A very hot Saturday afternoon in Martiricos with the same great atmosphere in the stands - nearly 20,000 fans - that has been a highlight throughout the season for the Blue and Whites.
On the pitch, Pellicer made changes in every line compared to the previous match in Elche. Carlos López, in goal, was the main novelty as he made his league debut at La Rosaleda in the Second Division. Puga and Víctor came into defence replacing Nelson Monte and Gabilondo; Izan and Kevin did the same for Luismi and Cordero in midfield; and Dioni started up front instead of Lobete.
Burgos CF made their mark very early in the match. A deadly counterattack was calmly finished by Edu Espiau (0-1, 9’). Málaga CF immediately sought the equaliser, with Kevin attempting two shots at the 14th and 21st minutes, and Manu Molina trying another long-range shot at the 23rd, but without success.
After a hydration break, at the 32nd minute, Ramis’ team repeated the same tactic, and Espiau once again came close to scoring a second goal with a lightning-fast counterattack, his shot narrowly missing the left post. At the 35th minute, Dioni curled a left-footed shot wide, assisted by Larrubia.
Just before half-time, Dioni tried again with a play inside the Burgos area that ended with Chupe’s finish, but the defence and the visiting goalkeeper blocked the attempt (44’).
At the restart, Pellicer brought Antoñito Cordero onto the field in place of Carlos Puga. In the 51st minute, Espiau first, and Córdoba immediately after, had chances for a very solid Burgos side that continued following their game plan almost flawlessly. The immediate response came with a right-footed shot from Larrubia, which Cantero saved (53’).
The substitutions of Dioni and Manu Molina, who were both applauded by the fans, brought excitement when they were replaced by Lobete and Juanpe in the 56th minute. Carlos López saved Burgos’ second goal, but in the same minute, Fer Niño beat the Málaga goalkeeper by slotting the ball into the net (0-2, 65’).
Roko Baturina replaced Kevin Medina as the fourth Blue and White substitution in the 66th minute. With everything in their favour, Burgos had chances to extend their lead, but Carlos López, agile and with feline reflexes, prevented it, showcasing his talent despite the lack of recent action. At the 77th minute, Chupe had a chance with a shot that curled just wide of the right post.
Rafa came on for Izan Merino in the 80th minute, Pellicer’s final substitution to freshen up the midfield. The homegrown player from Sevilla made an immediate impact, scoring with a curled shot that found the net (1-2, 82’). And still riding the euphoria of the first goal, Lobete secured the equaliser in front of a Málaga crowd that kept cheering nonstop (2-2, 84’).
One more point to close out the current season, bringing the total to 53 points (16th position) in LALIGA HYPERMOTION, completing the ninth season as Málaga CF in the Second Division. Vamos, Málaga!