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Second consecutive draw and another point (1-1)

A draw for Málaga CF and Rayo Vallecano at La Rosaleda on LaLiga SmartBank matchday 6. Cifuentes put the Malaguistas in the lead in the first half, whilst Embarba took his side level in the second.

A warm evening and on the pitch two changes to a Blue and White line-up with three centre backs, two wing backs, two pivots, two playmakers and a striker. Lombán and Juanpi were new to the line-up. MCF’s first arrival came in minute 4 with a shot from Adrián that went out near the left post. It was the prelude to the first goal. A superb quick transition in which Sadiku enabled Adrián, who assisted Cifuentes to score at ease at the far post. A collective goal (1-0, 7’).

Rayo didn’t appear on the attack until 14’, with the elusive Embarba who sent the ball over the crossbar. Paco Jémez’s men sought more possession, although Málaga generated danger in their actions. Juanpi, with a beautiful shot, tried his luck in 24’. Málaga-born Pozo responded three minutes later with a shot that was repelled by Munir. Rayo grew in presence on the right with an active Advíncula.

In minute 33, Juanpi narrowly missed out on a goal from a Cifuentes pass on the edge of the area. Juankar, assisted on the left by Sadiku, forced the rival keeper to intervene in 39’. The Albanian striker came close to scoring the second goal for Málaga three minutes later but propelled his powerful shot to the crossbar. At half-time, the Malaguistas maintained their lead.

In the second half, La Rosaleda held her breath. Bebé, who had recently joined the game, crashed a right-footer into the post in 47’. The second attempt by the Madrid outfit resulted in a goal. Embarba, from close range, sent the ball into the back of the Blue and White goal (1-1, 53’). Víctor Sánchez del Amo subsequently made some changes. Lorenzo González made his official debut. The young forward joined the match in 63’ in place of Lombán, changing the scheme to a 4-4-2.

Subsequently, Ulloa from the right sent the ball to the post in 66’. At that moment, the second Malaguista substitution saw Boulahroud come on in place of Benkhemassa in midfield. Equality prevailed during a match of great intensity, with two teams seeking victory and constant alternatives in play. In 84’ it was time for the final Blue and White substitution. Homegrown player, Hugo came on in place of Sadiku to refresh the attack.

Rayo, highly combinative with the ball at their feet, also generated some dangerous chances in rapid transitions with Bebé and Embarba at the helm. The final whistle was approaching and a physically tired Málaga retreated at the back awaiting a counter-attack. The scoreboard didn’t move again, with a 1-1 draw the final result. The second consecutive draw and six points in the standings in as many games for Málaga CF in LaLiga SmartBank.