The Malaguistas and Getafistas opened LaLiga Santander matchday 19 on this chilly Friday evening, 12th January, at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez stadium.
Visitors; Adrían, Recio and Iturra in the centre of the pitch brought an air of forcefulness to midfield, and in the first half of play, dominated possession of the ball by 58 per cent. The locals, meanwhile, counted on approaches to the area, but the expeditious Blue and Whites’ defence (tonight dressed in orange), maintained a clean sheet with solvency.
In minute 40 of the match, Recio launched a powerful frontal volley from a corner kick. The attempt, which surprised the local defence, flew inches over the crossbar of keeper, Martínez. Keko also sought an opener on the edge of half-time, but the rival goalkeeper cleared the danger with a great stretch. After 45 minutes, the scoreboard remained at 0-0.
A few minutes into the second half, Ricca headed a set piece from the left of the Malaguista attack into the mouth of the goal. The Getafe keeper was forced to show off his reflexes in order to clear the attempt to a corner.
After more than three quarters of the game in, in minute 73 of play, the local side went in front with a goal from Cala (1-0).
Team captain, Recio looked to surprise the rival goalkeeper in 75’, but the ball grazed the crossbar. Just at that minute, Míchel brought on Alberto Bueno to make his debut, having joined the Malaguista ranks during the winter transfer window.
Adrián and Bueno (the latter with an acrobatic bicycle kick) gave their all as they searched for a leveller in the last throes, but their attempts went high.
The final whistle signalled a minimal defeat for Málaga CF by Getafe CF, on LaLiga Santander matchday 19.
