The Blue and Whites faced the Madrid-based outfit on matchday 41 of LaLiga SmartBank. The match took place at La Rosaleda, the final home game of the 19/20 season, as Málaga’s last match is being held at the Juegos Mediterráneos against Almería.
The match took a while to get going this evening. It was back and forth for both sides in the initial stages, with both struggling to take control of the ball in the wide area. However, when the defence appeared more comfortable on the pitch, the Malaguistas tipped the balance. Juanpi made it to the area behind the defence and put his team in front with a tight, elegant shot to the delight of the few people present in the stands (1-0, minute 22).
Following the goal, the Blue and Whites kept their goal area away from rival danger. Munir, with a forceful exit, was able to dismantle the clearest opportunity for the visitors in 44’. At half-time, the scoreboard showed 1-0.
In the second half, Málaga completely controlled the match. Pulsations were reduced to a minimum and there was 45 minutes of necessary and much-needed calm. With professionalism and solvency, the Blue and Whites barely allowed the rival any approaches to the goal. Munir, in an impressive double save of two close-range attempts in 77’, intervened in the most dangerous chance for the visitors in the second half, in an offside position.
To safeguard the three points that would confirm survival, Tete Morente increased the locals’ lead. The number ‘10’ ended a brilliant season with a precise shot to the post on the half-turn in 79’ (2-0).
For the remainder of play, Pellicer’s men stayed strong, kept the rival at bay and stayed true to type in perhaps the most important, definitive moments of recent seasons.
At the referee’s final whistle, the 2-0 win was confirmed, sealing Málaga CF’s place in LaLiga SmartBank next season.
