Malaga welcomed Segunda B outfit Eibar in the fifth round of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday with the two sides locked at 1-1 from the first leg.
The home team dominated the opening half, but a single strike from Ruben Arroyo was enough to hand Eibar the lead at the interval.
Malaga responded in the second period, however, and a double from Diego Buonanotte, plus goals Sebastien Fernandez and Francisco Portillo booked their spot in the quarter-finals.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! We take a break from La Liga action to focus our attention on the fifth-round Copa del Rey clash between Malaga and Eibar. The Segunda B side picked up a credible draw in the first leg before Christmas, but enter the match as underdogs against a team that has the best defensive record in Spain.
Eibar enter the match on the back of a five-match unbeaten run and having dumped Athletic Bilbao out of the competition in the previous round. In fact, they have lost just two matches since the beginning of the season and therefore will provide a stern test for an expected understrength Malaga side, who are certainly focused on the league.
It is no secret that Malaga have targeted a top-four finish this season, but the fact that they have been banned from next year’s European competition places further emphasis on this tournament, with the chance of a trophy at the end of the season. But most of the big teams in Spain are still in the cup.
Taking a look at Malaga’s season thus far, they did not lose a single match in any competition until they were beaten by Atletico Madrid at the beginning of October. Another winning run followed, but they struggled in November with just one win from seven matches in the penultimate month of the year.
December also began in disappointment, but three wins from four matches in all competitions meant that they entered the winter break in a good run of form. They were brought down to earth in their last match, however, when they were well beaten by Deportivo despite the proximity of the 1-0 scoreline. Just a quick note that we are still waiting on the confirmed team news for tonight's match.
Eibar, meanwhile, as mentioned currently occupy second spot in their respective division. They have lost just two of their 25 matches in all competitions this season and having eliminated Bilbao in the previous round, they know what it takes to beat top opposition. The Copa del Rey has certainly shown the improvement in the lower regions of Spanish football this season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, the last time the pair met in the league was in the Segunda Division in 2008. Eibar secured a 1-1 draw on their home patch in February, but were beaten 1-0 at Malaga in September 2007. However, much has changed at both clubs since then.
TEAMS:
MALAGA: Kameni; Onyewu, Monreal, Sanchez, Gamez; Toulalan, Duda, Iturra, Buonanotte; Saviola, Fernandez
EIBAR: Irureta; Boveda, Navas, Anibarro, Erdozia; Errasti, Garcia, Capa, Arruabarrena; Arroyo, Mainz
So there we have it. Malaga are much changed from their league defeat to Deportivo at the weekend. Meanwhile, Eibar name their strongest side of the match, which incidentally includes 11 Spanish-born players. We are just about five minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Spain.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I cannot see any possible way how Malaga do not advancee to the next round. I am backing a 3-0 home win this evening.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week for a moment, we have a host of Copa del Rey matches on Sports Mole. Following the completion of this match we have action from Valencia versus Osasuna. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also in action later in the week. Right, the home side get the action underway.
Decent start from the home side with Toulalan and Dudu enjoying early touches of the ball in midfield. Eibar take possession moments later and attempt to find the run of David Mainz in behind, however, but Onyewu comes across to clear the danger. High-tempo beginning to proceedings here.
Neither side has really taken control of the possession in the early stages of the match with both teams exchanging spells with the ball in midfield. Malaga continue to pass and probe around the edge of the Eibar penalty area, but neither Dudu nor Fernandez could find a cross into the box.
It's really good play from Gamez as the Malaga defender picks up possession before angling a 40-yard pass towards Dudu, but the skipper cannot collect under pressure and Boveda clears the danger. The ball eventually finds its way to the skipper moments later via Saviola, but his effort from outside the penalty area is high and wide of the target.
Nothing much from Eibar as an attacking threat inside the opening eight minutes, although they do look capable of causing problems with the movement of Mainz and Ruben Arroyo in the final third. The latter forces a corner from Montral, but his delivery is poor and Kameni - enjoying a rare start this evening - punches clear of the danger zone.
