There was a gala atmosphere at Martiricos on a sunny Sunday afternoon, perfect for football. On the pitch, Pellicer once again used a 1-3-4-2-1 formation, making four changes to the starting line-up compared to the one used in Eibar. In defence, Pastor replaced Nelson Monte, and Antoñito played as the right wing-back instead of Puga. In midfield, Izan Merino came in for Juanpe, and up front, Chupe replaced Dioni.
Both teams started with high intensity, with a recognisable Castellón pressing very high without the ball and looking for quick transitions from the outset. In the 10th minute, the away team had their first clear chance on a counterattack that Cala couldn’t finish. In the 19th minute, Lobete had the first dangerous chance for the Blue and Whites with a shot saved by former Malaguista Gonzalo.
At the midway point of the first half, Málaga CF took the lead. Chupe drove the ball to the edge of the box and slotted the ball into the net (1-0, 23’). A great goal from Atlético Malagueño’s top scorer. With the support of their tireless fans, the team grew in confidence and looked to extend their lead. Chupe, once again, nearly scored the second with a header that went just over the bar from an Antoñito cross (38’).
Five minutes before half-time, the towering figure of Alfonso Herrero emerged, saving the equaliser by denying a clear goal from Chirino.
In the second half, Luismi replaced Manu Molina from the start, taking up the pivot role alongside Izan. Larrubia, very active, made a great high press in the opponent's box that led to an interception which skimmed the crossbar (47’).
Despite a few isolated corners, Castellón barely threatened Herrero’s goal. Málaga, true to their game plan, were solid in defence, waiting for a counterattack that could surprise their opponents. In the 65th minute, there was a double substitution for the Blue and Whites: Dioni and Kevin Medina came on for Lobete and goal scorer Chupe.
In the 75th minute, the visitor Cala tested the steel reflexes of Alfonso Herrero once again. Johan Plat’s side pushed forward in the final stretch, looking for the equaliser, but Málaga contained their opponent’s advances with determination and remarkable physical effort.
In the 81st minute, David Larrubia had a clear chance to score on a counterattack, but Gonzalo denied him in a one-on-one. Rafa replaced another homegrown player, Antoñito Cordero, in minute 85. During stoppage time, Pastor received a yellow card that will result in a suspension. Also in the added time, there was a huge ovation for Larrubia as he was substituted by Puga, just before the final whistle and the 1-0 win for MCF.
Three very important points, bringing Málaga to a total of 46 points in the LALIGA HYPERMOTION standings. Next week, once again at La Rosaleda, we have a regional clash against Granada CF. Vamos, Málaga!
