In the 70th minute at Ipurua, with the score tied at 2-2, Juanfran Funes took a gamble. Málaga were pushing forward, the game was wide open, and it felt like it could swing either way. He decided to pull Chupete, who was nursing an ankle knock, and bring on Darko Brasanac—a midfielder low on rhythm and with little playing time this season. It was the kind of call that gets heavily criticized if it backfires. But it didn’t. His introduction brought composure, structure, and presence. The 2-3 winner, a stunning goal, said it all. The emotional celebration, with the entire squad piling on him, was another clear sign.
Brasanac is joining the cause at the most crucial stage of the campaign, after a season that has been anything but smooth. He arrived in the first week of September, after the transfer window had already closed—a signing born of necessity following the collapsed loan deal for Unai Vencedor and the long-term injury to Luismi Sánchez. His start raised more doubts than confidence. A red card against Andorra, in an ugly challenge, was an early blow. Then came a knee injury that kept him out for over three months, derailing his season even further.
Brasanac embraces Dotor (Photo: Javi Colmenero)
Between these setbacks, his numbers have been modest: 10 appearances and 295 minutes this season. But his value can’t be measured by that alone. With over 300 top-flight games under his belt, his contribution has been elsewhere—in the dressing room, in daily training, in a young squad where he has quietly earned respect and carved out a role.
Even before the match at Ipurua, he had hinted at his influence. He took the floor in the pre-game meeting, delivering a short message urging everyone to enjoy themselves—a theme the team has often repeated in recent months. Brasanac later spoke on Área Malaguista de 101TV about Málaga’s strong moment and the squad’s healthy spirit.
“I can say we never give up,” he said. “Sometimes it seems the opponent is better and you can’t do anything, but we all agree this team never gives up and fights until the last second. There’s no doubt about that. The game went perfectly for us. These are three very important points, especially on a difficult pitch and after two straight defeats. We are not a good team if we are not a good group. Everyone is contributing. The manager says that sometimes you see more or less, but every player matters, and you never know when your chance will come. We have a very strong squad in every position. The competition keeps you from relaxing day by day. Some players get a lot of minutes, but with teammates pushing from behind, nobody can ease off. It all adds up. This is one of the best dressing rooms I’ve had in my career.”
Brasanac during a Málaga training session (Photo: Mariano Pozo)
This Málaga, full of young talents, looks up to Brasanac for his attitude, work ethic, and how he supports the younger players. There isn’t a bad word said about him. On the contrary, the coach has often highlighted his importance in recent weeks, insisting that he deserved his moment despite limited game time. That sentiment is echoed both inside and outside the club.
In November, during an interview with AS, Dani Lorenzo naturally explained his impact from personal experience: “Darko is helping me a lot, especially because I’m playing in that position and sometimes I can lose focus in certain situations. He’s always telling me what to improve—those little details in defense, holding my position… little by little, he’s helping me to be more involved and stay concentrated in the game. He’s been a great signing for me, and he’s also a fantastic footballer.”