A half-chance comes for the away side as a mix-up in the Malaga defence presents the opportunity to Arruabarrena in the penalty area, but the midfielder cannot find the power on his strike and Kameni collects with ease. We are still waiting for our first real chance, but there have been a couple of decent moments.
It is easy to see why Eibar are enjoying a successful season as they continue to demonstrate their ability on the ball, but once more their final pass is lacking. Malaga continue to drive through the midfield with Iturra and Fernandez, but we have not seen much from Saviola inside the opening 12 minutes of football.
GOAL! Malaga 0-1 Eibar (Arroyo)
Oh my word! Who saw that coming? Eibar take the lead against the run of play as Kameni can only palm a Mainz strike straight at the feet of Arroyo, who makes no mistake with a powerful finish from close range. The Malaga goalkeeper has to be questioned there.
We have a real match on our hands at the moment with both teams attacking with pace and power. Eibar continue their shoot on sight policy in order to test the rusty Kameni, but the goalkeeper palms a couple of efforts away from goal. Malaga attack down the other end with a deep cross from Gamez, but Irueta is out to collect the danger.
Slight stoppage in play at the moment as Eibar midfielder Ander Capa receives a spell of treatment, but after a brief respite he is able to continue. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters that are making the noise with 17 minutes on the clock. As it stands, they are advancing to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Another dangerous cross comes into the away side's penalty area as Gamez curls an effort towards the back post, but once more Irureta is out to collect. The goalkeeper attempts to start a counter for his side as he finds Garcia on the right, but Sergio Sanchez is across to clear the danger. Really good tempo to the opening stages of this match.
Decent spell for Malaga in the last couple of moments with two efforts on goal. The first, which came from Saviola, was blocked outside the box before Toulalan struck wide of the target. The position of Eibar's defensive line has forced the home side into just long-range efforts thus far. But there is still a long way to go.
It's all Malaga at the moment with Irureta attempting to calm down his players with wild gestures in the Eibar goal. Two corners are floated into the box in quick succession, but the away side's defence remains strong to clear the danger. They attempt to threaten on the counter, but are struggling to keep possession at the moment.
CHANCE! Malaga's best chance of the match by some distance as Dudu finds Saviola in the penalty area, the Argentine wastes no time in firing his effort towards goal, but Boveda is on hand to make a wonderful block. The crowd wanted handball, but replays have shown that it struck the defender's thigh. Solid defending from the Segunda B side.
The pressure continues from the home side as they force a couple of crosses into the penalty area, but once more the Eibar defence remains strong to clear the danger. Saviola is again involved as he attempts to find the run of Fernandez on the left, but Anibarro clears before striking the ball into the Malaga half.
It is all one-way traffic as we approach the 30-minute mark, but still Malaga cannot find a way through the Eibar defence. You sense that if this spell continues then the goal will come, but the second division side are such a threat on the counter with their pace and movement, as we have seen on a number of occasions.
Another half-chance arrives for the home side as Dudu strikes a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, but it is comfortable for Irureta, who collects with ease. The goalkeeper attempts to find Errasti on the counter, but it breaks down and Malaga have possession once more.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Malaga midfielder Iturra for a clumsy challenge on Errasti in the middle of the park. It has provided some respite for the away side as they keep possession in their own half. This match is so delicately poised with little over 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Just a reminder that the winner of this match will face either Cordoba or Barcelona in the quarter-final stage of the competition. It remains an end-to-end affair as we approach the interval. Eibar have a chance on the counter with Mainz, but the striker could not find Capa. Meanwhile, Saviola has another attempt on goal down the other end, but it is high of the target.
Another half-chance on the counter for the away side as Mainz drives into the penalty area before attempting to square for Capa, but Kameni just comes out to clear the danger. Dudu picks up possession down the other end, but his deep cross is headed clear by Navas before Saviola is denied in the box by Irureta.
CHANCE! Another glorious chance for the home side as Dudu spots the run of Saviola in the penalty area, the Argentine collects possession before striking a powerful effort on goal, but Irureta makes a fine save to clear the danger for a corner. However, that has raised the home supporters inside the stadium.
