Late Adrian Nino volley extends Malaga’s wait for a LaLiga win

Malaga’s winless start to the LaLiga season continued as Adrian Nino’s stoppage-time volley earned them a 1-1 draw against Espanyol.

The result leaves Espanyol in the bottom half of the table, although they have now avoided defeat in each of their past 15 head-to-head meetings with Malaga, recording nine wins and six draws.

Malaga had failed to win any of their opening seven league matches, drawing three and losing four. It was only the second time in their history that they had endured such a start, but they began positively at home.

David Larrubia forced a sharp early save from Angel Fortuno with a close-range effort. However, Espanyol quickly took control and opened the scoring in the 13th minute.

Javier Hernandez found Bryan Zaragoza on the left, and the winger cut inside two defenders before placing a precise finish into the bottom corner.

Espanyol had opportunities to extend their lead before the half-hour mark. Roberto Fernandez was denied by Alfonso Herrero, while Carlos Puga produced an excellent block to stop Hernandez’s rebound from reaching the net.

Malaga struggled to create a clear response before the interval. Rafa Rodriguez’s long-range attempt was their most promising effort as Espanyol reached half-time in front.

The hosts continued to press after the restart and went close to an equaliser when Pablo Martinez’s free-kick struck the crossbar.

That moment appeared to revive Espanyol, with Herrero again keeping out Fernandez, who was seeking his seventh LaLiga goal of the campaign.

Malaga’s attacking difficulties remained evident. They had scored only three times in their first seven league matches, and Fernando Calero and Martinez both sent efforts over the bar in quick succession.

Espanyol appeared set to claim only their third away victory in their past 15 LaLiga matches, a sequence that also included four draws and nine defeats. But Malaga continued to push forward and were rewarded in the final minute of added time.

Substitute Adrian Nino met Rafita’s cross with a superb volley, rescuing a point for the hosts and denying Espanyol a first away win in their past 15 league games.

The draw also prevented Malaga from suffering a sixth consecutive defeat in this fixture, although they remain in serious relegation trouble despite ending their losing run against Espanyol.

Carlos Puga was named the Flashscore Man of the Match.