Both teams were raring to go as they stepped on to the field of play at San Mamés. After three minutes, the first chance came for Málaga. A cross from Keko on the right wing and a shot from Charles sent the ball away from the rival area. Subsequently, Málaga received their first warning. Athletic, spurred on by the crowd, approached Kameni’s area. Lekue fired a Beñat corner in front of the target, but the ball sailed over the crossbar. The Blue and Whites’ goalkeeper then raised alarm bells after 14 minutes of play. He complained of some discomfort and requested medical assistance. However, it was just a shock.
After 20 minutes, the home side created their best chance to score so far. Susaeta was unmarked in front of Kameni after outwitting the Malaguista defence, but the keeper diverted the ball to a corner. Athletic gradually began to take control of play, whilst Málaga waited for their moment. Another cross from Williams came on the right. The winger from the Bilbao-based rival brought the ball to the end line, but Raúl García sent it into the clouds. Lekue returned to cause trouble for the Blue and Whites’ goalkeeper with a shot in front of the target, but it was sent to a corner after being touched by a Malaguista defender. The first half ended 0-0.
The second half kicked off with two approaches by Athletic, that were repelled by the Málaga defence. Marcelo Romero’s men had their best chance to get on the scoreboard in minute 47. A throw-in by Luis Hernández to the penalty spot was headed by Jony. Iraizoz deflected the ball to a corner. Immediately after, Llorente launched a corner kick that narrowly missed the goal. Málaga were loosening up. Athletic Club coach, Ernesto Valverde made a substitution in minute 62. Villalibre came on in place of Muniain.
The first goal of the match arrived in minute 72. The referee called a penalty due to a Camacho hand ball, and Raúl García scored from the spot. Marcelo Romero decided to make some changes following the goal. Jony was replaced by Chory Castro; Valverde decided to bring on Eneko Bóveda in place of Williams; and Marcelo Romero introduced En-Nesyri for Keko (79’). Charles just missed out on an equaliser, five minutes before the final whistle. A great shot by En-Nesyri assisted the Spanish-Brazilian striker, but he couldn’t find the target. There were two more changes in the final five minutes of play; Saborit for Susaeta in Athletic and Sandro for Camacho in Málaga. The last few minutes were fraught, with two dangerous approaches that Málaga were unable to convert. The visitors gave their all in Athletic’s area, but didn’t manage a draw.
