A special day at Martiricos. Before the match, a heartfelt minute of silence was observed in memory of Fernando Puche, a historic president of the Club, who passed away today. On this day, the Martiricos stadium also celebrated its 83rd anniversary (since the first official match), and Antonio Hidalgo, the goal-scoring hero of Málaga's last promotion to La Liga in 07/08, returned as the head coach of SD Huesca. In the 8th minute of the game, the “Fondo Sur 1904” section dedicated affectionate chants to him.
On the pitch Pellicer made only one adjustment to his starting line-up compared to the previous match in Córdoba. Ochoa replaced Dani Lorenzo in the playmaker role behind the striker. Former Malaguista, Joaquín Muñoz nearly put Huesca ahead in the early stages after a defensive lapse by the Blue and White side. The response came in the 17th minute, with a dangerous shot from Dioni in the box that was saved by Dani Jiménez.
In the 28th minute, Antoñito had a chance to score during a trademark rapid counterattack. On the right side of the attack, a determined Yanis Rahmani, playing on the opposite wing, made his return to La Rosaleda. In the 33rd minute, the French-Algerian had a golden opportunity for the 1-0 with a close-range shot that Jiménez once again saved. In the final moments of the first half, Málaga increased their pace, especially threatening on the wings with full-backs Dani Sánchez and Puga.
Just before half-time, a play by Antoñito Cordero led to a cross for Dioni, who, after a tough battle with a defender, helped drive the ball into the net (1-0, 42’). Shortly after, Alfonso Herrero made a great save to prevent an Olympic goal from Sielva. At the break, Pellicer's team held the lead.
The Antoñito-Dioni connection continued to create danger in the second half, with a threatening free kick near Huesca’s goal in the 54th minute. In midfield, Luismi grew in influence, proving impeccable in interceptions and effective in building up play alongside Manu Molina. In the 62nd minute, Dioni left the pitch to applause, making way for Baturina.
Málaga controlled the pace of the match, while Huesca looked dangerous with set-piece actions, with former Atlético Malagueño player Óscar Sielva as their main threat. Pellicer made a double substitution 15 minutes from the end, bringing on Haitam and Juanpe for Yanis and Ochoa.
In the final minutes, Málaga made another double substitution. Haitam, visibly injured, and Manu Molina were replaced by Izan Merino and Sergio Castel. In the 88th minute, Castel touched the ball for the first time with a header that hit the crossbar. During stoppage time, Joaquín had a chance to go level from a rebound off a free kick taken by Sielva, but he missed the target.
Final whistle and the 1-0 result gives three more points to Málaga CF, who remain unbeaten after five games with two victories, both at their ground, and three draws. With nine points, they continue to stay in the top tier of LaLiga Hypermotion. Vamos, Málaga!