Match Reports

In midweek, Malaga travelled north to play Villarreal, but lost again 2-1 (Gerardo scoring from a very rare penalty). This meant that Malaga have won only once in 24 matches, their worst ever record since their inception.

This weekend's opponents, Sevilla, were rated 12th in the world by FIFA this week and will be contesting the UEFA Cup Final against Middlesbrough in Eindhoven this Wednesday. They are currently lying in sixth position in the table, occupying the second UEFA Cup slot, and need a win to maintain their position. Ironically, their manager is Juande Ramos, who steered Malaga to tenth position in La Liga just two seasons ago, and had us all dreaming of European nights ourselves. So another tough match as Malaga play their last home match, after seven years in the Liga de Estrellas, before the descent into La Segunda.
Sevilla rest several of their stars, including the Argentine striker Saviola with Wednesday's game in mind. But it is still a strong line-up.
Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Palop; Crespo, Ocio, Escude and Jesuli; Jordi and Puerta; Renato, Sales and Jesus Navas; Kepa.

Malaga drop Duda against the team he will be joining next season, but there is a return for Juan Rodriguez (out of contract in June and rumoured to be going to Deportivo). Also out is Nacho and Portuguese left back Ribiero (brother to Chelsea's Maniche) gets a chance to show his worth. Also astonishingly, Antonio Lopez is given the left wing berth, even though he is on loan from Sevilla and will be returning at the end of this season. However, the real big shock is the formation, with only Salva up front and Counago on the bench.
Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Gabriel, Alexis, Fernando Sanz and Ribiero; Juan Rodriguez and Gerardo; Manu, Bovio and Antonio Lopez; Salva.

La Roseleda is only half full and it assuredly has an end of season feel. It's an 8 o' clock kick off on a Saturday night and there is a bit of a stooshie from minute one as Sevilla come out of the tunnel on their own. They are called back so that both teams can emerge together.
In 2' Gabriel is brought down on the right touchline. Lopez takes it quickly but Salva's shot is stopped by Palop on the line.
In 7' Gerardo handballs. Jordi takes the kick from 30 yards but it's put behind by Fernando Sanz.
In 10' Lopez sends a ball down the middle for Salva to chase. Palop races off his line to reach the ball outside his penalty box and blast it into Row Z.
In 18' Jesus Navas, who looks dangerous on the ball, breaks clear and shoots just wide of the far post. The referee gives a corner!? Arnau rises above the crowd in the box to punch the ball clear but it lands at Renato's feet and his powerful volley from fully 35 yards screams into the net.

Malaga 0 Sevilla 1

Undaunted Malaga kick off and Gabriel and Manu combine well down the right wing, with Gabriel's cross headed behind for a corner. Lopez takes an inswinger but Juan Rodriguez's header is straight at Palop.
It's end to end stuff and next to show is Jesus Navas whose shot from long range is straight at Arnau.
Then Fernando Sales tries to chip Arnau, but the keeper manages to tip the ball over from just under the bar. Jesuli takes the corner but it's too strong and flies out on the far side for a throw.
In 32' Bovio is in full charge at the goal; as he enters the box Palop advances towards him. Bovio tries to chip the ball over Palop's head but it goes just over the bar.
The next minute, Puerta tries a cheeky shot from an acute angle on the Malaga goal line, but Arnau is alert and saves at his near post.
In 36' Sevilla threaten again; this time a deep cross from Renato finds Kepa's head but again Arnau brings off a fine save to tip the ball over for a corner. Jesuli's corner falls to Ocio but the giant centre back blasts over from 5 yards.
It's all Sevilla as they look to kill off the game. First Renato tries a repeat of his goal but this time the ball flies over. Then the next minute, he finds Jesus Navas who tries a shot on the half volley which whistles just past.
In 42' Bovio lines up behind the ball to take a free kick from 30 yards after Salva is brought down. We wait in anticipation to see what the Brazilian can do. Well, he blasts it into the box but the ball is deflected in the crowded area and goes to safety.
In 43' Ribiero sends in a cross which is just too high for Salva. Then he has another chance and this time his cross finds Juan Rodriguez but Palop comes out and takes the ball off the midfielder's head.
Then in 44' Palop rushes outside his box again to kick the ball into touch to deny Manu on the right wing.