Another half-chance arrives moments later as Dudu is felled on the edge of the penalty area by Garcia. The resulting free kick is taken by Toulalan, but his effort is poor and smashes straight into the wall. The pressure remains as Saviola dances into the box, but once more the danger is cleared.
The pressure continues from the home side as Buonanotte picks up possession before dancing past the challenge of two defenders, but he loses control under a challenge from Navas and the danger is cleared. Little over three minutes of the opening period remaining and Eibar still lead by the single goal, and indeed 2-1 on aggregate.
Malaga continue to pass and probe in the Eibar half as the first period draws to a close. They have been the better side thus far, but have failed to take their chances. You would expect that to change in the second 45 minutes. It has to if they are to remain in the Copa del Rey.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half. There has not been too many stoppages nor challenges. Eibar will be delighted by their performance thus far, they have had to ride their luck, but that is cup football.
HALF-TIME: Malaga 0-1 Eibar (1-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Eibar score the only goal of the half through Ruben Arroyo to lead 2-1 on aggregate in the fifth-round of the Copa del Rey. As it stands they will advance to the next stage of the competition, but we still have another 45 minutes of football to play.
Question marks certainly have to be asked about the goalkeeper in the build-up to the opening goal. Granted, Mainz's effort had some degree of power, but Kameni palmed straight to the feet of Arroyo, who simply could not miss from close range. It was a goal that could have easily been avoided.
Looking ahead to the second period, both sides have options on the bench. The obvious replacement for Malaga would be Portillo, although Demichelis could also be introduced in order to steady what has looked a nervous defence. For the away side, they could look to Isaac Aketxe in the latter stages.
I think it would be fair to state that this match is far from over. Malaga have been the better team for large periods and but for some poor finishing they would be at least level in the tie. There are simply too many quality players in their side this evening for them to draw another blank in the second period. Or is there? Stranger things have happened.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Barcelona or Cordoba in the quarter-finals of the competition. Be sure to remain with us for the action. Eibar get the second period underway.
Malaga begin the second half as they ended the first as they enjoy possession in and around the Eibar penalty area. However, the away side's defence remains solid with Errasti operating in front of the back four. Yet you do get the feeling that Malaga will eventually pick holes.
Slightly bitty period to the match at the moment with both sides exchanging possession in midfield. Meanwhile, a host of challenges have also contributed to slowing the tempo. This is exactly the second period that Eibar would want to have created with the home side's players getting more and more frustrated with events.
Decent pressure from Eibar in the last couple of moments with Mainz winning two throws by the corner flag, he eventually works the ball into the area to find Arroyo, but Sanchez comes across to clear the danger. Another goal for the away side would really stir things up. I would be very surprised if the score remained the same.
Half-chance for Malaga as Saviola wins a free kick outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is taken by Sanchez, but the delivery is poor and moves straight out of play for a goal kick. Cue boos from the home supporters. It is important that the fans stay with their team as the half advances. Nine minutes of the second period has already gone.
CHANCE! Best chance of the second half by some distance as Fernandez capitalises on a mistake from Boveda, but he cannot find the back of the net with his effort from just outside the box. It really should be 1-1 and doesn't he know it. Eibar live to fight another day, but the pressure gauge continues to rise.
CROSSBAR! Best moment of the match by Saviola as the Argentine manages to collect a 40-yard driven pass with one touch, he eventually drives into the penalty area before striking an effort towards the top corner, but it thumps off the crossbar. It deserved so much better.
Here is the situation. We have 30 minutes of football remaining in this match. Malaga simply have to score or they will be out of the Copa del Rey. Eibar currently hold a 2-1 score on aggregate. However, the home side continue to test the waters with a series of attacks, the smart money would be on at least one Malaga goal in the remaining 30 minutes.
It is simply all one-way traffic at the moment with Toulalan driving into the Eibar penalty area, but Boveda comes across to make a fine diving challenge. The home supporters want a penalty, but they are not going to get one. Eibar really need a period with possession, they have hardly had the ball in the second period.
