Málaga CF struck first against Racing de Santander on Sunday at 18:30 at Martiricos, with David Larrubia scoring in the 4th minute to put the hosts 1-0 ahead. The early goal gave Málaga the start they needed against the league leaders, who arrived in first place with 78 points while Málaga were fourth on 69.

The first minutes set the tone. In the 6th minute, Alfonso Herrero produced a save from Manu Hernando’s semi-scissor kick, prompting the Radio Marca Málaga call of “¡PARADÓN DE ALFONSO HERRERO!” Nine minutes in, Joaquín Muñoz nearly ran through on goal before Ezkieta got a touch to send the ball out for a corner. A minute later, Ezkieta denied a header to keep Málaga from doubling their lead, and the home side kept pressing through a busy opening spell.

That fast start mattered because Málaga could mathematically secure a playoff place if they beat the top team and Castellón or Burgos failed to win their matches. The stakes were even higher for a side that had been short-handed in recent weeks, with Murillo and Dotor back after suspensions and Dani Sánchez cleared to play. The source said it was the first time in three months that coach Funes had his full usual starting lineup available, a timely lift with the season entering its penultimate round.

Racing, though, did not fold after conceding. Chupete was fouled by Damian in the 13th minute, with Damian booked for the challenge. Rafita then cleared a dangerous cross from Mantilla in the 18th minute, before Peio Canales came close to leveling in the 21st when his shot went just over the crossbar. Maguette Gueye picked up a yellow card in the 23rd minute, and in the 26th minute Joaquín Muñoz saw another chance end with the ball going over the byline after a pass to Dotor.

There was no shortage of pressure around Málaga, but the deeper story was the contrast between the teams’ positions and their immediate aims. Racing had already secured promotion to Primera División. Málaga were still fighting for one of the playoff spots, and the margin for error was thin enough that every touch carried weight. Murillo, Dotor, Dani Sánchez and the rest of the available squad gave Funes options he had not had for months, while the only listed absences were Juanpe, Luismi Sánchez, Álex Pastor and Josu Dorrio.

Three Málaga players were also walking a disciplinary tightrope, with Larrubia, Joaquín Muñoz and Carlos Puga all on yellow-card warning. That added another layer to a match already loaded with consequences. For Málaga, the early goal was the part they had to get right. What followed would decide whether the night became a step toward the playoffs or just another reminder of how narrow the path remains.