Víctor Sánchez del Amo introduced four changes in relation to the last league game at home against Almería. Munir returned to goal; Luis Muñoz joined a defence of three centrals with Luis Hernández and Diego González; and Keidi Bare and Benkhemassa – making his debut - were new to midfield accompanied by Boulahroud.
It was precisely the Moroccan midfielder who generated the first two opportunities for the Malaguistas; in minute 12 following a good personal display, and then in 16’ he narrowly missed out on a goal from a set piece. MCF had up to three corners in the first 20 minutes of play. The first dangerous approach from Mirandés came in 23’ from Álvaro Rey.
The second action from the locals, in 44’, arose from a corner kick launched by Merquelanz in which the Blue and White defence went all out to defect the ball in Munir’s area. At half-time the scoreboard remained at 0-0.
In the second half, David Lombán joined the defence in substitution of Luis Hernández. The home side attempted to open the scoring from a pair of free kicks, but it was Málaga CF who took the lead. An insistent Boulahroud assisted Sadiku with a left-footer, who headed the ball into the back of the net (0-1, 53’). The first goal for the Albanian striker in his second official match with the Blue and Whites.
In 70’, Keidi was replaced by Juanpi, who reached 100 official games wearing the Malaguista jersey. A minute later, Sadiku came close to converting with his left foot following an action by Cifuentes on the wing. In 73’, Guridi sent out a warning with a shot that grazed the crossbar. Shortly afterwards, a quick transition from Mirandés was resolved by Merquelanz who scored a goal with his left foot to take his team level (1-1, 76’).
Iraola’s team became bolder and generated a double occasion that was prevented by Munir in 80’. Juanpi tried his luck with a long shot in 81’, and Álvaro Rey, in 82’, sought the second goal for the locals. Víctor made his final substitution in 83’, bringing on Renato on the left in place of Juankar. There was no time for more goals, with MCF scoring the fifth point in as many games in LaLiga SmartBank 19/20.
