Adrián Nino bags crucial late equaliser for Malaga CF in top-of-the-table clash

In their second away fixture in four days, Malaga CF rescued a crucial point on Saturday evening with a 1-1 draw away to Deportivo La Coruña, keeping their promotion push firmly alive.

Juanpe started the match for the visitors, who were facing direct competition from the home team in the promotion race.

Despite those setbacks, Malaga began with confidence and threatened first during a generally cautious start to the game from both sides, thanks to efforts from Joaquín and Chupete.

Deportivo began to cause problems as the first-half progressed.

A slip by Juanpe, the last man on the field, forced Alfonso Herrero to make a crucial save from Bil Nsongo’s timid effort in minute 24. Stoichkov scored a goal, but it was disallowed because of offside.

Alfonso made a superb diving save to deny Giacomo Quagliata’s left-footed volley from 30 yards out. Then, he used his reflexes to prevent Adria Altimira’s effort from nestling into the net. First, he pulled off a superb diving save to deny Giacomo Quagliata’s left-footed volley from 30 yards out, then he used his reflexes to prevent Adrià Altimira’s effort from nestling into the net.

Deportivo continued to dominate the game after the restart. Malaga was unable to maintain possession for long periods and were pinned down. A double chance fell to the home team minutes after the start.

Despite the pressure, Malaga offered a brief warning to the hosts, producing a rare counterattack when Joaquín, having cut in from the left, struck the far post with a wildly dipping and swerving effort.

Deportivo’s persistence was rewarded in the 74th minutes, when a slack Malaga defence allowed substitute forward Samuelemulattieri to take advantage. The Italian chased the ball behind Javi Montero and converted the one-on-1 to open the score.

Malaga responded almost instantly despite the carnival atmosphere in Riazor. Funes made changes, including Adrián Niño, who made an immediate impact, scoring a cushioned volley from a corner to level the match just minutes after coming on.

Both teams were pushing for a win in the closing stages. The final stages were open, with both teams pushing forward in search of a winner.

Malaga has now drawn three games in a row. This could be a crucial point in their quest to stay at the top of the table, and to challenge for promotion into La Liga.