Half time Malaga 0 Sevilla 1

Malaga make two changes at half time. Gerardo and Manu go off and Counago and Malaga B winger, Saul, come on as Malaga revert to a 4-4-2 formation.
In the first minute, Malaga have two chances to score, from Salva and Alexis but they are both off target.
In 48' the first booking of the game as Juan Rodriguez is booked for a foul on Jesus Navas.
In 50' Sevilla win a corner on the right which Jesus Navas takes and Kepo nods the ball wide.
Then the police, in full riot gear with helmets, shields and truncheons raised, clear the stand behind the Sevilla goal. This is where the "Frente Bokerons" sit, complete with flares, loudspeakers, banners and drums, so it must have been something they said!
In 54' Counago goes on a run across the box before shooting straight at Palop.
In 57' Salva latches onto a cross from Ribiero, goes past Ocio and slips the ball wide right to Saul. The little winger's cross is met by Counago and Palop has to make a fine save to stop the equaliser going in.
In 58' Jesuli goes off and is replaced by Alfaro.
In 60' Fernando Sanz brings down Kepo just outside the box. Ocio takes the kick but it whizzes over.
In 63' Bovio wins a corner and he takes the kick himself. Alexis rises to head the ball just over.
In 65' Ribiero sends a powerful cross into the box. Salva is there but Palop gets there first. But he cannot hold it and it falls to Salva. Before the striker can get his foot raised to shoot the referee blows for a free kick!?
In 70' striker Freddie Kanoute (ex Spurs) comes on for Jesus Navas as Sevilla go 4-4-2.
In 72' Counago runs at the defence and into the box. He slips it left to Bovio but the Brazilian hits the side netting.
In 73' Sales hits a powerful shot from 25 yards into a crowded box. It comes back off the post almost back to where the midfielder is standing.
In 76' Bovio is substituted (to a standing ovation) and Hidalgo comes on.
In 77' Counago runs into the box. Ocio chases and brings him down from behind. No penalty!?
In 81' Hidalgo wins a corner on the right. He takes it himself and sends in an inswinger. The ball bounces off Sales standing at the near post and Palop collects.
In 84' Renato goes off and is replaced by Marti (a full back).
It's 90' and Barry makes the comment that Malaga usually concede a goal about this time. Sure enough, Malaga win a corner and Alexis, who hitherto has been stationed in the centre circle for such events to mop up any clearances and stymie any counter attack, decides to come forward for the corner. Hidalgo's kick is collected by Palop who quickly launches the ball into Malaga's half. Sales is on his own, with the entire Malaga team except for Arnau in the Sevilla box. Sales still has a bit to do but still makes no mistake as he goes one on one with Arnau.

Full Time Malaga 0 Sevilla 2

So yet another defeat for Malaga. Already they are looking towards next season and fully expect to lose Duda and Juan Rodriguez who are out of contract and possibly Gerardo too, who is in a similar position. In addition, there are a number of clubs interested in Alexis, Bovio and Gabriel, and the money from the transfers could be very useful as Malaga make the attempt to bounce straight back with promotion next year.
There will be changes to the team and the management team as the club gets ready for the new challenge of La Segunda. They still have one game to play, next Sunday away to Cadiz. I won't be there as I'm off to Milan for a we holiday.
Still next season? Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 7:22 PM | Permalink

Well the season is almost over now - only 4 games left including tonight's game against Racing, another team in jeopardy of the dreaded drop into the Second Division. In theory at least, Malaga could still mathematically stay up, but only if they won all 4 games and those above all lost theirs. Not so far fetched, given that Malaga have to play two of them (Racing and Cadiz) and all four teams just above them have to play teams such as Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, in our heart of hearts, we knew we are doomed.

Malaga have played two away games since their last home game with Getafe, to two teams in the top four and both looking to remain in the Champions' League slots; Osasuna and Real Madrid, respectively.

