One goal from Pablo Chavarría kept Málaga CF clinging to promotion hopes as they sealed a 1-0 victory over Cartagena at La Rosaleda, a result that strengthens their grip on a playoff spot with six games remaining in the season.
With the win, Málaga moved within five points of safety in the standings, constructing a buffer over the chasing pack as they pushed toward the end of the campaign. The blue and white side controlled much of the contest and finished the afternoon with three crucial points that could prove pivotal in the race for the top two or at least a playoff berth.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Chavarría found the net after a kind of a close-range touch from a ball played by Cristina. The Argentinian striker has emerged as a standout performer for Málaga this season, delivering moments of quality when the pressure is highest and contributing consistently at both ends of the pitch.
As the first half drew to a close, a moment of controversy tested the local defense. Esteban Burgos received a yellow card for preventing a scoring chance with his hand, a decision that sparked debate among supporters but ultimately kept the visual of a tight game intact as the teams headed to the dressing rooms with Málaga narrowly ahead.
After the break, Cartagena tried to step up and apply pressure, but Málaga’s structure and discipline limited clear chances for the visitors. Cartagena did create a significant moment before halftime, but the opportunity did not translate into goals. The remainder of the match saw Málaga manage the clock effectively, resisting late pushes and ensuring the win remained in the home side’s hands, even as doubts about a possible late penalty lingered before it was ruled offside.
Final results left Málaga at 37 points, extending their lead over the teams chasing them and maintaining a comfortable cushion ahead of the final stretch. Cartagena remains positioned outside the playoff zones, still searching for a spark that could change their fortunes in the remaining fixtures.
The match summary underlined the home side’s approach, with Málaga prioritizing compact defense and quick transitions to punish the visitors. La Rosaleda celebrated Chavarría’s decisive goal as the defining moment of the afternoon, a strike that highlighted his importance to the squad and his ability to deliver when it matters most.
In a game of narrow margins, the three points were secured in a contest that featured a blend of tactical discipline and individual moments of quality. Málaga’s fans left the stadium buoyant about the direction of the season, while Cartagena reflected on the missed chances and the work still required to close the gap in the table. The result served as a reminder that every match in this second-tier title race can swing on a single moment, making patience, resilience, and finishing the key currencies of success.
Minute twenty-one saw the decisive moment as Málaga opened the scoring through Chavarría, whose left-footed finish from close range found the back of the net. The assist came from Cristian Gutiérrez, an alliance that has frequently provided Málaga with reliable attacking options this campaign.
These were the Málaga starting XI at La Rosaleda, a lineup chosen to execute the plan that earned the victory and to withstand Cartagena’s attempts to flip the script after the break. The balance between defense and attack was evident throughout the afternoon, reflecting the team’s growth over the season and their capacity to grind out results when it’s most necessary.
Source: Goal