The set piece condemns Málaga in Cartagena (3-1)
Defeat for Málaga CF at the Municipal de Cartagonova against FC Cartagena. Rubén Castro, from the penalty spot in 45’, and from a free kick in 65’, as well as Pablo Vázquez in 55’, scored the local goals. Peybernes netted the Malaguista goal in 82’.
Málaga CF faced FC Cartagena at the Estadio Municipal de Cartagonova on matchday 15 of LaLiga SmartBank.
Counting today’s game, the Blue and Whites, wearing the away strip for #CartagenaMálaga, end the block of three matches in a week.
In regard to the starting line-up against Real Sociedad B last Thursday, José Alberto López made two changes, bringing on Ramón and Kevin for Escassi and Brandon. As such, the team started with a 1-4-5-1 formation: Dani Martín in goal; Víctor Gómez, Juande, Peybernes and Javi Jiménez in a defence of four; Genaro and Ramón in the engine room; Kevin, Paulino and Antoñín upfront; and Roberto as striker.
The Blue and Whites, true to their style, focused on a game based on the counterattack while the ‘Efesé’ concentrated their attack from the wings seeking crosses in the area.
There weren’t many shots at goal during the first half. Dani Martín in 13’ took down an attempt from former Malaguista reserve team player, Clavería, in what was the clearest chance for the locals until the final stages. A high shot from Víctor Gómez and several balls to the area from Antoñín were the attacking highlights for José Alberto’s men in the first half.
When it looked as though the scoreboard would remain the same at half-time, referee Arcediano Monescillo signalled a foul by Víctor Gómez on Dauda, with the subsequent penalty converted by Rubén Castro (1-0, min45).
In the second half, Brandon came on in place of Kevin for Málaga CF, changing the formation to a 1-4-4-2, with Paulino playing on the right wing and the Mallorcan striker accompanying Roberto.
With no time to redirect the situation, the locals scored their second goal, again from a set piece. A free kick by Álex Gallar from the right was finished by Pablo Vázquez (2-0, min55).
Seeking a reaction from his team, José Alberto made a triple substitution, bringing on Cufré, Jozabed and a Sekou Gassama recovered from injury, for Javi Jiménez, Antoñín and Roberto.
A reaction that wasn’t to be as the home side got their third goal, also from the set piece. Rubén Castro scored from in front of the target, his second goal of the game (3-0, min65).
Three goals conceded in 20 minutes, making a very difficult scenario for the remainder of play.
However, the team kept insisting. First with a header from Sekou and later with an attempt by Genaro that was deflected by local keeper, Marc Martínez.
José Alberto made his last substitution, introducing Ismael Gutiérrez for Ramón in 79’.
The reward for their efforts in the last leg of the match paid off for the Malaguistas, who managed to narrow the gap with Peybernes' goal following a corner kick (3-1, min82).
A high header from Genaro in 86’ and another from Juande in stoppage time that hit the crossbar could have reduced the gap further.
With this result, Málaga CF remain in the middle of the table with 20 points, with the next league game being against CD Tenerife on Monday 15th at 21:00 at La Rosaleda.