In the Osasuna match, a dreadful error by the referee gifted Osasuna with a penalty in the first half, from which they took the lead. (Malaga's manager, Hierro, has gone public by accusing poor refereeing decisions against Malaga, which he says have cost the team between 10 and 14 points this season). The penalty kick in fact turned out to be Osasuna's only shot on target in a game dominated by the visitors. Malaga used all three substitutes, including the giant Uruguayan, 21 times international, Morales, who scored his first league game of the season to equalise against his former club. He subsequently tore a muscle in his left leg, which has brought his season to an early finish, and brought Malaga down to 10 men. Then Salva was booked for diving (although the TV pictures clearly showed him being elbowed in the back by an Osasuna defender). When the striker complained to the referee, he was cautioned again and sent off, so Malaga finished another match with only 9 men. Final result: Osasuna 1 Malaga 1

The following Sunday brought the daunting task of travelling to Madrid with only one available striker, Counago, with Morales injured and Salva suspended. However, the giants of Spanish football were shocked when our pocket Brazilian, Bovio, got onto the scoresheet for the first time since joining Malaga from Santos in January with a wonder goal after 22 minutes. Real Madrid were awarded a penalty (sound familiar?) and Zidane made no mistake from the spot. Then, in the last minute, the Spanish wunderkid, Sergio Ramos, popped up to score another last minute winner against Malaga. Full time: Real Madrid 2 Malaga 1

So to tonight's game, where Racing's manager resigned in midweek after going 8 games without a win. (Malaga have gone 13 games without a win, but Hierro is still there).
Racing desperately need the points but turned out in a defensive 4-5-1 formation, relying on their one attacker, Antonito, to catch the Malaga back four on the counter attack.
Racing (4-5-1): Aouate; Pinilos, Oriol, Alfaro and Ayoze; Mejo, Casquero, Pinilla, Serrano and Vitoli; Antonito.

Malaga have Salva and Alexis back from suspension. Manu keeps the right wing berth at the expense of Edgar and right back Gerardo returns to centre midfield beside Bovio as Juan Rodriguez is suspended.
Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Gabriel, Alexis, Fernando Sanz and Nacho; Manu, Gerardo, Bovio and Duda; Salva and Counago.

It's Sunday 30 April 2006: 17:00h kick off in the blazing sun where the temperatures are up in the mid-twenties. The ground is half full (or half empty) and those diehards that have bothered to show up have created many banners around the ground, some stretching over three rows. The one which took my eye said "Nos promeiteis el cielo, nos vamos al infierno" which translates to "You promised us Heaven, we are going to Hell".

Malaga kick off towards the Gol end and immediately an easy chance falls to Manu. His effort goes way over the bar from 6 yards after a great run down the left touchline by Nacho, finished off with an inch perfect cross.
In the second minute, Arnau has to race off his line to gather a pass back from Alexis to deny Antonito.
In 5' Manu and Gabriel combine convincingly down the right wing and the little Brazilian forces Ayoze to concede a corner. Duda swerves the corner in and Aouate has to be agile to tip the ball over the bar for another corner. Duda runs across to the left side to take the corner but this time his effort is too long and goes out for a throw.
Racing have 5 men strung right across the middle and are tightly marking each Malaga player, so Arnau and his defenders can only pass the ball around between themselves. At last Gerardo takes the ball and goes on a run (which is about the only option available). Inevitably he is brought down and Malaga have a free kick in front of goal. Duda takes the kick and hits the ball straight at the wall. Thank God he is going to Sevilla at the end of the season; at least we won't have to watch every free kick opportunity wasted by Duda next season.
In 14' Salva tries the same tactic and runs at the defence and is brought down. Gerardo tries to take the kick quickly but it goes wide for a goal kick.
In 16' Racing score in their first real attack on goal since the opening minute. Antonito harries Nacho who concedes a free kick. Casquero's effort is punched away by Arnau to derisive groans from the crowd as he could more easily have caught the ball. The ball is lobbed from back to front to Antonito out on the right wing. His perfect pass is met by the inrushing Casquero who scores on the half volley from 20 yards. The goal is greeted by ironic applause from the home fans. Another goal against the run of play which could easily have been prevented.

