The Almería–Málaga football rivalry took center stage on the evening of March 1, 2025, as the teams clashed at the Power Horse Stadium. It was the second Andalusian derby of the season, with both clubs eager to mobilize their supporters and gain bragging rights. The match kicked off at 21:00 local time, setting the stage for what promised to be an exciting encounter after their earlier clash at La Rosaleda, where both teams had played to thrilling expectations.
The first meeting of the season, held on December 8, had seen Málaga leading until the very last moments, only to concede what felt like the ultimate heartbreak with Almería scoring in the 96th minute to end the game on level terms. Emotions were high as both teams sought to seek revenge and secure victory.
Under the tutelage of coach Sergio Pellicer, Málaga CF came onto the field burdened with injuries and key player absences. Unfortunately, they were without Manu Molina and Einar Galilea due to fitness issues. Despite these setbacks, the squad was fully resilient, as Pellicer had potential substitutes ready to fill those important positions. Among the starters, goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero stood out; he had managed to keep the goalposts solid throughout the season, recording the highest number of saves across the league at 121, averaging 4.32 per match.
On the flip side, Almería's coach Rubi had to manage his team's recent struggles. Following their drop from La Liga last season, they had faced criticism due to their failure to register victories after the new year. Heading intothe match with six winless outings, Almería needed this derby win to reinvigorate their playoff ambitions for promotion, sitting 7th place with 46 points. The warm-up practice had been filled with nervous anticipation for the players, each seeking to rediscover the form and tenacity they had exhibited prior to the Christmas break.
The early interactions on the pitch were fierce; just three minutes after kickoff, Aaron Ochoa received the first yellow card, demonstrating the intensity of this competition. The players were engaged, and fans roared from the stands, with Málaga supporters filling the section of the stadium, having swiftly purchased all 400 tickets allocated to them for the match.
The star-studded Almería lineup included players like Fernando, Marc Pubill, and Luiz Suárez, whom fans had hoped would break through Málaga's defenses. Still, as the first half progressed, both sides struggled to create substantial scoring chances, embodying the tense footballing rivalry. Almería enjoyed several promising attempts, but Herrero was on hand to thwart any serious threats, confirming his status as one of the season's standout keepers.
At the half-time break, Almería and Málaga remained deadlocked without any goals, leaving the second half wide open for thrilling possibilities. Both squads returned from the dressing rooms to continue their tactical battle, but the tension was palpable—two proud clubs fighting for the coveted three points.
Match statistics at this time revealed how tough the encounter had been, with Málaga registering two goals but equally conceding eight, highlighting areas where they needed significant improvement. Conversely, Almería had notched 22 goals at home but had seen 14 slip past them.
Throughout the encounter, players like Dioni for Málaga and Luis Javier Suárez for the Almería stood as the ones to watch for potential breakthroughs; both forwards had accrued impressive numbers this season, with Suárez leading the scoring charts for his club and the league.
The closing minutes saw frantic exchanges as both teams surged forward, each desperate for victory. The tactical discipline from both coaches was evident, but it was Almería who finally broke the deadlock and sent their fans wild. A corner delivered with precision found Suárez, who skillfully directed it past Herrero, giving Almería the lead at the 80-minute mark.
Málaga pushed for immediate retaliation, sending bodies forward as they sought equality but were met with fierce defending from Almería. The match clock ticked down, and the visitors faced the grim reality of back-to-back losses against their longstanding rivals.
At the final whistle, Almería secured their much-needed win, and jubilant supporters flooded onto the pitch, celebrating amid the post-match frenzy. Meanwhile, the Málaga players regrouped, reflecting on their missed opportunities but knowing they’d need to learn quickly. For them, the season remained promising, with numerous fixtures left to reclaim points.
This derby was more than just three points; it was about pride and the spirit of Andalusian football. Both teams would take this valuable experience forward as the season continued, knowing the future matches would hinge on these fierce rivalries.