On the balance of play, Celta were the superior side against Malaga. The visitors dominated possession, particularly during the first half, but it proved sterile and largely harmless. As their tempo dipped, Giraldez suffocated the visitors' build-up play targeting Einar Galilea. A succession of turnovers presented clear-cut chances, with Dani Lorenzo coughing up possession to spark a rapid transition emphatically converted by Ferran Jutgla. The second period proved far more evenly balanced; Malaga lacked a cutting edge, yet Pablo Martinez provided a much-needed injection of ambition. His speculative long-range effort won a corner, and he swung in the delivery himself to pick out Adrian Nino, who marked his return by heading home.

Celta: Made a tentative start, appearing content to bide their time and capitalise on errors before taking control midway through the first half. Jutgla and Javi Rueda caused the most damage in attack, with the former sliding his effort past Alfonso Herrero to break the deadlock. After the restart, Williot and a visibly hampered Iago Aspas both spurned golden opportunities to put the game to bed.

Malaga: Continued the prevailing theme of their campaign so far—composed on the ball and faithful to their philosophy, yet toothless in the final third. In truth, they repeatedly shot themselves in the foot by surrendering possession in hazardous areas. Alfonso Herrero came to the rescue once again before an isolated moment of enterprise from Pablo Martinez paved the way for the equaliser, as Adrian Nino rose to head home from a corner and salvage a point.

Adrián Niño

Achievements