The lads were in action in the Spanish capital and, despite the unusual time, there were Malaguistas cheering the team on in the stands. On the pitch there were multiple new additions to VSDA’s starting-11, with special mention to reserve team goalkeeper, Gonzalo who debuted in an official match with the first team. MCF’s player number 358 to wear the Blue and White jersey.
The ‘Alfarero’ side took an early lead following a good start. David Fernández scored the local goal (1-0, 8’). After this blow, Málaga CF retaliated with several dangerous arrivals. A direct free kick from Juankar (16’), a high shot by Luis Muñoz (20’), a long shot from Benkhemassa (27’) and an action on the wing by Keko (30’) were the opportunities for the Malaguistas. Gonzalo, making his debut, prevented the second goal from the Yellows in 33’, the work of Stoichkov.
In the final stage of the first half, despite the odd attempt, Víctor’s men didn’t manage to approach the rival area too much. At half-time, the locals maintained their 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Sadiku came on in place of Keko Gontán in 46’. Three minutes later, Alcorcón’s ‘pichichi’, Stoichkov again tried his luck with a powerful shot on the edge of the penalty spot. Málaga sought out the right side of the attack, with Pacheco focusing on that side along with rapid movements upfront from Cifuentes. From that side, a cross from Luis Hernández was headed by Antoñín in 61’, followed by a Diego González header from the subsequent corner, but both attempts were deflected by Ximo Miralles, during his debut.
The 70th minute saw the second Malaguista substitution, with Hicham replacing Benkhemassa. Ten minutes later, a left-footer from Sadiku led to a good save by Miralles. Former Blue and White player, Harper launched a shot from a counter that went out in minute 82. A header from Boulahroud (86’) and a shot from Cifuentes (89’) were the last opportunities for a dominant Malaguista side, but without success in front of goal.
The final result at Santo Domingo was a 1-0 win for the locals, and after 16 matches, Málaga CF have 15 points and are sitting in the bottom part of the LaLiga SmartBank standings.