Málaga limp past Granada’s reserves
It wasn’t pretty but it’s a win nonetheless. Málaga put two past Recreativo Granada to reduce the gap to first to ten points. After a slow start from Los Boquerones, frontman Dioni, scored his sixth goal of the season to give Pellicer’s men the lead before Roberto made it 2–0 just before the hour mark to seal the three points for the Blue and Whites.
Málaga came into today’s game looking to stop a mini slump of two consecutive defeats. Up against them, a Recreativo Granada team who were looking for just their third win of the season. One of Pellicer’s comments in a recent press conference has resonated a lot with Málaga fans. The boss talked about his side’s slow starts and how they need to change that. Today, unfortunately, was no different.
Recre frustrated Málaga and were able to keep the travelling side at bay. Despite coming up against bottom of the league, Los Boquerones seemed to struggle to gain any sort of rhythm and looked lacklustre in front of goal. Alfonso Herrero was even put to work early on when Carlos Pérez drilled a low shot towards goal, however, the Málaga number one was able to keep the shot out. On the half-hour mark, Victor García put in a cross which Dioni managed to get on the end of. His header bounced over the keeper’s head before a failed clearance from a Granada defender saw the ball end up in the back of the net.
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For the remainder of the first half, Málaga looked unlikely to add a second but managed to maintain their lead heading into the break. Genaro replaced Manu Molina for the second half and Pellicer’s half-time team talk seemed to take effect. On the fifty-six-minute mark, Roberto got himself on the end of the a ball across the box from Dani Lorenzo to make it 2–0 with an easy finish.
From then on out, it was relatively plain sailing for Málaga, however, Sergio Pellicer won’t be totally satisfied as a more potent attack would have easily put four or five past a poor Recre side. Dioni did add a third later on but his goal was ruled out for offside. Despite the average performance, the three points give Málaga a major boost in their promotion push and distances themselves from the chasing pack below.
One of the highlights from today was the fans. Málaga brought over five thousand and filled a whole stand at the Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes. Unbelievable support for a third-tier game away to a B team. If you weren’t able to get a ticket in the away end, check out our matchday vlog on our YouTube channel.
Next up for Málaga is a visit from struggling Atlético Baleares on Sunday the 4th of February at 12:00 local time.
For all the analysis and much more from today’s game, be sure to tune into the podcast next week which will be available in all your usual podcast places. ¡Vamos Málaga!
Everyone at the Guiricast sends their condolences to Manu Molina, whose mother sadly passed away today.
