There was a spectacular atmosphere in the stands for the second consecutive week on a hot Saturday night at the end of August. On the pitch, Pellicer made four changes to his lineup: Nélson Monte, Sangalli, Antoñito, and Dioni replaced Einar, Juanpe, the injured Kevin, and Baturina.
The start of the match was electric. Albacete, in their first approach, didn’t miss. In a quick action, Fidel assisted Lazo, who scored decisively against Herrero (0-1, 11'). Barely three minutes later, Antoñito Cordero sent a deep pass to Dioni, who beat the visiting defence and scored with his right foot against Lizoain (1-1, 14'). It was the second league goal for the Malaguista striker.
The fans were cheering the team on, and in the 33rd minute, the Málaga connection of Lorenzo and Larrubia nearly produced a second goal. Dani made a sensational run, and David's shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. In the 39th minute, the referee showed a straight red card to Málaga's central defender Pastor, leaving Málaga with a numerical disadvantage. In the 42nd minute, Cordero made a solo run and his shot narrowly missed the left post. A minute later, Pellicer made a tactical change, bringing on Einar Galilea for Dani Lorenzo.
In first half stoppage time, Antoñito created two chances: one from a direct free kick from the edge of the box and another from a frenzied counterattack down the left wing. The score remained 1-1 at half-time.
In the second half, Málaga CF continued their game plan, seemingly unaffected by playing with 10 men. Meanwhile, Albacete began to dominate possession and almost took the lead in the 53rd minute. Alberto González's team was awarded a penalty, which Alberto Quiles took with a Panenka-style shot. Herrero, keeping his cool, stayed on the goal line and saved the penalty.
The Martiricos faithful kept cheering for their team, and in the 62nd minute, Pellicer brought on fresh legs to energise the team across all lines. Castel and Luismi, making their official debuts with MCF, along with Dani Sánchez, came on for the goal scorer Dioni, Sangalli, and an injured Víctor. In the 67th minute, Herrero made another crucial save, deflecting a shot from Javi Rueda. In the 71st minute, Quiles nearly scored with a shot that went just past Alfonso's right post.
The match remained highly competitive in the final stretch. In the 81st minute, Antoñito tried again with another solo run, but his shot went straight into Lizoain's hands. A minute later, Málaga made their final substitution, with Jokin coming on for Puga at right-back. In the 86th minute, Castel shot over the crossbar, and in the 88th minute, Higinio responded with a low shot that Herrero saved.
Subsequently, in added time, a penalty was awarded for a foul on Jokin after the referee consulted the VAR. Antoñito Cordero, with great composure, converted the winning goal (2-1, 94’). It was the second goal of the championship for the promotion hero, sending the crowd into ecstasy.
Málaga CF secured their first victory of the season, remaining undefeated after three rounds with five out of nine possible points, marking a notable start in their return to the Second Division. Vamos, Málaga!