The Blue and Whites faced the Black and Whites on the first LaLiga SmartBank match of the season at El Plantío. The mild temperatures prevailing in Castilla y León marked a pleasant summer night that was conducive to football.
On the pitch, both teams attempted to dominate the pace of play in the initial stages. The Malaguistas – debuting the pink away shirt – had Manolo Reina in goal; Bustinza, Burgos and Ramalho on a defensive line of three; Juanfran and Javi Jiménez as playmakers on the right and left; Escassi, Jozabed and Febas in the engine room; and upfront Fran Sol and Rubén Castro.
The high pressure from the locals made it very tough for the Blue and Whites to circulate the ball. Burgos tried to surprise the Malaguista defenders on several occasions, but they maintained a solid defence.
One of the most promising opportunities of play stemmed from Fran Sol and Rubén Castro. A great play in midfield ended in a brilliant triangulation between the strikers. Rubén Castro executed a powerful, tight shot that was deflected by local goalkeeper Caro (35'). Minutes before, the same Blue and White attacker outwitted a defender on the right of the area to have a free shot on goal. The shot went wide, but the play was disabled by the referee who signalled offside.
The Malaguistas once again tried their luck in 41’. Javi Jiménez launched a powerful cross from the left towards Juanfran. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage to connect with the ball clearly, and the first half ended 0-0.
The Blue and Whites made some changes in the second half, with Álex Gallar replacing Fran Sol.
MCF made a number of approaches in the initial minutes of the second half. Febas came close to an equaliser with a shot at goal in 49’ that grazed the post. However, Burgos CF stepped up their attack and took the lead in the 62nd minute. Striker Artola headed the ball into goal in 62’. Pablo Guede made further changes, bringing on Luis Muñoz for Escassi and Ramón for Jozabed (63’), then minutes later Juande for Juanfran (72’) and, in the final stages, Loren replaced Ramalho (85’) in a bid to bolster the attack.
In stoppage time, Rubén Castro finished off a great move by Febas, but an inspired Caro again put a stop to the striker's attempt. The Malaguistas were unable to overcome the rival defence and net the equaliser to score points in their first LaLiga SmartBank match of 22/23.