Double change for the home side with Toulalan and Iturra being replaced by Demichelis and Portillo. They were the two I picked out at the interval. It is no surprise that the change has been made with around 25 minutes of the match remaining. Malaga continue to dominate possession, but chances have dried up in the last couple of moments.
Eibar continue to fight for their lives in and around their penalty area as they face cross after cross from Malaga. They pick up a couple of yellow cards for their troubles, but that is the least of their concerns as Saviola strikes another effort wide of the target. Eibar hang on once more.
A rare attack for Eibar threatens to bring their second goal as Garcia collects possession outside the box before finding Mainz, but the striker cannot sort out his feet in time and the danger is cleared. Each spell for the away side is creating more frustration for Malaga as they continue to argue with the officials. Just as Eibar would have hoped.
Still no changes from the away side which is a surprise with just about 20 minutes of football remaining. It has been a good spell from Eibar in the last couple of moments as they enjoy possession in the Malaga half, but it is only a matter of seconds before the home side restart another attack.
Half-chance for the away side as Capa strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. The clock continues to tick on but you just get the feeling that the home side will take one of their chances in the remaining 18 minutes or so. It is a long time to hold on.
Kameni remains a bag of nerves each time the ball is fired into the home side's penalty area, which makes you wonder why Eibar have not attempted that trick each time they have had possession. It seems to have clicked in the past few moments as another high cross comes into the box, but this time Monreal is on hand to head clear.
GOAL! Malaga 1-1 Eibar (Buonanotte)
Isnt that just football? Glorious opportunity for the away side to add their second of the evening as Arruabarrena collects possession in the box, but he is denied by Kameni. The home side advance straight down the other end and Buonanotte finds the back of the net from close range.
It is going to be a long 10 minutes for Eibar to resist pressure. They could not say that it had not been coming, another half-chance arrives as Saviola combines with Duda inside the box, but the danger is cleared at the vital moment.
GOAL! Malaga 2-1 Eibar (Fernandez)
Malaga move ahead on the night and indeed in the tie as Fernandez meets a low cross from Gamez to fire into the back of the net. That prompts a chance for the away side with Aketxe replacing Mainz. They simply need to score to remain in the competition.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and two quick-fire goals from the home side see them in the lead. It had been coming based on their dominance in the second period. Still Eibar struggle to take control of possession as Malaga go in search of their third.
The home supporters are bouncing at the moment, but it is Eibar who have enjoyed a spell with the ball in the last couple of moments. The pressure came from the goalscorer Arroyo as he collected possession before finding Capa on the edge of the box, but the midfielder was quickly closed down.
GOAL! Malaga 3-1 Eibar (Portillo)
Malaga have their third of the evening as Duda whips a low cross into the penalty area and Portillo is on hand to fire home from close range. That has well and truly booked their spot in the next round. What a comeback.
It just wasn't to be for Eibar this evening, they rode their luck in the first period, but you just felt that Malaga would take their chances in the second half, and they have. But the Segunda B side have certainly not let anyone down this evening.
Little over three minutes of normal time remaining and Eibar have possession in the Malaga half. A goal at this stage would certainly make things interesting. However, the corner from Diego is poor and Fernandez is on hand to head the danger clear.
RED CARD: Guille Roldan: The away side are reduced to 10 men as Roldan is given his marching orders for a terrible challenge on Fernandez. That was just pure frustration. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in this tie.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of football to play at the end of the match. Eibar have lost their heads since conceding the third as a host of challenges continue to bring free kicks for the home side.
GOAL! Malaga 4-1 Eibar (Buonanotte)
The little Argentine has his second in injury time as he collects possession on the edge of the area before drilling a low effort past the goalkeeper. That is a wonderful finish. I suspect he may be getting a call for the league match this weekend.
FULL-TIME: Malaga 4-1 Eibar
So there we have it. Malaga book their spot in the quarter-finals courtesy of a 4-1 win over Eibar. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for action from Valencia.
