Malaga were forced to settle for a point at La Rosaleda on Sunday evening despite taking an early lead against a Mirandés side who were far superior on the night.

Given his side’s busy schedule - with three matches in the space of a week - Malaga coach Sergio Pellicer made several changes to his starting eleven, including giving veteran defender and captain David Lombán his first start of the season, but also starts for Jairo and Jozabed on the wings.

The latter repaid his manager’s faith in the 16th minute when he converted wing-back José Matos’ cut-back from the left to give his side the lead - albeit after a VAR review for a possible offside.

However, the Blue and Whites’ strong start soon evaporated and the visitors pushed hard for the equaliser.

Malaga keeper Juan Soriano was kept busy throughout. In the first 45 he stood up to the pressure, but just after half-time the on-loan stopper let himself down as he allowed Erik Jirka’s effort to squeeze through at the near post as he mistakenly anticipated the cross - the first goal Malaga have conceded at home so far this season.

Iván Martín, who provided the incisive through ball for that goal proved to be a nuisance in the second half. His left-footed shot from the edge of the box almost squeezed its way in but for Soriano’s sprawling save low to his left.

Mirandés’ young striker Sergio Moreno then almost caught Soriano out at his near post again with a quick shot after the ball fell to him via a ricochet. This time, however, he struck the outside of the post.

Moreno was then presented with an even better chance but his meek header didn’t trouble the keeper and his side returned to Burgos with a point, knowing they could have had all three.