Both teams attempted to get a feel of the match from kick-off, as Málaga stepped on to the pitch at Martiricos with Miguel Torres on the right wing in place of the reserve team’s Luis Muñoz, the only change in regard to the previous line-up against Sevilla. Sandro made his first appearance in minute 11, who after a sublime breakaway, propelled a shot at goal in the area, coming up against the hands of Sergio Álvarez.
In the 21st minute, Celta approached Kameni’s area for the first time, with a shy distant shot by Señe. The home side had an immediate response thanks to Sandro, with a dry shot following a counter-attack in minute 22, that was saved by Sergio in 23’. The opening goal wasn’t far away, and arrived from an individual action by Ontiveros. The Marbella-born winger, with a fantastic dribble, outwitted the rival defence on the right and scored a stunning left-footed opener (1-0, 26’).
Sandro, in the 39th minute, made the most of an error by the Celta defence and came close to a second goal, but a good save by Sergio deflected the attempt by the ‘pichichi’. With several fouls from the rival defence on an inspired Ontiveros, the first half ended with the Blue and Whites maintaining their lead.
In the second half, Berizzo’s team had their best chance yet to get on the scoreboard, with a toxic free kick from Marcelo Díaz in minute 52. Three minutes later, Sandro forced a clear penalty that was transformed by a cool Recio (2-0, 56’). Another Málaga goal to increase their lead. Celta insisted but constantly came up against Málaga CF’s solid defensive framework.
The class of Ontiveros was again shown in minute 70, with a superb pass to Sandro whose cross went wide from the right profile of the attack. In the 75th minute, Míchel made his first substitution, bringing on Juankar in place of Jony on the left wing. Following a series of abrupt plays, Ontiveros was given a standing ovation by the crowd as he was substituted by Keko in minute 85. The winger, no sooner had he joined the game, generated two runs that almost culminated in goal in the 87th minute. In 89’, Chory replaced a highly applauded Fornals, and in 90’, Kameni showed his reflexes with a mighty save from a Beauvue attempt.
The finishing touch came in extra time, with beautiful play by Juankar who assisted Sandro to net the ball at his leisure (3-0, 91’). The 14th League goal and 16th of the season for the number ‘19’. The fourth consecutive victory in LaLiga – and in La Rosaleda – for an MCF who, with 45 points, move up to 11th place in the rankings.
