There was a lively atmosphere in the stands on a chilly Wednesday night. Pellicer made five changes to his starting-11 compared to the previous match in Burgos. Three of those were in defence, with Gabilondo and Dani Sánchez taking the full-back positions and Nelson Monte at the heart of the defence. Manu Molina returned to the double pivot, while Baturina led the attack.
The Blue and Whites took the lead early in the game. Antoñito Cordero found the back of the net with a powerful, cross-shot following a pass from Dani Sánchez (1-0, 8’). This marked the fourth league goal for the reserve team player from Jerez.
In the 14th minute, Larrubia tested Mackay’s reflexes. Just a minute later, Einar scored from a corner, but the referee, assisted by VAR, disallowed the goal. In the 22nd minute, Lobete attempted a shot during a quick counterattack. Then came the second goal. A free kick taken by Dani Sánchez from the left found Nelson Monte, who was unmarked at the far post and headed the ball into the net (2-0, 28’). It was the Portuguese defender’s third goal of the season.
Málaga continued creating chances against an Eldense side that was inferior in almost every aspect of the game. In the 33rd minute, Gabilondo and then Baturina came close to scoring a third with two excellent opportunities. In the 42nd minute, the referee sent off visiting defender Iván Martos with a second yellow card. The half-time score was 2-0, with Málaga CF holding both a numerical and performance advantage.
In the second half, the scenario remained the same. Málaga dominated the game, controlling possession and creating the most dangerous chances. In the 52nd minute, Antoñito delivered a golden cross into the box from the left, which Baturina headed just wide of the right post. Moments later, in the 55th minute, the Croatian striker unleashed a long-range shot that smashed against the right post. Then in the 57th minute, the referee disallowed a goal by Lobete after consulting VAR. Málaga was determined, pressing, and deserved even more.
In the 66th minute, Pellicer made his first two substitutions: Ochoa and Dioni came on for Lobete and Baturina. In 67’, David Larrubia scored what appeared to be another goal, only for it to be disallowed by VAR, Málaga’s third disallowed goal of the night. Later, in the 79th minute, Kevin and Yanis replaced Larrubia and Cordero, who were both applauded off the pitch. The festive atmosphere in the stands reflected a fanbase savouring a victory that was nearly secured.
Dani Sánchez, a constant threat with his offensive runs, had a great chance in the 84th minute with a shot that went over the bar following a textbook counterattack initiated by Ochoa. Ramón replaced Manu Molina as Málaga’s final substitution in the 88th minute. Then, in added time, the third goal came. Kevin Medina converted a direct free kick with poise and precision, sending the ball into the net (3-0, 93’). The crowd erupted in celebration, and the match ended amidst cheers and joy.
Málaga CF reaches 27 points (11th in the standings) after 20 LaLiga Hypermotion games. They will close out the first half of the season and the football year next Saturday in Gijón against Real Sporting. Vamos, Málaga!