Chaos in Andorra as Malaga CF salvage a draw despite second-half collapse
The visitors had a two-goal lead at half time, but a turbulent second half saw them ultimately have to settle for a point late on
Malaga CF were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw away to Andorra on Wednesday night after surrendering a 0-2 half-time lead in a frenetic encounter played in freezing conditions.
Coach Juan Francisco Funes rotated his side for the game, bringing in Jokin Gabilondo, Julen Lobete, Rafita and Eneko Jauregi, while star forwards David Larrubia and Chupete were left out with one eye on Saturday’s trip to La Coruña.
The visitors struck first when defender Diego Murillo slid to fire home, unmarked from a corner, after an even opening spell disrupted by slips on the wet pitch.
Goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero then made two key saves to preserve the lead before Malaga doubled their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time, when Jauregi converted a penalty won by Joaquín, who was trodden on while on the ground.
Despite rain, wind and even sleet affecting proceedings, Malaga appeared in control at the break thanks to a composed display despite the difficult surface.
That said, the warning signs were clear: Andorra's Yeray Cabanzón thought he had pulled one back before the break, only for his effort to be ruled out for a foul.
Comeback
A second disallowed offside goal for Lautaro followed early in the second half, indicating a clear shift in momentum.
Then, in the 51st minute, Josep Cerdá reduced the deficit moments later, converting a cross from the right wing with a header at the back post.
He then added a second soon after, taking advantage of poor defending. The goalkeeper had pushed away a header from a corner, but only back into a dangerous area, allowing him to tap in the rebound.
Malaga’s advantage had evaporated, so Funes responded with changes, introducing Josúe Dorrio, Chupete, and later David Larrubia and Adrián Niño, as his side pushed forward again.
Dani Sánchez struck the bar as the visitors sought to regain control, but instead, Andorra completed the turnaround when Lautaro exploited hesitation in the Malaga defence to make it 3-2 with a perfectly executed dinked finish.
However, the hosts' lead lasted only minutes, as Javi Montero headed in a Dorrio cross from the left to level the match.
Both sides pressed for a winner in a frantic finale played under sleet, but neither could find a decisive goal, leaving Malaga to reflect on costly defensive shortcomings.
