Sunday's final Copa del Rey last-32 clash pitted Malaga against fellow La Liga outfit Osasuna.
The home side led 2-0 at the interval following a header from Sergio Sanchez and an Antunes free kick in the first period.
Malaga made it three in the early stages of the second half when Juanmi converted from close range, but Roberto Torres had one back for Osasuna just before the hour mark.
Torres then turned provider for Manuel Omwu as Osasuna came from three behind to move within one of the home side after 61 minutes, before Emiliano Armenteros levelled on the night in the latter stages.
Read how the first leg unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final Copa del Rey clash of the weekend comes from Malaga as the home side welcome Osasuna for the first leg of their fourth-round clash. Both sides have endured similar starts to their respective La Liga campaigns, with Malaga sitting in 15th spot in the table, one point and one place above the visitors Osasuna.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won one of the last five, with the further three ending in draws. Incredibly, just six goals have been scored in the last five meetings. Malaga won 1-0 in the league match in this stadium last season, but lost 1-0 when the pair met just two months ago.
Malaga collected a point last time out in the league against Villarreal, but they have won just one of their last five – a 3-2 success against Real Betis. Osasuna, meanwhile, have beaten Rayo Vallecano and Real Valladolid in recent weeks, but enter the match off the back of a 3-0 defeat to Valencia, where Jonas scored a hat-trick.
TEAMS:
MALAGA: Caballero; Gamez, Antunes, Sanchez, Angeleri; Camacho, Tissone, Morales; Portillo, Juanmi, Eliseu
OSASUNA: Riesgo; Damia, Flano, Oier, Oriol; Silva, Loe, Torres, Armenteros; Garcia, Onwu
So there we have it. No Weligton for Malaga this evening, with the Brazilian centre-back suspended. However, there are starts for Sergio Sanchez, Jesus Gamez, Pedro Morales and Eliseu. Osasuna, meanwhile, select a number of their first-team regulars, including Roberto Torres and Miguel Flano. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
In truth, not the best turn-out this evening in terms of support, but there is a good atmosphere inside the stadium. The early threat comes from the home side as Eliseu breaks down the left, but the Portuguese is challenged by Damia at the vital moment. Jose Garcia attempts to force it for Osasuna moments later, but his through ball has too much pace for Manuel Omwu.
All eyes will be on Jose Garcia this evening, with the 16-year-old making just his second appearance for Osasuna. The Spaniard is some talent there is no question about that. Portillo collects a through pass from Morales after bright work from Eliseu, but the Spaniard had moved into an offside position. An early card arrives for Loe moments later as the Osasuna midfielder fells Juanmi.
Loe just needs to be a little bit careful here as he races into another challenge with Eliseu. However, the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. The midfielder could have easily walked inside six minutes here. Camacho delivers a dangerous cross into the Osasuna box moments later, but the whistle is blown for an altercation involving Sanchez inside the box.
Another booking for Osasuna as Omwu enters the book for a late challenge on Angeleri. The referee has set the tempo with a couple of early cards there is no question about that. Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the opening nine minutes, but Malaga look the most likely to make something happen.
Half-chance for the away side as Torres hooks an effort towards Caballero, but the Malaga stopper is on hand to collect with ease. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come later in the month. However, Malaga will be keen to take an advantage into that clash in Pamplona.
Neither goalkeeper has been forced into action inside 13 minutes this evening, but Malaga continue to look the most likely. A corner from Eliseu presents a half-chance to Camacho, but the Spaniard is penalised for a push inside the box. Osasuna break down the other end with Loe, but his pass asks too much from Oier.
CHANCE! The first real chance of the match arrives to Osasuna as Torres delivers a sensational cross towards the back post, but Armenteros cannot make contact. That is the closest either side has come this evening. It would have been against the run of play there is no question about that.
Another half-chance for Malaga as Camacho collects possession outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Riesgo, who is making a rare start this evening. Osasuna break with Torres once more, but his low cross towards Omwu is cleared. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock in Malaga.
Better from Osasuna in the last couple of moments with the away side enjoying more of the ball in the final third. Omwu creates an opening following neat work on the edge of the box, but he cannot release a strike. Malaga are down the other end with Eliseu moments later, but the move breaks down when Gamez loses possession and picks up a card for his troubles.
