Málaga CF hosted RCD Espanyol in the match that brought an end to LaLiga SmartBank matchday 10. The duel was held at La Rosaleda, behind closed doors in adherence with health protocol, on a cool Monday night at 21:00. The empty stands missed the Blue and White fans who play such a crucial role in the ‘Boquerón’ side’s home games.
The match in question got off to an intense start. Both sides instilled a fast pace in the gameplay in the opening stages, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring. Embarba put the ‘Pericos’ ahead in minute 7’ of play (0-1).
Far from letting this setback get them down, the Malaguistas went in search of an equaliser. A minute after the Espanyol goal, Chavarría reached the heart of the rival area with a great personal slalom, but his shot sailed over the crossbar. The referee looked to VAR for a possible foul on the forward at the time of the shot, but a penalty was not awarded. For the remainder of the first half, both teams attempted to dominate ball possession. However, at half-time the scoreboard showed 0-1.
Espanyol increased their lead soon after the second half got underway. Raúl De Tomás netted the second goal for his team in 51’ (0-2). With no time for Pellicer’s men to react, the visitors widened the gap even more with a second goal for Embarba (0-3, 56’).
The Blue and Whites didn’t stop in their attempts to get on the scoreboard, but to no avail. The final result was a 0-3 win for the rival.
