Málaga CF and Cádiz CF measured their strength at the Estadio Ramón de Carranza, in a direct duel in the fight to move up the standings. Malaguista coach, Víctor Sánchez del Amo, selected the same starting-11 from the last LaLiga 1|2|3 match against RCD Mallorca, with the exception of injured Ricca, who was replaced by Cádiz-born Diego González. Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was held in memory of D. Antonio Benítez, former Cádiz CF director.

The match got underway with great pace. The first chance of the game was for the locals. Cifu brought down Machís on the edge of the area and the referee called a foul. Aketxe tried his luck, but his shot skied over Munir’s crossbar. Immediately afterwards, Málaga CF’s first clear opportunity arrived which the lads made the most of. A superb right-footer from Renato from outside the area that was deflected by the Cádiz keeper. N’Diaye was ready to sink the rebound into the net to take his team to a 0-1 lead in minute 7. Álvaro Cervera’s team tried to come back with an Aketxe left-footer, but Munir remained alert and blocked the ball without too much trouble. In 23’, the match went level. Aketxe converted a great free kick to take the score to 1-1. The reaction from the visitors was immediate. Cifu and Renato combined well on the right, leading to another chance for the Blue and Whites. A cross from Renato and a shot at goal by Adrián. The ball was deflected by the rival defence. Cádiz enjoyed a highly promising opportunity before the half-time whistle, but again Munir was very attentive to clearing the ball.

The second half got underway with the same 11 players on the pitch. Three minutes into this half the referee disallowed a Cádiz CF goal for being offside. The initial stages of the second half progressed without occasions for either side. Málaga enjoyed possession, whilst the locals awaited a counter-attack. Álvaro Cervera made some changes, bringing on Álex Fernández for José Mari. Two minutes later, Jovanovic replaced Mario Barco. It was Jovanovic who generated a good chance as soon as he stepped on to the pitch, however his shot from the penalty spot sailed over the crossbar. Adrián narrowly missed out on putting Víctor Sánchez del Amo’s men in front. Great play from the midfielder and Blanco Leschuk, finished by Adrián and deflected by Cifuentes. In 74’ came the visitors’ first substitution. Boulahroud joined the game in place of Keidi. Then in 77’, Hicham replaced Renato Santos. The final stages of play were back and forth, although Málaga CF had more control. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, despite clear dominance from Víctor Sánchez del Amo’s team. The referee called 24 fouls in favour of Cádiz CF and just eight for Málaga CF, with almost 70 per cent of ball possession belonging to the Blue and Whites.