Málaga CF and SD Ponferradina locked horns on LaLiga SmartBank matchday 17 this Saturday 26th November at 16:15 in front of 14,424 fans at La Rosaleda.
On the pitch, equality reigned in the initial stages of play, although the rival came close to an opener in 8’. Agus Medina put his side in front with a goal in the heart of the area, but following a VAR review, a hand ball was declared, and the referee disallowed the goal.
This action spurred on the Blue and Whites who went all out to get the 1-0. The clearest opportunity to take the lead was undoubtedly in the 38th minute. Goalkeeper Makaridze brought down Malaguista Haitam in the area with a slap to the face, resulting in the penalty. Rubén Castro, a more than proven specialist from the 11-metre mark, sent his shot to the right post. However, to the surprise of all those present, the rival keeper guessed the intention and saved the penalty. The scoreboard remained 0-0 after 45 minutes.
The second half began with both teams well-positioned on the pitch, but little by little, the Malaguistas advanced to dangerously frequent the rival area. Then the goal arrived.
At the exit of a corner taken by Fran Villalba, former Malaguista Erik Morán put the ball into his own goal. Pressure from Escassi and the effect of the ball forced the defender to make an error (1-0, 58').
The 1-0 lead boosted La Rosaleda, eager to satisfy the hunger for goals, and Hervías came close to increasing the lead in minute 67 with a great shot from the edge of the area stemming from a direct free kick. However, the ball went wide of the left post.
The extraordinary atmosphere in the stands helped Málaga CF control the match without too much trouble until the final whistle. The 1-0 result delighted the fans, winning three crucial points for a Málaga CF that's stronger than ever.
