On a Friday night, as usual, there was a large crowd in the stands (28,167). On the pitch, Juanfran Funes made four changes to his starting-11 from the previous match in Getafe. In defence, Calero, making his official debut as a Malaguista, and Puga came in for Berrocal and Salinas; in midfield, Martínez replaced Dotor; and up front, Chupe started in place of Jauregi.
In the 10th minute, David Larrubia came close to making it 1-0, but Fortuño denied him with a good save. Moments later, following a brilliant individual effort from Bryan Zaragoza, the Málaga-born winger put Espanyol ahead (0-1, 13’). ‘Larru’ tried again in the 19th minute, before former Málaga player Roberto had two chances to extend the visitors’ lead in quick succession (20’ and 22’).
Rafa Rodríguez tested the ‘Perico’ goalkeeper’s reflexes once again with a long-range effort in minute 39. With little else to report before the break, the score remained 0-1 at half-time.
After the restart, Chupe tried his luck in the 49th minute, but Fortuño gathered the ball comfortably. A minute later, Espanyol launched a quick counter attack, with Edu Expósito firing over. Following a good move by Puga, Rafa then sent a shot narrowly wide of the side netting in minute 55.
Pablo Martínez came agonisingly close to equalising in the 60th minute with a superb direct free kick that crashed against the crossbar. Funes made a triple substitution in minute 62, bringing on Dotor, Niño and debutant Aznou for Rafa, Joaquín and Puga.
In the 66th minute, Alfonso Herrero used his feet to keep out a low shot from Roberto. As the match progressed, Málaga continued to press, enjoying more possession than their opponents and controlling the play territorially. Izan Merino was Málaga’s fourth substitution, replacing Calero in the 74th minute.
Funes made his final substitution in the 82nd minute, bringing on Haitam for Pablo Martínez. Málaga continued to push for an equaliser, which finally arrived in stoppage time. In minute 93, Rafita delivered a cross from the right, and Adrián Niño fired home first time from inside the box to make it 1-1.
With no time for anything else, the final 1-1 draw allowed Málaga CF to pick up a point against RCD Espanyol at La Rosaleda on matchday 8 of LALIGA EA SPORTS 2026/27.
