Following an emotional minute’s silence in memory of Carlos Martínez, the firefighter who lost his life in the Sierra Bermeja forest fire, the match kicked off with the crowd pushing the team from the outset.
José Alberto made three changes to his starting-11, bringing on Dani Martín (debut) in goal, Escassi on the pivot and Roberto on the attack, in place of Dani Barrio, Genaro and Antoñín, respectively.
Dominance alternated between both sides during the initial stages of play, although Girona showed their quality when they had possession. Bustos for the visitors in 17’ attempted Pele’s goal with a shot from midfield. Immediately afterwards. Cufré was unmarked in front of Juan Carlos, but he missed the target. In 24’ Paulino sent the ball to the crossbar with his bad leg. Five minutes later, a precise cross from Escassi and Brandon’s header collided with the crossbar. The stands roared in anticipation of a goal.
MCF made continual approaches to the rival area, which increased as the first half progressed. The goal had to come, and it did. A spectacular shot from range by Paulino found the net. A superb goal (1-0, 41’). The Blue and Whites maintained their lead at half-time.
In the second half, Kevin tried his luck with a high shot in 49’. Valery responded straight away for the visitors with great intention, but Dani Martín made a brilliant deflection. Luis Muñoz, following a display from Kevin, sent the ball to the post in 58’. The first Malaguista substitution, in 60’, saw Antoñín come on in place of the reserve team’s Roberto.
Jozabed strengthened midfield when he came on in substitution of another homegrown player, Kevin in 74’. Girona tried to take over possession against a well-positioned Málaga in defence and with pace to launch a counter-attack. After making a great effort, Escassi made way for Genaro in 87’. The three points were still at stake during the final minutes. Nothing was as yet decided.
Then just before the final whistle came the ecstasy. Brandon led a counter-attack in front of the keeper who cleared the ball, hit a defender and the clearance landed with Paulino who scored his second goal of the game to La Rosaleda’s delight (2-0, 94’). Málaga are in 6th place in the standings (provisional) after securing their second consecutive victory at home, where they have won 7 out of their 8 points in LaLiga SmartBank and where they remain undefeated. Vamos, Málaga!
