The Malaguistas and Bercianos locked horns on matchday 6 of LaLiga SmartBank. The match was held on a pleasant Sunday afternoon in front of 3,933 fans at El Toralín.
In regard to gameplay, both teams stepped on to the pitch with the intention of fighting fiercely for control of play. After just three minutes, the referee awarded a penalty in favour of the home side. However, following a VAR check the penalty was revoked after an attacking foul in the Malaguistas’ favour.
Nevertheless, ‘Ponfe’ achieved their objective of taking the lead on the scoreboard in minute 12. Striker José Naranjo scored the 1-0 in the opening stages.
Málaga CF attempted to contain the local attack and frequent the rival area, but without success. ‘Deportiva’ had another good chance in 31’ but goalkeeper Dani Martín prevented the shot from in front of the target with a great clearance. Just a minute later, the Blue and Whites – wearing their orange away shirt today – responded with a cross from Kevin that hit the crossbar.
Just before half-time, SD Ponferradina’s José Naranjo once again put his team further in the lead by scoring the 2-0. The result stayed the same after the first 45 minutes.
The second half soon became an uphill struggle for the Malaguistas. The referee awarded a penalty in the locals’ favour and this time around it wasn’t annulled by VAR. Yuri converted from the penalty spot (3-0, min 53’).
Shortly afterwards, in 56’, Brandon came close to a goal for the Blue and Whites, but neither the number ‘9’ nor Jozabed were able to take advantage and narrow the gap.
In the 77th minute, the referee sent off homegrown Malaguista, Haitam for an action that again required a VAR check. Both the referee and his assistants thought that the fight for the ball - in which the winger jumped with his foot up - should be punished with a direct red card. The decision left the visitors with 10 men for the remainder of play. With the duel decided, Agus Medina scored the fourth goal for the home side in 83’ (4-0).
The good news of the day without doubt was the return of Iván Calero to the pitch. He’s back after being out of action for seven months due to a traumatic cruciate ligament tear.
The three points remain at El Toralín. SD Ponferradina are at the top of the table provisionally, ahead of the match between SD Eibar and Real Sporting de Gijón, the latter being MCF’s next rival in LaLiga SmartBank.