Malaga 0 Racing 1

We're a little stunned by the goal, but we haven't lost faith as Racing are definitely here for the beating. However, Bovio shows his frustration in 19' by tackling Mejo from behind and he's booked.
There's another little reminder to Malaga to pay attention in the goalmouth in 22' when Vitoli bounces the ball off Gabriel to win a corner on the left. The winger takes it himself and it's low into the box where it bounces around for a little time without anybody taking control. Finally it's Salva who clears with a dramatic bicycle kick.
In 25' Manu is brought down on the right. Duda's kick is way too long and Gerardo does well to chase it and keep it in on the left touchline. He manages to evade two tackles before sending in a delightful cross for ALEXIS to head home the equaliser.

Malaga 1 Racing 1

In 29' Counago is brought down just outside the box near the left touchline. Gerardo tries a shot but it's headed clear for a corner. Duda takes the corner - he miskicks it low into the box. ALEXIS is first to react and taps it home for Malaga to take the lead!

Malaga 2 Racing 1

In 37', Malaga's main goal threat, 22 year old, 4 million rated defender, Alexis, almost collects his hat-trick. Gerardo is brought down on the left and Duda's kick finds Alexis alone on the right. However, instead of heading at the goal he heads the ball back across the six yard line to Salva, who manages to head the ball wide of the post with the goal wide open.
Racing's tactics have not changed and they continue to destroy all play through the middle with their close marking and tackling

Half time Malaga 2 Racing 1

Malaga are almost five minutes behind Racing coming out of the tunnel for the restart. Racing have made a change with a defender Alfaro off for another midfielder, Juanjo, at the start of the second half.
Racing go straight into attack from the kick off and Mejo dives like a swallow to win a free kick out on the right. Casquero takes it quickly and Arnau makes a great save down at his far post to keep Malaga ahead.
Disaster in 53' as Malaga gift Racing another goal. An aimless lob over the top lands just behind Alexis at the edge of the Malaga penalty area. Alexis shouts at Arnau to come and collect, but Arnau does not like leaving his line and while he hesitated, Antonito nips in, takes the ball away from Alexis and pokes the ball over the line.

Malaga 2 Racing 2

In 56' Serrano is booked for a foul on Manu. Duda takes the kick and Aouate punches the ball but only off the back of Salva's head. Fortunately for the keeper, the ball nestles safely back in his arms.
In 58' Gabriel and Manu combine well again down the right wing. The little Brazilian wingback takes the ball into the box and when the defenders back off him he tries a shot, but it's wide of the mark.
In 59' it's Malaga's other Brazilian who has an even easier chance. Nacho sends a cute ball into the box for Salva. The burly striker manages to knock the ball down into the path of Bovio, but the midfielder slices his attempt wide.
On the hour mark and Gabriel shows well down the right. This time he crosses to Salva, who is waiting on the six yard line. His header is powerful and direct and Aouate has to make a fantastic save to tip the ball around the far post for a corner. Duda's corner is accurate and finds Counago at the far post but he heads just wide.
In 62' Duda wins a free kick just outside the box on the left touchline. We know something is amiss as Alexis does not leave the centre circle. Gerardo takes the kick but Aouate is first to the ball and punches well clear.
In 67' Alexis is substituted for Cesar - a straight swap in defence. The crowd are puzzled; we understand that Alexis seems to have a hip injury, but why replace him with another centre back when Racing only have one striker on show?
In 75' Casquero is replaced by Matabuena.
In 76' there is a strong penalty claim for Malaga. Duda collects a pass from Salva and sends in a cross for Bovio to run onto. The Brazilian is clearly pushed off the ball in the box as he tries to get his head to it. Nothing given.
In 77' Bovio is substituted (to a standing ovation). He is replaced by Hidalgo.
In 78' Vitoli sends a high ball into the box. Fernando Sanz and Antonito both jump for it and crash to the ground. In what seems like slow motion, the ball drops from the sky, runs along Fernando Sanz's body until it makes contact with his hand. Penalty! Fernando Sanz is booked. Antonito gets up and places the ball on the spot. We are feeling a little aggrieved at the referee's decision. For a third game in a row, Malaga have conceded a penalty! Will justice be done? Yes, Arnau gets across his goal and stops the penalty kick at his left hand post. However, it's Juanjo who is first to react and he taps the ball past the prostrate keeper to put Racing ahead.

