Match Reports

Well, here we are back in Spain; we returned home on Thursday 20 May after almost a month abroad in Scotland. What better way, then, to raise the spirits but to go to La Roseleda for the final match of the season. Although the prospect of UEFA Cup football next season has gone with the 1-1 draw away last week to Real Sociedad, this last match did bring together two arch rivals from within Andalucia, with this week's visitors, Real Betis, making the two hour trip down from Seville. Having been to the corresponding away fixture in January and sensing a carnival atmosphere, Geoff and I were joined by both Helen and Sheila for this game.
It was Sunday, it was a 7 o'clock evening kick-off - the sun was still warm and the ground was full to capacity. The Malaga squad had been reduced to the bare bones with regulars Edgar, Romero, Diego Alonso, Valcarce, Rojas all missing from the team and the bench. The team lined up (4-4-2) Arnau, Josemi, Litos, Fernando Sanz and Duda, Gerardo, Michel Angel, Leko and Insua, Salva and Canabal. In theory, Portuguese left winger Duda, playing at left back, should offer another attacking option, with him overlapping down the wing.
Real Betis had ex-Malaga goalkeeper, Contreras, in their line-up, the keeper is third in line behind Casillas and Canazares for Spain's No.1, and has lost least goals in the league this season. I was also looking forward to seeing Joaquin, one Spain's rising stars. As well as these two, Betis also boasts other full internationalists in Capi, Denilson, Assuncao, Fernando and Alfonso.
Malaga kicked off and immediately went into attack and a swift move down the left ended with a cross to Gerardo, whose strong volley brought out a world class save from Contreras after only 23 seconds on the clock! In two minutes, Gerardo again was denied with another fine save, after receiving a short pass from Salva in front of goal.
In the 10th minute, disaster for Malaga as Josemi had to leave the field after failing to shrug off an injury received minutes earlier in a crunching tackle from sprightly Betis striker, Dani. Local lad Manu (from Fuengirola) came on to take up the right wing position, with Gerardo dropping to right back. In the 14th minute, Dani was booked for a heavy tackle on Michel Angel, as Malaga continued to have the bulk of possession and the play.
Then a burst into the box by Canabal in the 19th minute, was rewarded by his long lanky legs being chopped from beneath him and a penalty was awarded. Up steps Salva to face Contreras. The goalkeeper guessed correctly and made an excellent save to his right, but SALVA was there to net the rebound into the empty net. 1-0.
The two central midfield players for Betis, Benjamin and Assuncao, looked very strong and Assuncao in particular looked very dangerous with accurate passing in open play and with swerving free kicks and corners on set pieces. However it was still Malaga the most likely to score and Salva came close in 29 minutes, heading wide from a Manu cross.
An escape for Malaga in 40 minutes when Fernando Sanz seemed to handle in the box but the referee gave nothing and the chance was lost as centre back Rivas shot wide.
Betis were getting back into the match, with Assuncao finding Joaquin out wide on the right with long 30 metre passes and the pace of the young star beating makeshift left back Duda, time and again.
However it was Malaga who increased their lead on the stroke of half time after a typically lung bursting run from Insua was met by 8 foot three striker CANABAL's head to make it 2-0.
In the second half it was Betis who started the most brightly and the Assuncao-Joaquin route was exploited time and time again. One such move in the 50th minute saw the 23 year old winger ghost past four defenders before bringing out a fantastic save from Arnau. Betis continued to press and when Dani was put through one on one on Arnau following an incisive pass from Benjamin in the 54th minute, Malaga were saved by their goalie's outstretched leg, for the ball to go behind for a corner.
On Malaga's right wing Manu was finding it difficult to come to terms with the pace of the game and kept giving the ball away when a simple pass was the obvious choice. However, he did spring briefly to light with a dazzling run across the 18 yard line, but Contreras was there to make the save from the resultant shot.
Betis were not to be denied however and it was no surprise when they pulled one back in 62 minutes. Again Assuncao to Joaquin, who went past three men before delivering an inch perfect pass to DANI who made no mistake. 2-1
Betis sensed they had a chance to get something out the game and brought on Denilson for the disappointing Fernando on 65. Five minutes later, Betis drew level. Centre back Juanito took a free kick two yards inside into Malaga's half and sent it long into the penalty box and BENJAMIN ran on to head it home and make it 2-2.
In 76, substitute Manu was substituted for Luque, who immediately showed with a strong run into the box.
On 78, Contreras came off worst in a clash with Salva and had to be substituted. The home fans gave their old hero a very warm send off and greeted his replacement, Relano, with shouts of "Loco, loco" (Mad, mad)
The game was heading for a stalemate, with Betis finishing the stronger and so it was to be when in the 89th minute, with the Malaga defence mesmerised by crosses coming in all directions into the box and not getting cleared properly, when little DANI nips in to make it 2-3.
In one last bid to save the game, on 90, Salva saw Relano make a finger tip save to his strong header and put the goal bound shot over the bar.
Full time. 2-3
So that's that for this season. Malaga's final position 10th, but with only four points between them and the eventual 6th place, Sevilla, it has been a tale of what might have been. Who knows what next season will bring as there are several Malaga players out of contract, including Duda, Insua, Edgar, Diego Alonso, Salva, Canabal, Rojas and Iznata. Also, manager Juande Ramos is out of contract and rumoured to be on his way. Mexican superstar Hugo Sanchez is being tipped to be his successor. Such is modern football, more like a merry-go-round, with every season starting afresh.
However, whatever happens, when the new season comes around in September, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.
Adios Amigos!