Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Malaga CF suffered another setback in their troubled season after losing 1–0 away to Cultural Leonesa on Monday night, a result that deepened their crisis and placed head coach Sergio Pellicer’s position under serious threat.
The visitors travelled to León needing both a win and an improved display yet achieved neither, falling to a first-half strike from Lucas Ribeiro and failing to recover despite a brief second-half surge.
Pellicer has made only minor changes to its previous team against Cordoba. Rafa Lobete, Izanmerino and Julenlobete have been promoted into the first XI.
Malaga had a well-structured start and created a good chance after three minutes when Lobete smashed the crossbar hard with a powerful strike.
Rafa threatened again with a low strike, this time from a tighter angle. But the visitors lacked cutting edge at key moments.
Cultural Leonesa became more involved in the game and exposed Malaga’s vulnerability. Ribeiro, who had just missed an opportunity, accelerated past Javi Montero and advanced cleanly on the goalkeeper. He finished low in the 39th minute to give the home team the lead.
Changes that are much needed
Malaga went into the half time break in need of a response. Pellicer responded by replacing Merino with Niño at half time and pushing his team higher up the pitch.
David Larrubia was able to get close on two occasions, while Eneko Jaregi missed the opportunity in the build-up.
Malaga, despite increasing pressure, couldn’t equalise and their rhythm diminished as the first half progressed.
Cultural controlled the final stages of the match well, by limiting Malaga’s incursions while maintaining a threat on the counter.
Alfonso Herrero the goalkeeper even moved forward for a set piece in stoppage before Murillo sent off for unnecessarily denying Rafael Tresaco, a clear shot on goal with only seconds remaining to play.
Pellicer’s fate has again been speculated about after Malaga’s defeat. With 15 points from a third of the season and Mirandés due at La Rosaleda on Sunday, the club’s hierarchy must now weigh the risks and benefits of a managerial change.
