An anniversary Sunday at La Rosaleda, with a great crowd to celebrate the 75 years of history. For Málaga, Charles returned to the attack and Torres occupied the right wing in place of suspended Rosales. Athletic, with a new starting-11 after playing in the Europa League last Thursday, had a good chance at the start with a cross from Viguera. The Malaguistas were quick to respond, with shots by Juanpi and Chory, forcing Iraizoz to intervene.
After the first 15 minutes, swords were drawn between two teams marked by the solid strength of their coaches. The tactical rigor was continually broken by Juanpi Añor, acting as a knife between the lines and a constant cause of danger for the rival. In minute 25’, the Venezuelan left Recio alone in front of Iraizoz, who saved a one-on-one and whose clearance was sent over the crossbar by Juanpi himself. Ochoa, in minute 30’ deflected a shot by Lekue.
In the final stretch of the first half Málaga again took charge, with a brilliant collective display from Juanpi, Torres and Charles, with Cop just missing out on a goal (32’). Gracia’s men went for more, against an uncomfortable rival on the pitch at times. However, the score board didn’t alter when referee, Sánchez Martinez blew the half-time whistle, bringing an end to an intense and competitive first half between both teams.
The second half kicked off with Juanpi and Iraizoz again the stars of the show, with a venomous shot from the number ‘28’ that was well fought off by the Basque Country goalkeeper in minute 50’. Two minutes later, a Raúl García header from a corner gave Athletic the lead (0-1, 53’). Immediately afterwards, an impressive pass from Juanpi to Cop, led him to tamely nod the ball into the hands of Iraizoz. Gracia introduced Pablo Fornals in substitution of Recio in the wide area of midfield (61’).
Despite the setback of the rival taking the lead, Málaga didn’t give up and continued in their quest to reach the area. In minute 70’, a change was made to the Malaguista attack, as Atsu replaced an historic Weligton, who today reached his 250th LaLiga match with MCF (212 in the First Division and 38 in the Second). In minute 78’, La Rosaleda held its breath with a clamorous counter-attack from Charles, which was twice met with the wall named Gorka Iraizoz.
The final Blue and Whites’ substitution came 11 minutes before the end, as Roque replaced Cop upfront to pair with Charles. Málaga paid the physical price in the last stretch of the game, and even Viguera in minute 89’ could have increased the rival’s lead, but came up against Ochoa, who saved the ball with his chest and knee on the ground. In short, a 0-1 loss for Málaga CF and the end of the streak of games without defeat (5), as the team remains sitting comfortably in the League table.
