Málaga CF visited Nástic de Tarragona, at Nou Estadi, on LaLiga 1|2|3 matchday 31. Malaguista manager, Juan Ramón López Muñiz selected a starting-11 with two forwards (Harper and Blanco Leschuk) in search of an away win.
The locals kicked off the match with two good opportunities. The first, a free kick near the edge of the area sailed over Kieszek’s goal; the second, a clear chance that was missed by Luis Suárez. His shot from point-blank range grazed the post. Ontiveros attempted to replicate the action from the left wing but didn’t connect well and the ball went over the line. Iván Alejo tried his luck with two promising attempts from the right of the Blue and White attack, but his shots failed to find the Malaguista forwards. In 27’, Nàstic’s Kanté propelled a good shot from outside the area that was repelled by Kieszek. Four minutes later, Pipa was booked for a foul on Ontiveros. With five minutes remaining until half-time there was another free kick for the local side, but Kieszek blocked the shot from Fali. After 45 minutes the scoreboard remained at 0-0.
The second half got underway with the same 22 players on the pitch at Nou Estadi. The initial stages of this half continued without any approaches to either area. In minute 53, Muñiz brought on Pacheco in place of Ontiveros. A minute later the visitors created the clearest opportunity to take the lead. Following great movement by Blanco Leschuk inside the area, the Malaguista striker’s shot collided with the crossbar. Enrique Martín also made some changes. Viti joined the game in place of Ramiro Guerra. Alejo was the first Malaguista to be shown the yellow card (62’) as he tried to stop a counter attack with a hand ball. Midway through the second half (69’), Mula came on in substitution of Harper. In 73’ the first and only goal of the game arrived. A shot from Cifu from the right wing, Pacheco gained possession and slammed the ball into the back of the net (0-1). Two minutes later, another chance for Pacheco from close-range was saved by the Nàstic keeper. The Blue and White defence held on to the advantage that, since the goal from the Pizarra-born player, was not endangered at any time, more so with the entrance of Lombán for Alejo in 90’.
As such, the Blue and Whites bag three points to reach a total of 54 and end the matchday in fourth position.