It is not too difficult to see why both sides have struggled in La Liga this season. Both are tidy in possession, but are finding it difficult to thread that elusive pass in the final third. Omwu is allowed to strike one from distance moments later, but it was always moving wide of Caballero's post.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. A poor pass from Gamez puts the home side in trouble, but Tissone commits a professional foul on Garcia. It has been that type of fixture thus far.
This match is crying out for some inspiration. Osasuna are finding space just outside the Malaga box, but have been unable to find that final pass. Malaga are down the other end with Juanmi moments later, but the Spaniard is ruled offside. Not too much happening with 26 minutes on the clock in Malaga.
Omwu calls for a penalty as the Osasuna striker goes down inside the box under pressure from Gamez, but the referee is not interested. It would have been harsh, but I have seen them given. The home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium, but the players are not responding at the moment.
Osasuna are not too happy with the referee at the moment as Tissone makes another poor challenge on Loe, but is not given a booking. Loe and Omwu were both booked for the away side for their first fouls, but Tissone has now made a couple. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in this Copa del Rey fourth-round clash.
GOAL! Malaga 1-0 Osasuna (Sanchez)
Malaga take the lead after 31 minutes as Sanchez rises inside the box before placing his header into the corner of the net. Wonderful effort from the Spanish defender. It is harsh on Osasuna, who had just started to gain a serious foothold.
Another half-chance for the home side as Gamez drives past two defenders before delivering a cross towards Juanmi, but Riesgo is out to collect at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that Osasuna need to stay in the match in the latter stages of the first period. Malaga have their tails firmly up.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as Osasuna continue to struggle in the final third. Malaga are comfortable as they continue to keep possession in the Osasuna half, but they are in no rush at this stage of proceedings. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Malaga continue to force the issue in the latter stages of the first period as Juanmi forces a corner following some neat footwork. The resulting set piece is delivered by Morales, but Oier is on hand to clear with a towering header. A free kick arrives moments later, however, as Armenteros fells Sanchez.
GOAL! Malaga 2-0 Osasuna (Antunes)
Oh my word that is some strike. Sensational effort from Antunes as the Malaga defender curls a free kick into the top corner from all of 30 yards. No chance for Riesgo in the Osasuna goal.
Armenteros is the next player to enter the book for Osasuna as he fells Morales outside the box. The away side just need to be careful in the latter stages of the half with tensions running high. Another goal for the home side could end this contest, even ahead of the second leg in Pamplona.
Another half-chance for the home side as Eliseu finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Osasuna break down the other end with Torres moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Argentine stopper Caballero.
HALF TIME: Malaga 2-0 Osasuna
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Malaga leading 2-0. The home side opened the scoring after 31 minutes courtesy of a header from Sanchez, before Antunes made it 2-0 seven minutes later. Osasuna have had their moments, but have largely struggled in the final third.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Anderson, Chen, Darder, Duda and Santa Cruz. Meanwhile, Osasuna have the likes of Nunez, Punal and Riera in reserve. It would not be a surprise to see changes from the away side at the interval.
The referee has been forced to issue four cards in the first period, three of which have been handed to Osasuna players. Loe and Omwu were both booked inside six minutes, before Armenteros picked up a caution for dissent. Gamez, meanwhile, has been carded for Malaga. It would be fair to say that there has been an underlying ill-feeling between both sets of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come later this month. Osasuna surely need an away goal to give themselves a chance in Pamplona. Right, the home side get the action underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, but I suspect Javi Garcia could make changes if the score remains the same around the hour mark. The away side attempt to force the issue as Loe delivers a long pass towards Garcia, but the 16-year-old cannot collect under pressure from Caballero.
GOAL! Malaga 3-0 Osasuna (Juanmi)
Malaga score their third in the early stages of the second half as Juanmi fends off two challenges inside the box before sliding his effort into the bottom corner. It was good work in the build-up from Tissone, who found the striker with a lofted pass.
Malaga look a different side from the one that has struggled in the league this season. Although Osasuna have helped them with some poor defending. Despite the score, an away goal for Osasuna would still hand them hope in the second leg. Still more than 40 minutes of football remaining in the first leg in Malaga.
Osasuna just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Malaga continue to force the issue with a series of balls into the box. Another goal and this one could be over as a contest ahead of the second leg. Osasuna have a number of subs being put through their paces on the sideline with 53 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with Osasuna managing to gain a period of possession in the Malaga half. Silva attempts to force the issue with a through pass towards Omwu, but the striker cannot collect under pressure from Antunes. The break is led by Morales, but Oier is across to clear at the vital moment.
