The match, marked by an emotional minute’s silence before kick-off in memory of Pablo Ráez, got underway with a couple of dangerous approaches for both sides. In minute 3, Rubén Pardo finished a Betis counter-attack with a shot at goal that was stopped in its tracks by Kameni. In 6’, a Camacho header following an impressive Luis Hernández throw-in, forced a strong save by Adán.
Chory, now in minute 17 of play, tried his luck against the Green and Whites’ goalkeeper with a long shot. Midway through the first half, Málaga dominated possession in midfield, which saw the return of Camacho and José Rodríguez to the starting line-up, absent from Eibar due to suspension. In addition, there were numerous forced throw-ins, with Luis offering a masterclass in power to launch every ball into the Sevilla area. The ball belonged to the Malaguistas, and the rival was forced further and further back.
The goal had to arrive, and it did. Pablo Fornals, who celebrated his success with the everlasting gesture of his namesake, Pablo Ráez, defined with quality in front of Adán in a rapid action from the right (1-0, 39’). The fifth League goal for the number ‘31’ placed his team in the lead at half-time.
In the second half, Betis equalised from their first approach. Jonas Martin scored with finesse, overcoming Kameni in a clear one-on-one (1-1, 48’). The entrance of Ceballos brought more verticality to Víctor Sánchez del Amo’s side, whilst Marcelo Romero decided to bring Jony on the pitch in place of Keko in 57’. The Asturian left-winger, playing on the other side of the field tonight, forced a corner in minute 61 taken by Chory, which resulted in a high kick from Camacho in the Betis area.
In 66’, Ontiveros substituted Chory Castro, and soon after, the Marbella-born player inspired an individual action assisting a Jony right-footer. However, it was Betis who got a second goal, this time by Sanabria, from a counter-attack (1-2, 76’). Romero used up his third and final change a minute later by bringing on En-Nesyri in place of José Rodríguez. In 79’, Charles sent a dangerous pass from Jony on the left into the clouds.
In the final stage of the match, Málaga were determined to find the leveller. Particularly an electric Jony. However, the numerous arrivals to the rival area didn’t bear fruit. The scoreboard stayed at 1-2, leaving MCF in 15th place in the table with 26 points.