There was a great atmosphere in the stands at Martiricos, which was also adorned with a thousand Cádiz supporters. Before kick-off, the Club paid homage to the former Diario Sur photographer, Fernando González who recently passed away. On the pitch, Muñiz selected the same starting-11 that won last week in Mallorca.
The match got underway with territorial dominance by the Blue and Whites, against the Yellows who were concentrated at the back awaiting a counter-attack by Álex Fernández, along with Manu Vallejo as the most dangerous element of the team. In minute 30, the Malaguistas generated the most promising chance to take the lead. A cross by Juanpi from the right that set up a Blanco Leschuk header was deflected by goalkeeper Cifuentes.
In the final part of the first half, Cádiz looked close to a goal, first with a shot from Álex Fernández in 42’ and then in 45’, with a Garrido header that was blocked by Munir. At half-time the score remained 0-0.
Málaga came out raring to go in the second half. With Juanpi and Pacheco heading up operations, they bottled their opponent in the first 15 minutes. It was precisely Dani Pacheco in minute 50 who fired a shot to the right post of Cifuentes. Two minutes later, a Harper goal was disallowed following an impressive collective display. Shortly afterwards, N’Diaye was shown his fifth yellow card of the competition (carrying federative suspension).
Ontiveros came on in place of Juanpi in 65’, the first substitution made by Muñiz. The Marbella-born winger, in 69’, propelled a shot with intention from outside the area forcing a corner that would prove decisive. Following the corner, Harper made a textbook manoeuvre to assist Ricca, who showed perfect definition with his right foot to put the home side in front (1-0, 70’). The second league goal for MCF’s Uruguayan captain.
The goal was the reward for the excellent work of the team that had the advantage during the closing stages. Málaga’s second substitution came in 89’, with Renato coming on in place of Pacheco to a standing ovation. In stoppage time Cádiz went all out on the attack, whilst Muñiz brought on Lombán to replace Cifuentes (94’) to strengthen the defence.
The scoreboard didn’t alter, and the 1-0 result brings another three points for Málaga CF, provisional leaders of LaLiga 1|2|3 with 35 points. Te quiero, Málaga!
