Sunday, January 7, 2024, 23:10
Málaga CF put up a good fight but lost 1-0 to La Liga side Real Sociedad this Sunday night (January 7), ending their Copa del Rey dreams for another year.
The Basque team had recently reached the last 16 of the Champions League, and while there was some excitement, there was also a sense of resignation that this was the end of the road for the blue and white team, which has now become reality.
But that doesn’t mean Malaga didn’t have a chance to win. They started the game well and even had a clear chance in the opening 45 minutes.
Mikel Oyarzabal came close to scoring with a header from a free-kick in the 10th minute, but 10 minutes later Sergio Pellicer’s side found the back of the net with a shot from Victor García and goalkeeper Unai Marrero. I pushed it into.
In the ensuing attack, Roberto was unable to stretch his body near the back post and was unable to drive a low cross into the front of the goal.
According to the script
But just four minutes after the restart, the game reflected expectations when Igor Zubeldia nipped in front of keeper Carlos López and Mikel Merino’s header crossed the goal line. .
In an effort to turn the tide, Pellicer returned to the bench and brought in some more familiar faces to shore up his young starting eleven.
Kevin was also one of the substitutes and almost scored an equalizer with a volley from the edge of the penalty area, but Marrero saved it well.
Roberto could have equalized, but was unable to make a meaningful connection with Joquim Gabilondo’s cross.
However, the most decisive chance fell to the visitors as Oyarzabal sunk the ball past López, only to be cleared from the line by Einar Galilea.
Overall, there will be some disappointment with this result, but there will also be some pride in having pushed such a prominent opponent this far.