The start of the match was marked by heavy rainfall and an early penalty in favour of Deportivo, from the boots of Celso Borges (0-1, 4’). Michael Santos, during his official debut in MCF’s starting line-up, forced a foul on the number ‘9’, that Juanpi sent over the crossbar. ‘Pelo’ was also involved in another infraction, this time in the Galician area. A subsequent penalty was awarded, which Santos himself scored to equalise for the home side (1-1, 21’).
In minute 25, a long shot by Guilherme caused some uneasiness in Kameni’s goal. The visitors weren’t affected by conceding a goal, and engaged well during play on the soggy pitch at Martiricos. Following the equaliser, Málaga waited for their chance to launch a rapid counter-attack. The team was strong at the back with an imperial Mikel.
In the final stretch of the first half came a stunning goal to tip the balance on the scoreboard. A strong, precise free kick by Sandro powered into the back of Tyton’s net (2-1, 39’). The sixth goal for the Malaguista ‘pichichi’ in LaLiga, and the fifth on the run for the Canaries-born striker at La Rosaleda, where the crowd chanted his name.
After half-time, a poisonous shot by Juanpi on the right, and a left-footer from Pablo were stopped in their tracks by the Dépor defence in minute 46. Soon after, Sandro left the pitch to a standing ovation, having sustained physical problems, with En-Nesyri taking his place (54’). Immediately afterwards, a great collective display on the right launching into the heart of the area allowed a determined Santos to score his second goal of the game (3-1, 56’). The third goal in three matches for the Uruguayan.
In minute 63, Kameni found himself in a one on one with Marlos Moreno. Miguel Torres and Mikel Villanueva multiplied with several crosses and deflections against an attacking-focused Deportivo, who scored again with a header into goal by Andone (3-2, 72’). A minute later, Ontiveros substituted double goal-scorer, Santos, on the right.
In the 78th minute, Carlos Kameni prevented Andone from scoring another goal with an incredible save, but the keeper was unable to stop the third goal for Dépor, the work of Borges (3-3, 81’), who also scored the opener. In minute 86, Duda replaced Pablo in midfield, whilst the rainfall didn’t let up at Martiricos. Just before the final whistle, a stroke of genius won the match. A magical display from Ontiveros led to a beautiful winning goal (4-3, 92’). The crowd went wild as they watched their team secure their fifth consecutive home win, giving Málaga CF 19 points in the League table.
