C.D. Leganés beat Málaga C.F. at the Estadio Municipal Butarque (1-0) and qualified for the promotion play-offs with one match remaining. Róber Ibáñez, in the 87', scored the winning goal that allows the Blue and Whites to depend on themselves to achieve the third place in the last match.
An even first half with few chances for both sides
From the start, Asier Garitano fielded a team with two changes in the lineup with respect to the eleven that started the last match against C.D. Mirandés: Rubén Pardo replaced Gaku Shibasaki in midfield, and Miguel de la Fuente returned to the front line, replacing Juan Muñoz. Malaga had the first chance, with Jozabed's shot going just wide of the post. Leganés tried to get forward with wingers Palencia and Jonathan Silva, but their crosses didn't find a finisher in the area. Sabin, in minute 32, headed a cross from Avilés from the right, although it was too close to the target and Juan Soriano caught it. In minute 39, it was Silva who volleyed high a cross from Miguel. With the initial 0-0 score, the game went to the break.
Róber Ibáñez, in minute 87, scored the goal that put Leganés in the play-offs.
Leganés started the second half with more intensity, with a clear chance in minute 54 for Miguel from a pass by Rubén Pardo that was blocked by Juan Soriano. Then it was Avilés who tested the visiting goalkeeper, who made another extraordinary intervention to Sergio González's header, who tried again in another set-piece action. Juan Muñoz, Róber Ibáñez and Kevin Bua came in from the bench to give more bite to the Blue and Whites' attack, with a chance for the Utrerano that didn't find the net. The Swiss also tried his luck with a long-range shot, until, in minute 87, the reward for his insistence arrived: Silva crossed from the left and Róber Ibáñez headed the ball past Juan Soriano to score the winning goal.
Leganés qualifies for the promotion play-off for the first time in their history and will be third if they win in the last matchday, which will be played this Sunday (21:00) against Real Zaragoza at La Romareda.
