There was a great atmosphere at Martiricos tonight, with numerous highlights in José González’s starting line-up. Diego González was positioned on the left-wing, with Lestienne on the right, the first Belgian player in the Club’s history, debuting wearing the Blue and White jersey. Another noteworthy stat was the presence of team captain, Recio, playing his 150th official match with MCF.
En-Nesyri was extremely active in the opening minutes, although the first dangerous shot at goal was a header from Valencia’s Santi Mina in minute 6. Marcelino’s men became stronger as play went on, with Guedes, on the left, the main attacking stronghold. However, Málaga, concentrated and serious at the back, waited for their opportunity to attack. And so the first goal arrived, thanks to a Recio corner that was converted by Ideye (1-0, 26’).
The ecstatic fans spurred their team on. The locals remained solid and consistent, containing the rival effectively, with Luis Hernández and Iturra particularly successful with crosses and ball interceptions. At half-time, the Blue and Whites maintained their lead.
The script of the match didn’t alter too much in the second half. It wasn’t until minute 56 when another strategic move allowed Málaga to score again, but the referee disallowed Diego González’s goal due to a previous foul by En-Nesyri. Ideye, with a header, had a narrow miss in 58’. The entrance of Rodrigo and Zaza reinforced the rival’s attack, with the Italian trying his luck with a low shot in 64’. In the 68th minute of play, Keko came on in place of an applauded Lesteinne on the right of midfield.
In minute 73, Lacen substituted Recio, who was suffering with discomfort, to strengthen the centre pivot. Moving into the final phase and Valencia, as Málaga did in the first half, made the most of the set piece. Coquelin scored from a corner to put his team level (1-1, 80’). Rolan stepped on to the pitch in 83’ in place of Chory, and a minute later came a lethal counter from Guedes and a penalty, including expulsion, committed by Ignasi Miquel. A powerful shot from Parejo from the penalty spot put the visitors in front (1-2, 85’).
The numerical disadvantage and the minimum margin of reaction didn’t stop Roberto, the Malaguista goalkeeper, narrowly missing out on an equaliser in 95’ with a header that grazed the post. However, it wasn’t to be. Valencia claimed the points, despite the great effort shown by MCF.