Opportunity for Osasuna as Tissone fells Torres outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Torres, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Caballero has hardly touched the ball in the second period. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining this evening. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals.
GOAL! Malaga 3-1 Osasuna (Torres)
Wow. Osasuna score a vital away goal as Torres's long-range strike nestles in the bottom corner. That has certainly put a different complexion on the tie. Game on in Malaga.
Osasuna did not look like scoring, but they have their goal after a special strike from Torres. That is how quickly this tie can change. Another goal for the away side and they would be the favourites to advance from the second leg in Pamplona. Little more than 30 minutes of football remaining this evening.
GOAL! Malaga 2-3 Osasuna (Omwu)
Oh my good grief! Osasuna score their second as Omwu converts Torres's cross with a header from close range. What has happened in that Malaga defence? Oh how this contest has changed.
At 3-0, Malaga were comfortable. They had control of the match and looked to be on course to score a couple more. However, Osasuna have found a way back into this tie. As it stands, they would be the favourites to advance from the second leg. However, I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening in Malaga.
RED CARD! (OSASUNA - LOE)
Osasuna are reduced to 10 men as Loe is handed his marching orders for a foul on Eliseu. Poor discipline from the midfielder. How many more twists and turns are going to occur in this match?!
Osasuna waste no time in making a change as Loties is introduced in place of Garcia, which is not much of a surprise. The away side are in need of some defensive reinforcements. The youngster takes his time to leave the pitch, which angers the home supporters. Little over 20 minutes of this incredible contest remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Omwu to score his second as Loties finds the striker inside the box, but he curls his effort just wide of the post. What an opportunity to level the scores. The effort brings groans from the home supporters.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Osasuna taking the sting out of the match with a period of possession. Malaga might be ahead, but they would be the favourites to advance from the second leg in Pamplona. Eliseu drills a low cross into the Osasuna box moments later, but Flano is on hand to clear the danger.
Far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, but the atmosphere has been intense. Both sides are struggling to find that elusive pass at the moment as attacks continue to break down in the final third. A goal either way would change the entire complexion of this contest there is no doubt about that.
Half-chance for Malaga as Portillo finds some space inside the box, but his low effort is saved by Riesgo. The home side make a double change moments later as Anderson and Duda replace Tissone and Morales. Still more than 10 minutes of this contest remaining. Is there to be more late drama?
Osasuna look to their bench for the second time as Oriol Riera replaces Omwu, who has impressed in the second period. Can the forward add to his five goals this season?
GOAL! Malaga 3-3 Osasuna (Armenteros)
Incredible, just incredible. Osasuna level on the night as Armenteros collects a loose ball inside the box before sliding his effort into the bottom corner. The away side have come from three goals behind in this Copa del Rey clash.
Isn't the Copa del Rey just wonderful? Where has this come from? Malaga were so comfortable in the early stages of the second period. The home side just need to be careful here as the challenges continue to fly in. Angeleri is the latest to receive a booking for a late tackle on Torres, who has been the star of the show thus far.
CHANCE! Malaga come close to regaining the lead as Anderson collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Riesgo is on hand to make the save. Osasuna break down the other end with Torres moments later, but the midfielder is chopped down by Gamez outside the box.
Angeleri takes matters into his own hands moments later as he strikes one from outside the box, but the Osasuna goalkeeper was always comfortable in gathering. The home side continue to pass and probe outside the box, but another attack comes to an end when Eliseu loses possession. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
RED CARD! (MALAGA - CAMACHO)
Malaga are reduced to 10 men as Camacho is given a straight red for a poor challenge on Silva. Incredible evening of football. Six goals and two red cards. And we still have more than five minutes remaining.
I think it would be safe to say that this has been the tie of the Copa del Rey this weekend. It has had everything that you could want from a football match. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as each continues to deliver high balls into the opposing box. Is there to be a late winner here?
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Juanmi to score his second as he finds some space inside the Osasuna box, but his low effort is saved by Riesgo. The pressure continues as Tissone collects possession outside the area, but his cross is into the arms of the Osasuna stopper.
Osasuna make their final change as Satrustegui replaces Armenteros. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Juanmi has another half-chance, but his effort is wide of the post.
FULL TIME: Malaga 3-3 Osasuna
So there we have it. An incredible 90 minutes of Copa del Rey football is brought to an end with Malaga drawing 3-3 with Osasuna. How on earth did the home side throw away a three-goal lead? What a night. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
