A clean sheet and victory; the perfect scenario to continue growing with a week to go until the start of Liga 1|2|3. Málaga CF dominated practically all of the match against a Córdoba CF who barely created any chances. In addition, Blanco Leschuk and N'Diaye made their debut as Malaguistas.
Málaga got off to a strong start. So much so, within the first 15 minutes Córdoba didn’t really leave their half. With a high, intense pressure, Muñiz’s men made sure the rival didn’t feel comfortable and the Blue and Whites’ recoveries multiplied. As did their opportunities.
Blanco Leschuk came close to scoring his debut goal with the Blue and Whites in minute 4. A long ball opened up on the wing by Hicham allowed the striker to shoot yet narrowly miss the target. Diego González also had a good opportunity following a pass back from Hicham, but Kieszek’s reflexes managed to prevent a Malaguista goal.
Córdoba, following the first quarter of an hour, improved and the match evened out. Andrés Prieto was forced to intervene in 21’ with a shot from Jovanovic, and from then on, the match was disputed in midfield. The remainder of the first half developed in midfield and came to an end with no clear chances in either area.
The second half kicked off in the same way as the first, with domination by the ‘boquerón’ side. In 46’ Blanco combined with Mula, and the latter, without an angle, cut through Kieszek but his shot collided with the rival defence. Málaga CF owned the match throughout the second half and continued to do so with the entrance of the homegrown players.
Hicham, very active during the entire game, had a good opportunity to put Málaga in front in 76’, but his shot was saved by Kieszek. Eight minutes later, the Blue and Whites got a goal. In minute 84, following stolen possession due to the high pressure shown by the team, Álex Mula was unmarked in front of the Córdoba keeper and converted. A goal to take Málaga CF to victory in the penultimate test before the league gets underway. Tonight, at 20:00, another friendly is taking place against Granada CF.
Juan Ramón López Muñiz selected the following players: Andrés Prieto; Iván R., Abqar, Diego Glez, Juankar; Iturra (David Ramos, 65'), N'Diaye, Mula, Hicham (Iván Jaime, 80'); Haksabanovic (Juan Cruz, 53') and Blanco Leschuk (Antoñín, 65').
