Andalucía Day derby delight as Malaga snatch all three points from trip to Granada

In a major boost to their play-off charge, Malaga CF snatched a 1-0 win over regional rivals Granada CF in Saturday’s Andalucía Day derby, thanks to a late goal by the in-form David Larrubia.

The match, played on 28 February as the region marked its annual public holiday, unfolded in front of a near-capacity Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes, with an estimated 2,000 Malaga fans dotted around the ground. They were crucial in the final stages of an intense match that seemed destined to end in a draw.

Malaga tried to attack from the back, but the home team began pressing with great intensity. Within the opening few seconds, José Arnaiz threatened with a header, and Álex Sola later volleyed narrowly wide from a Babacar Diocou cross from the left.

Diocou, Granada’s most incisive attacker, also fired a powerful shot just past the post as the team sought to establish themselves in this derby.

Malaga had the best chance in the first half, despite struggling with fluency. Chupete’s quick burst in pace won him a penalty despite Manu Lamas lack of decision.

The academy graduate then attempted to score, but hit his shot against the crossbar. The academy product missed his second attempt from the penalty spot in two games, having failed to score against Ceuta.

The game changed dramatically after the restart. Malaga enjoyed longer periods of possession on the other side as Granada slowed down.

Larrubia, searching for space, drifted in to the room while Julenlobete acted.

Granada remained a threat, however. Dani Lorenzo’s misplaced cross almost cost Granada the match. Manu trigueros also tested Alfonso Herrero. Herrero made a crucial save.

Malaga scored decisively in the final minutes as both teams appeared to be settling for a draw. In the 87th minute, Aarón Ochoa led a swift counterattack and threaded a pass into Larrubia’s path. Zidane blocked the first shot, but Larrubia reacted quickly to score the rebound.

The away fans erupted into a celebration as though the match was being played in La Rosaleda and proudly proclaimed: “We are going up!”

Malaga, who grew into the match after a difficult start, ended Granada’s 11-game unbeaten home run and left their Andalucía Day rivals frustrated in a result that could prove significant in the closing stretch of the season.