Chupete penalty puts first point on the board for Malaga CF

After an eight-year absence, La Rosaleda stadium hosted top-flight football again on Monday night as Malaga CF and Deportivo A Coruña came away with a point apiece after Chupete’s first-half penalty helped secure a 1-1 draw.

The hosts, backed by a near-capacity stadium, started with the intensity that’s become characteristic under Juanfran Funes. Winger Juan Cruz had the first chance of the game when he carried the ball unopposed through the middle of the field and fired a low effort from the edge of the area, which was tipped around the post by keeper Leo Román.

However, despite their possession and strength in the duels, Malaga couldn't turn possession into real chances on goal. And, in fact, it was Deportivo who bagged the first goal of the game.

In the 21st minute, Luismi Cruz, who received the ball on the turn in midfield, cleverly evaded the press and threaded an inch-perfect through ball to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who took the ball around keeper Alfonso Herrero and placed the ball into an empty net.

Unperturbed, Malaga tried to pick up where they left off and Chupete had a half chance inside the area blocked.

Then, with ten minutes to go until the break, came the equaliser. It all started from left-back Rafita, who was brave in attacking a high ball against two opposition players. The Academy graduate won the ball and was sent free down the left flank, cutting inside onto his right foot before being upended by Lucas Noubi's dangling leg.

Chupete stepped up to take the spot-kick, smashing the ball into the top corner without hesitation.

After the break, much of the pace that had been in the game was lost. However, with David Larrubia introduced off the bench, Malaga found their feet again and started to create chances, albeit from range, through Carlos Dotor and Izan Merino.

Joaquín Muñoz then had a penalty claim rejected as the hosts started to turn the screw.

However, with Aubameyang on the field, the visitors still posed a threat. Having had a volley sail just wide before half time, the former Arsenal striker ghosted into the area from a throw-in and lashed his effort from the angle just wide of the far post.

Further changes from Funes invigorated Malaga, who thought they had the go-ahead goal in comical circumstances when substitute Bright Ede’s pass across the face of his own goal struck the head of Chupe. However, the ball came back out off the crossbar with the goal gaping.

Substitute Haitam then came extremely close with a direct freekick from just outside the box.

But despite Funes throwing caution to the wind in the closing stages, Malaga were unable to find the breakthrough goal to earn them their first three points back in the top flight.