Athletic and Malaga sign a draw in San Mames

Good start by Malaga
The away side started with clear ideas and with the intention of going for the win. The strategy that Javi Gracia used, putting two forwards, made it clear that they were going to search for their first away goal as well as the first victory of the season.

San Jose sent off
The home player had to leave the pitch after being sent off. With one man down, Raul Garcia repositioned in the midfield to take over and to link with Aritz Aduriz. Malaga, on their part, grew and had the clearest occasions in the game. It was the case of Recio, who was really close to finishing a team play.

Both teams’ reaction
The home team was less straightforward and tried to keep in control of the ball with long possessions looking for Aduriz’s aerial game and long passes for Iñaki Williams. Javi Gracia’s men put more effort in and tried to have the leading role, although they were missing a leader in the midfield to start attacking plays.

Malaga’s lack of inspiration
The away goal is still the pending subject for the Andalusian team. They still haven’t scored away from La Rosaleda, so they will have to wait for the next match day against Rayo Vallecano.