Málaga CF and CD Mirandés faced one another on matchday 3 of LaLiga SmartBank this Saturday 27th August, at the Municipal de Anduva.
The Blue and Whites stepped on to the pitch with a solid attack. So much so that they generated the first clear opportunity straight after kick-off. There was a one-on-one between Febas and the keeper, but his low, powerful shot grazed the post.
This wasn’t the only chance. In the first half, the Malaguistas enjoyed several additional options before Javi Jiménez scored in 45’. Rubén Castro, Fran Sol, Febas and Javi himself found themselves up against either the reflections of the rival goalkeeper, or with their shots skimming the post.
The team, well-positioned on the pitch, knew how to stand firm against the rival’s attacks.
On a negative note, Ramalho was substituted due to injury in 17’. He was replaced by Luis Muñoz who occupied midfield, whilst Genaro moved to the central axis.
Just before half-time, MCF got their reward. The aforementioned Javi Jiménez scored the 0-1. A shot by Fran Sol came up against a defender, and the ball was subsequently picked up by Javi who slammed it into the net. Half-time arrived 60 seconds later.
The same tone of the match continued in the second half. Juanfran was about to increase his team’s lead from the right of the area, but his attempt hit the post in minute 47. However, there followed another forced substitution. Luis Muñoz, who replaced Ramalho, had to stay in the dugout due to discomfort. Jozabed took his place.
Four minutes later, in 51’, Rubén Castro scored the 0-2. The striker converted in front of the defence following a Gallar free kick. Castro touched the ball with the tip of his boot to score at the far post.
After a long stretch in which play became somewhat flat, in minute 72 the ref awarded a penalty to the home side. Raúl López converted from the 11-metre mark to make it 1-2 in the 74th minute.
The goal didn't affect the Malaguistas, who barely took a minute to get back on the scoreboard. Fran Sol, following a pass from Álex Gallar, finished with hardly any angle to make it 1-3.
After the Malaguistas returned to their two-goal advantage, Pablo Hervías made his debut with the team taking over from Álex Gallar, while Chavarría had his first minutes this season, stepping on to the pitch together with Víctor Olmo in the last stretch, in place of Fran Sol and Febas.
For the remainder of play, Guede's team perfectly controlled the situation and secured the first victory of 22/23, the result of excellent teamwork in Anduva.
The next league game is on Sunday 4th September at 16:15 at La Rosaleda.
