On 13th May 2012, Salomon Rondon scored a goal which went into Malaga's history books. The blue and whites beat Sporting Gijon 1-0 which gave the Andalusian a side in the Champions League and also meant their opponents were relegated to Segunda.
The contrast could not have been greater that Sunday afternoon at La Rosaleda. Malaga, who were dreaming of great things thanks to Al Thani, had a great opportunity to get into the Champions League for the first time. To achieve that, they needed the three points. But it would not be easy because while some were playing for a Champions League spot, others were fighting for survival. Sporting Gijon needed a series of results to stay up, but all of the combinations had something in common: Sporting had to win.
In the end, Rondon made the difference and he sent the Malaga fans into raptures as well as causing the away fans to shed tears. But then, something special happened. The home crowd started to chant in favour of the Sporting players and fans in a sign of sympathy. "Sporting are a La Liga team" was chanted and the good relationship between the two sides continued outside the ground.
A good number of Malaga fans went to the bus carrying the Sporting fans and chanted and showed their support for the side from Northern Spain. The fans on the bus were so overcome with emotion that they decided to get off the bus and embrace the Malaga fans down below. It is one of the most beautiful gestures ever seen in Malaga.
Therefore, every time Sporting visit Malaga, there is always a good atmosphere and a good relationship between the two sets of fans. The good side of football comes to light.