov on the field of play. Antonio Iriondo also made some changes, with Benito coming on in place of Varela. With just over 10 minutes remaining until the final whistle, Adrián scored for the Malaguistas. The midfielder launched a left-footer from outside the area straight into the goal, the sixth goal for the Blue and Whites’ player.
Muñiz made his final substitution in 89’. Luis Hernández, now recovered from injury, came on in place of Iván Alejo. The Malaguista defender returned to the pitch some three months since his last match. The local side tightened up in the closing stages, but Málaga CF endured the attacks (0-1).
