Malaga’s wait for a LaLiga victory continued as Adrian Nino’s stoppage-time volley rescued a 1-1 draw for RCD Espanyol.
The Catalan side appeared set to claim only their third away win in 15 LaLiga matches, having drawn four and lost nine of their previous 14 on the road. Instead, Espanyol remain in the bottom half of the table, although they have now gone unbeaten in their past 15 head-to-head meetings with Malaga, recording nine wins and six draws.
Malaga had failed to win any of their first seven league matches of the season, drawing three and losing four. That was only the second time in the club’s history they had endured such a start, but they began brightly against Espanyol.
David Larrubia forced an early save from Angel Fortuno with a close-range effort, but Espanyol quickly took control. They went ahead in the 13th minute when Javier Hernandez found Bryan Zaragoza on the left. Zaragoza moved inside past two defenders before placing a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Espanyol had opportunities to extend their advantage before the half-hour mark. Roberto Fernandez was denied by Alfonso Herrero after being presented with a clear chance, while Carlos Puga then made an excellent block to keep out Hernandez’s follow-up effort.
Those misses gave Malaga encouragement, but their best opportunity before the interval came from distance, with Rafa Rodriguez unable to trouble the Espanyol defence. The visitors therefore went into half-time with their lead intact.
Malaga continued to press after the restart and nearly equalised when Pablo Martinez’s free-kick struck the crossbar. The chance appeared to revive Espanyol, who immediately threatened again, but Herrero produced another strong save to prevent Fernandez from scoring his seventh LaLiga goal of the campaign.
The hosts had found the net only three times in their opening seven league games and continued to struggle for a decisive touch in the final third. Fernando Calero and Martinez both sent efforts over the crossbar in quick succession as Malaga searched for a way back into the match.
Their persistence finally paid off in the final minute of stoppage time. Substitute Adrian Nino met Rafita’s cross with a superb volley, earning Malaga a point and denying Espanyol victory at the last.
The result leaves Malaga deep in relegation trouble, despite avoiding what would have been a sixth consecutive head-to-head defeat by Espanyol.
Carlos Puga of Malaga was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match.
