A special day on this sixth edition of the Solidarity Match, with wide representation in the stands from social groups in Málaga and the province thanks to the work of the MCF Foundation.
On the pitch, just three players were repeated in the starting-11 compared to the last Cup clash against Rayo Majadahonda, namely Peybernes, Genaro and Jairo.
The visitors got off to a good start with three arrivals in the first 15 minutes, saved by Dani Martín. Former Blue and White player Recio and Rubén Pardo dominated the wide area, whilst MCF sought dominance on the right profile thanks to Antoñín, new to José Alberto’s line-up.
Borja Garcés appeared in minutes 31’ and 33’ against Leganés, highlighting the danger on the Pepinero attack. Jairo, following a corner in 40’, tried his luck with a powerful shot that went high. Dani Lorenzo, once again outstanding, showed off with his easy and fluid football. At half-time the match remained a goalless draw.
In the second half the Madrid-based outfit took the lead. A lateral free kick from the left profile by Pardo was sent into the back of the net by Omeruo (0-1, 51’). Shortly afterwards, in 57’, Arnaiz forced a superb save by Dani Martín to avoid the second goal for the visitors. The winger was the best player of ‘Lega’.
José Alberto made some changes just before the 60th minute - Hicham and Roberto, for Jairo and Dani Lorenzo. With no major changes happening, the Asturian coach made a double substitution in the 78th minute: Sekou and Cufré replaced Brandon and Javi Jiménez. A minute later, there was a clear counterattack that Juan Muñoz converted to increase Nafti's men’s lead (0-2, 79').
Chavarría, for Hicham (visibly in discomfort), was the fifth substitution in minute 80’. Juan Muñoz sought the third goal in the 83rd minute, but Dani Martín responded with a good save. With more heart than football, Málaga weren’t able to narrow the gap in the closing stages, and suffered the second league defeat at home. The team ends the first round of the competition and indeed 2021 in a mid-table position in LaLiga SmartBank with 27 points.