Calamitous first half costs Malaga dearly

2016-12-22 09:00:00

Malaga slumped to defeat on Saturday in Seville after a disastrous ten minutes in which they conceded four times. Despite Sandro’s stunning freekick reducing the deficit following Rami’s red card, the visitors were unable to impose themselves on the match, with little attacking threat.
In a hugely one-sided half, Malaga’s defence was torn apart time and time again. Malaga were no better in attack and rarely threatened Sergio Rico’s goal, with Sandro’s blocked shot and Rosales’ deflected effort their only real opportunities in the opening 20 minutes.
Sevilla dominated possession right from the start and it paid dividends when N’Zonzi played in Vietto who slotted in past the helpless Boyko. The Sevilla striker made it two just three minutes later after Vitolo’s jinking run led to his shot being parried into the path of Vietto, who tapped in from two yards. The Ukranian keeper should have done better, leaving Juande Ramos with yet another selection dilemma between the sticks having dropped Kameni a few weeks ago.
In a disastrous ten minutes for the Boquerones, the game was put virtually beyond all doubt as Gabriel Mercado was brilliantly played in behind the defence by Samir Nasri's first-time pass. His cross was perfectly placed for Ben Yedder, who shot first time to leave Boyko rooted to the spot.
The victory was assured just two minutes later, when Vietto found himself in acres of space down the right to cross for Vitolo to tap in unmarked at the back post. Questions must be asked of the Malaga defence, who were utterly outclassed in the first 45 minutes and gifted their opponents acres of space.
The second half began in the same manner as the first ended, with Sevilla on top and controlling possession. Malaga were utterly devoid of ideas in attack and the home side were cruising, with N’Zonzi enjoying himself at the heart of midfield.
The visitors were handed a lifeline after 60 minutes when Rami was shown a second yellow for a very dubious foul, with replays showing him clearly winning the ball. Despite this, Malaga took full advantage, with Sandro scoring yet another phenomenal goal directly from the resulting freekick.
Ontiveros again justified his selection in the first team, proving a handful for the Sevilla defenders and forcing a save from Rico after beating his man out wide. However, his teammates were unable to follow suit as the game began to stagnate. Pablo’s 40-yard attempted chip summed up Malaga’s attacking intent as it limped meekly for a throw-in.
The referee’s whistle could not come soon enough for both sides, with the game having been determined in the first half. The defeat leaves Juande Ramos with yet more defensive worries, while the need for a striker to partner Sandro increases.source surinenglish