Málaga CF's search for a first La Liga win continues after another away defeat. The Blue and Whites fell 1-0 to Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, a late goal from Iván Azón in the 85th minute sinking the Málaga CF side further down the table.
This result leaves Málaga CF rooted to the bottom of the standings, with just three points from a possible 18 after six matchdays. The loss comes just three days after the home setback against Villarreal (1-3).
A missed opportunity
The match presented a golden opportunity for both sides, who arrived with identical offensive records of just three goals scored all season. Málaga CF, however, failed to capitalise on their best spell of the game in the first half. Possession did not translate into clear chances, and Getafe's defensive solidity, despite their absences, proved an insurmountable wall.
Funes had warned beforehand that "energy" would be one of the keys to the match, and he made several changes to the starting eleven. Rafita and Dani Lorenzo returned to the lineup, bringing experience, while Joaquín sought to provide width. The centre-back pairing of Recio and Einar Galilea was once again chosen, completing their sixth consecutive match as starters.
The goal that decided it
Parity was maintained for much of the encounter, with both teams showing more caution than ambition. A lack of cutting edge in the final third seemed to be steering the game towards a draw, but Getafe found the breakthrough in the closing minutes. On a quick transition, Martin Satriano assisted Iván Azón, who finished precisely to beat the Málaga CF goalkeeper and spark local euphoria.
Málaga CF had no time to react. The five minutes of added time were insufficient to generate a real chance of danger, and the final whistle confirmed a tenth consecutive Liga matchday without a win. The team has now lost two in a row, and their form over the last five games reads zero wins, two draws and three defeats.
A difficult outlook
The table makes for alarming reading. Málaga CF are bottom with three points, 18 behind leaders Barcelona and with a goal difference of -8, having scored three and conceded eleven. The need for points is urgent, but the calendar does not stop. After the international break, the team will host Espanyol at La Rosaleda on October 9th, an opponent currently sitting in twelfth place. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and the squad status in the squad section.
Getafe's absences, with Abdel Abqar, Juanmi Jiménez, Christantus Uche and Kiko Femenía injured and Mario Martín suspended, were not exploited by the visitors. The potential returns of Johan Mojica and Enes Ünal for the hosts also did not alter the script of a match decided by a single moment of quality. For Málaga CF, the work over the next two weeks will be intense, with the clear objective of turning things around in front of their fans in the next fixture.
Background and full detail: Sport.es
