Sunday night football at Martiricos began with a heartfelt minute of silence before the match, dedicated to women who are victims of gender-based violence, whose international day will be commemorated on Tuesday, 25th November.
It was also a special day for Juan Francisco Funes, making his debut as Málaga CF’s coach. His first starting line-up consisted of: A. Herrero (c); C. Puga, Recio, Einar, Víctor; Izan M., Dotor, Dani Lorenzo; Joaquín, D. Larrubia, and Niño.
In the first 10 minutes of play, Málaga took two shots on target: one from Einar with a header and another from Niño with his right foot, both saved by Nikic. In minute 15, Mirandés had their first chance with a header from Alberto Marí that went close to the left post.
At the midpoint of the first half, there was a long stoppage due to an accidental collision between Izan Merino and the visiting player Bauza, though both were able to continue with protective bandages. Then, in the 29th minute, Larrubia appeared with a shot that went over the crossbar, the prelude to the ‘Niño moment’ of the match.
An extraordinary play crafted down the right side by Puga, Dotor, and Niño, who placed the ball into the top corner with an exquisite finish. A superb goal (1–0, 31’). Two minutes later, a defensive lapse by Mirandés was exploited by an astute Joaquín, who pressured Nikic, allowing Niño to score into an empty net (2–0, 33’). A rapid-fire brace from the striker from Rota.
Before the break, Mirandés had their clearest chance. Carlos Fernández, taking advantage of a rebound from Alfonso Herrero, sent the ball into the side netting despite having everything in his favour to close the gap. Half-time score: 2–0.
At the restart, Adrián Niño went looking for his hat-trick with a direct free kick that the goalkeeper blocked in the 49th minute. Shortly afterward came Funes’ first substitution: Rafa for Dotor (53’). Alberto Marí reduced the deficit for Galván’s side, beating Herrero one-on-one (2–1, 59’).
Then in the 67th minute, Joaquín struck the post in what could have been 3–1. The number 11, like Niño, was immediately substituted, with Lobete and Chupe coming on. In minute 75, Rafa nearly scored with a shot from the edge of the box, but Nikic denied him. However, it was Mirandés who drew level thanks to a goal from Petit (2–2, 79’).
Funes made a double substitution in the 83rd minute, bringing on Haitam and Jauregi for Dani Lorenzo and David Larrubia. Málaga pushed hard to get back in front and, just before the final whistle, Einar played the hero in the 95th minute by scoring the decisive 3–2 winner in stoppage time.
Málaga CF now have 18 points in the competition, kicking off the second third of LALIGA HYPERMOTION with a new home victory. Vamos, Málaga!
