The match got off to a negative start for the Malaguistas. No sooner had play got underway, a long ball from the Bilbao-based rival allowed Aduriz, with a one-on-one in front of Kameni, to subtly launch the ball into the back of the net (0-1, 3’). Athletic grew in confidence after the goal, whilst Málaga looked to expand on the right with the ‘Vinotinto’ due made up of Rosales and Juanpi. A Charles header was the first chance for the Blue and Whites in minute 12.
Midway through the first half, Juande Ramos’ men attempted to tip the balance on the wings, the fruit of which was a good combination led by ‘Chory’ on the left, setting up a shot for Juanpi (26’). In minute 36, referee, Del Cerro Grande considered Balenziaga acted aggressively towards Rosales, with the Basque left-back subsequently being sent off, giving MCF a numerical advantage.
Valverde reacted soon after, removing the poisonous Williams for defender, Lekue (43’). In the final stage of the first half, Málaga were more aggressive in the approach to Iraizoz’s area with rapid movements, but the scoreboard remained at 0-1 at the half-time whistle.
In the second half, Juande introduced a change to step up the attack, bringing on En-Nesyri in place of Llorente. In minute 50, Rosales narrowly missed out on a draw with a sharp shot to the right post of Iraizoz’s goal. En-Nesyri activated the attack with unmarked runs and a few headers towards the target, in the first quarter of an hour into the second half.
In minute 62, Juankar substituted Fede Ricca who had been shown the yellow card. Just before, Valverde brought off goal-scorer, Aduriz for central, Etxeita. The carousel of change continued with Málaga’s third and final substitution; veteran captain, Duda replaced Charles (66’). The Blue and Whites dominated the pace of play, but struggled to create clear chances.
En-Nesyri, again with a header, could have scored following a great team display 78’). However, the best was yet to come. In two minutes of madness, Sandro equalised (1-1, 82’), and the eternal Duda scored the second (2-1, 83’), making the crowd at La Rosaleda ecstatic. In stoppage time, Koné was sent off, but the job was already done. The second win of the season for MCF, both at home, against Basque Country rivals, coming from 0-1 behind to win by 2-1.
