Victory for Málaga CF against Real Zaragoza, at La Rosaleda, on matchday 28 of LaLiga SmartBank. Lago Junior and Rubén Castro – whose brace makes him the historic national ‘pichichi’ – scored the Malaguista goals in a key win for options to remain in the
A Monday evening and the end of the second third of the competition with a good crowd in the stands. On the pitch, Pellicer introduced three changes in relation to the previous line-up in Albacete. Juande (captain), Genaro and Fran Villalba came on in place of Andrés Caro, Luis Muñoz and Loren.
The team got off to a pacey start, with two chances for Genaro in the first five minutes. Zaragoza responded with a couple of rapid transitions on the left from Bebé. The first quarter of an hour ended with a good display by Delmás and Fran Villalba on the right, but without finding a clear shot that would disrupt the rival defence.
Midway through the first half, Málaga continued the search to open the scoring, generating actions on both wings and a number of corners. In terms of the rival, nearly all the danger stemmed from Bebé, showing great quality in his driving and dribbling.
Before half-time, there were two chances for Fran Escribá's team. In 44', a colossal defensive action by Ramalho prevented a Giuliano goal. Immediately afterwards, Yáñez saved an attempt by Bebé and Vada's rebound missed by centimetres. At half-time the scoreboard was still 0-0.
In the second half, Rubén Castro came on for N'Diaye, changing the system to a more standard 1-4-4-2 with a double nine upfront and Febas in midfield along with Genaro. Pellicer's change took effect after 10 minutes.
An excellent play started on the left by Lago Junior, changing the orientation of the game for Delmás, who combined with Fran Villalba for the Valencian defender to cross to Rubén Castro who found the net (1-0, 56'). A great goal, the sixth this season for the striker from the Canary Islands to match the national top scorer Quini (284 goals between the First and Second Divisions).
In 61’, Zaragoza had two opportunities to go level, featuring a superb save from Rubén from a Vada shot and a subsequent attempt from distance by Bebé. In 65’, Escassi and Álex Gallar came on for Fran Villalba and Fran Sol. The fans continued to push the team forward, aware of the need for the +3 points.
This momentum transferred to the pitch and along came the second Malaguista goal. Rubén Castro assisted Lago Junior and the winger fired the ball into the net including a touch to the left post (2-0, 75'). The third goal for the Ivory Coast-born player in six matches with the Blue and Whites. In minute 77, Javi Jiménez replaced Cristian on the left wing. Five minutes later, Rubén Castro made history.
Following a pass filtered by Gallar, the ‘killer’ scored the third goal of the night (3-0, 82'). His seventh league goal of the season and number 285 in the elite of Spanish football (First and Second Divisions), surpassing Quini and with “only” Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in front. Wow.
The foundations of La Rosaleda shook, singing 'Sí se puede', doing the wave and even chanting the Unicaja anthem, crowned champions of the basketball Copa del Rey yesterday in Badalona. Not forgetting, of course, 'Málaga, la Bombonera'.
In 88', there was a standing ovation for Lago Junior, who made way for Appiah. At the final whistle, again came the roar of the fans united with their team for 90 minutes of a match that allowed Málaga CF, with this 3-0 victory, to score three points to put them five away from safety. Vamos, Málaga!
