There were a number of new faces in Juan Ramón Muñiz’s first starting line-up during his fourth stage at the Club. New signings Munir, Pau Torres, N’Diaye and Renato Santos, as well as homegrown player Harper, debuted wearing the Malaguista jersey. Cifuentes and Ontiveros, both back from being loaned out, were also part of the game.
A defensive disengagement from the Marbella-born winger led to an early goal for the local side, the work of Cristian Herrera (1-0, 6’). Renato Santos, highly active in the breakouts, tried his luck at the target following a Ricca cross in 10’. The Uruguayan winger, captain on this League debut, could have equalised in minute 33 following a corner; Luis Hernández, in 44’, also from a corner, skied a close-range ball from the far post.
Juankar came on in place of Ontiveros in the second half. Adrián, with a header from a Recio free kick, had a leveller at his feet in 50’. Lugo could have increased their lead shortly afterwards with a shot from Juan Muñiz that forced a save by Munir in 53’. The match began to gain pace and approaches, and Muñiz expanded his attack by debuting Blanco Leschuk, in place of Adrián (60’).
It didn’t take long for the Málaga coach to use all his substitutions, as he brought on another player from The Academy, Hicham, to replace Renato (71’). In minute 73, again Luis Hernández, following a period of set pieces, could have made the match all square. Málaga never lost faith and in the final minutes made an incredible comeback!
Hicham sent a cross from the right to find Juankar at the far post, who sank the ball into the back of the net (1-1, 86’). An action generated by Luis Hernández, first with a throw-in and then following the clearance, assisted N’Diaye to net a goal from a superb header (1-2, 89’).
An unbeatable LaLiga 1|2|3 debut for Muñiz’s men, maintaining their record on the opening match of the competition in the team’s four years in the silver division as MCF. Four matches…. And four victories! Vamos Málaga!
