A midday kick-off on a warm, sunny morning with animated fans in the stands, as Víctor Sánchez del Amo made several changes to the starting line-up. In regard to the last match in Albacete, Lombán came on in place of Mikel in defence and Lorenzo for Renato on the attack. The system, with Luis Muñoz embedded in midfield with Keidi, had Juanpi and Adrián inside within a flexible 4-2-2-2 formation.
Málaga CF didn’t approach Sporting’s area until minute 17, with a shot from Luis Hernández that Adrián attempted to head into goal. The visitors, well planted in their half, contained well the usual positional gameplay with the ball. In 31’, Sadiku made a shot at goal that was saved by Mariño. His counterpart in the opposite goal, Munir was a mere spectator during the first 45 minutes, with the scoreboard at 0-0.
There were no changes to either line-up in the second half, and this half didn’t vary too much from the start of play. The defenders kept the attackers at bay, with the exception of the odd spark. However, in 58’, this could have changed. A solid Luis Muñoz assisted Sadiku with a golden ball that he headed towards the target but was deflected by Mariño.
Immediately afterwards, homegrown forward Antoñín replaced Lorenzo on the attack to make his official Blue and White debut at La Rosaleda. Sporting also made some changes, bringing on Álvaro upfront in place of Djurdjevic. Málaga increased the pace and the excitement mounted in the stands. In 66’, Cifu launched a shot from the right that Adrián headed into Mariño’s hands.
MCF’s most promising opportunity came in 74’. An Adrián header collided with the crossbar. Five minutes later, a combination led by Antoñín and Juanpi resulted in the Venezuelan sending the ball over the crossbar. In minute 86, another action woven by Antoñín led to a right-footed attempt for Adrián that was saved by the rival keeper. Then, in stoppage time, things went crazy. First Carmona with a header and a toxic shot at the target, forcing superb saves from Munir, and in between, Keidi from a corner kick propelled a high shot in another clamorous opportunity.
Nevertheless, the scoreboard didn’t change, and the final 0-0 result gives a point to both teams. As such, Málaga CF has accumulated seven points following eight games in LaLiga SmartBank.
