Convincing victory through courage and heart (4-1)

A warm Sunday afternoon at Martiricos with a strong turnout of spectators (22,106) in the stands. On the pitch, Pellicer made four changes compared to the previous match in Leganés. In defence, Montero and Víctor started on the left flank instead of Einar and Dani Sánchez. In midfield, Darko and Dotor played in place of Juanpe and Rafa.

After 10 initial minutes of back and forth, David Larrubia created Málaga’s first chance with a shot close to the right post (11’). Ibai Gómez’s Andorra, true to their combinative attacking style and high defensive line, struggled to build up play due to Málaga’s high pressing.

Joaquín, in the 19^th minute, came close to scoring with a shot from outside the box that went over the bar. One minute later, Larrubia skilfully placed the ball in the net, sending the crowd crazy (1-0, 20’). The electric Larrubia nearly scored his second just three minutes later (23’).

Around the half-hour mark, Andorra had a chance to equalise through Marc Domènech, whose venomous shot rattled both posts. Murillo, playing in an attacking role, had a dangerous header in the 33^rd minute. Dotor also had an opportunity in the 35^th minute with a shot that went over the crossbar.

On the verge of the 45^th minute, Rafita cleared off the line a ball from Le Normand, preventing what looked like a certain goal. At half-time, Málaga CF led 1-0.

At the start of the second half, Andorra had a chance in the first minute. Newly on the pitch, former Málaga player Álex Calvo sent a shot over the crossbar. In minute 49, the referee sent off Darko Brasanac with a straight red for serious foul play on an opponent. Immediately after, Sergio Pellicer made a double substitution (52’): Juanpe and Lobete came on for Dotor and Joaquín.

With numerical superiority, Ibai’s side dominated possession while Málaga dropped back, waiting for a quick counterattack. And that’s exactly what happened. A sensational move down the right between Rafita and Chupe ended with Larrubia, who set up Lobete to complete the famous ‘law of the ex’ (2-0, 59’).

Visiting player Villahermosa had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 60^th minute, and Olabarrieta, in the 66^th, hit the crossbar off Alfonso Herrero. Dani Lorenzo responded in the 69^th with a crisp left-footed shot near Aron’s goal. Lobete, in the 70^th, also came close to a double with a curling effort from outside the box.

In minute 78, Izan Merino replaced a well-applauded David Larrubia. Álex Calvo, in the 79^th, tried twice unsuccessfully with shots from the left. The Córdoba-born number 7 was Andorra’s most active player since coming on. In the 83^rd, Pellicer used his final substitutions, bringing on Jauregi and Rafa for Chupe and Dani Lorenzo.

And in the final rush came the third goal. A lethal counterattack led by Lobete set up Jauregi, who scored his first goal for the Blue and Whites (3-0, 86’). Just before the 90^th minute, Andorra pulled one back through a goal by Nieto (3-1). And in stoppage time, pure ecstasy. Another textbook counter between Lobete and Jauregi, finished off by Eneko after an incredible individual effort to seal the victory even further (4-1, 94’). The Basque striker completed a rapid double.

The final whistle sparked euphoria at La Rosaleda, which celebrated its team’s third home win of the season. Three points that bring Málaga CF’s total to 14, placing them in the middle of the LALIGA HYPERMOTION table. Vamos, Málaga!