Malaga 2 Racing 3

In 81' Vitoli is replaced by Antonio Thomas after spending several minutes on the ground suffering from cramp. Yes, you guessed it, the old gamesmanship and time wasting routine swings into full force as Racing are determined to keep their lead, the three points and possibly safety from relegation.
In 85' after being told to hurry up by the referee, Aouate bounces the ball off the head of Salva, who reacts angrily, but with restraint. The referee does nothing.
In 88' Pinilla in the centre circle and Thomas on the right wing, both go down simultaneously like sacks of tatties, even though there is nobody near them. The referee calls for the trainers to come on and Gerardo is booked for complaining.
In 90' Salva clashes with Oriol going for a high ball. It's deemed an illegal challenge and he is booked.

Full time Malaga 2 Racing 3

The Racing players go daft whilst the riot police are on hand to escort Hierro off the pitch to boos, whistles and white hankies from the crowd.
This midweek, Malaga are away to Villarreal, before returning to La Roseleda for their last home game of the season, against Andalucian rivals, Sevilla. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:37 PM | Permalink

Last week's 3-0 defeat away to fellow strugglers, Real Sociedad, (a game in which 8 yellow cards were shown to Malaga players and Juan Rodriguez and Morales were sent off. Also, the manager, assistant manager and physio were also booked), virtually put the final nail in the coffin of this season for Malaga, as they now have to win five of the remaining seven games and hope that other results are in their favour - in other words, a miracle is required to prevent the dreaded drop to La Segunda.
Unsurprisingly, the local media are full of what will happen to the President (he looks like he will be replaced), the Manager (he will revert to his General Manager role and a replacement will be sought to manage the team) and the players, many of whom are out of contract at the end of the season.
We already know that Duda has signed a 3 year contract with Sevilla that is worth 480,000 euros a year (around £30k a week) and that some, including Salva, Romero and Bovio have said that they want to stay and get Malaga back in the top league, but we shall have to wait and see.
This week's match is at the unusual time and day of 17:00h on a Saturday, instead of 19:00h on a Sunday. The afternoon temperatures were in the mid 20's so we were looking forward to watching the match in the sunshine. The new stand under construction is progressing well, but the crowd was down on previous weeks and looked three quarters full. Yet another case of ground development at the detriment of the playing side? Next season in La Segunda I doubt if there will be 21,000 season ticket holders.
This week's visitors, Getafe, from Madrid, are enjoying their second season ever in the top league and are sitting comfortably in midtable. Their manager is Bernard Schuster and the German is proving himself to be a very competent coach after an illustrious playing career. However, his team is "modest", without stars or flair and depend on organisation and a typically German workmanlike approach to the game - stifle teams in defence and rely on counterattack to catch the opposition out. Last week they thrashed third placed Osasuna 0-4 away, so they arrive at La Roseleda in some kind of form.

Getafe (4-1-4-1): Garcia; Contra, Pulido, Tena and Pernia; Rives; Redondo, Alberto, Dorado and Nano; Paunovic.

Malaga appealed against Juan Rodriguez's first yellow card against Real Sociedad and it must have been successful as he is named on the team sheet. Morales is suspended after his straight red card last weekend. Duda (who's leaving for Sevilla at the end of the season) is dropped, not even appearing on the bench. Youngster Jesus Gamez is preferred to the highly experienced Gerardo (who's contract is up at the end of the season) at right back and there is a return for Vicente Valcarce at left back after several weeks out through injury. Hierro decides against his normal 4-4-2 formation so there is no place for Counago up front alongside Salva, but instead opts for a strange looking 4-2-3-1 line-up with right wing back Gabriel chosen to play behind Salva in the centre of midfield, Edgar in for Manu and Nacho taking up the left wing duties from Duda.

Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Alexis, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Juan Rodriguez and Bovio; Edgar, Gabriel and Nacho; Salva.

The game kicks off in lovely warm sunshine and the players seem to be playing in slow motion in the heat.
In 3' Juan Rodriguez lazily loses possession in midfield and the dangerous Paunovic latches onto the ball requiring Fernando Sanz, making a record breaking 201st appearance for Malaga, to make a last ditch tackle for which he was lucky not be booked or sent off for, even.
In 7' Malaga, playing towards the Gol end, win the first corner of the match down the left hand side as Nacho's pressing gives Contra no option. Edgar takes the kick but Luis Garcia collects easily.
The first shot of the game comes in 10' and it's from the dangerman Paunovic, who tries a snap shot from 30 yards. It is on target, but is weak and straight to Arnau.
Malaga win their second corner of the game in the next minute after Gabriel shows some excellent ball skills and pace down the right wing, but the kick is again easily gathered by Garcia in the Getafe goal.
Paunovic is proving a handful for the Malaga defence and Fernando Sanz again has to bring him down in a dangerous position. However the resultant free kick poses no threat to the Malaga goal.
In 15' Malaga's first attempt at goal is a fanciful attempt from Edgar from the half way line as he spots Garcia at the edge of his penalty box. The Portuguese's effort, though, is well wide.
In 18' Fernando Sanz, who is having a torrid time, has to stoop low to head a cross away from Redondo. He heads it straight to Paunovic, who, from 30 yards, takes a pot shot at goal. The ball ricochets off the back of the still stooped Fernando Sanz and loops over Arnau's head and into the net.

Malaga 0 Getafe 1

It's another freak goal and another body blow to the confidence of the home team. However, Getafe scent blood and go looking for the second goal which would surely kill the game.
In 24' Alberto sends in a powerful drive from 30 yards which requires Arnau to dive full length to his right to palm the ball away.
The unlikely source of left back Valcarce provides Malaga's second shot at goal in 25'. After an Edgar free kick is cleared from the crowded box to him, 40 yards out, Valcarce, with no other option available to him, tries to keep it low and blasts in a strong drive. However, it takes a deflection off a Malaga player and goes wide for a goal kick.
In 26' the first booking of the match is Jesus Gamez for high feet on Dorado.
In 30' Getafe win their first corner of the game when Nano kicks the ball off Jesus Gamez. The kick is delayed as the 100 or so throng (you know the guys with the drums, the loudhailers, constant singing and chanting etc) behind the goal throw their scarves into the goalmouth. As the players pick up the scarves and clear the area, the crowd behind the goal, in another premeditated protest at the club's management, en masse take off their tops revealing white tee shirts with a slogan, which politely asks the board and management of Malaga to go away somewhere nice, leave their seats and move to the back of the stand. Arnau collects Nano's corner easily but the Malaga players are visibly shaken by this strong protest from the group of staunch supporters who are most audibly behind the team at every game.
The game goes into a lull for a few minutes. It's as though both sets of players are considering what has happened off the pitch; Malaga's seemed stunned and Getafe's sense that they should be capitalising on the moment but just lack the wit and invention to do anything about it.
Bovio, the Brazilian playmaker, is the first to wake up and from his deep defensive midfield position decides to run at the Getafe defence. Spanish teams don't like players running at them and usually cynically bring them down pretty quickly, but Bovio has good feet and goes past three despairing tackles before eventually being pushed off the ball deep in the penalty area. As usual for Malaga this season - no penalty.
In the minutes before half time, Edgar, who hasn't recovered from the protest from the supporters behind the goal, seems to be all at sea and allows Dorado to pick up a ball in midfield which he wasn't entitled to. The attacking midfielder bears down on goal passing two defenders before Alexis (easily Malaga's best performer over the past few weeks) sticks out a leg which kills the pace and deflects Dorado's shot into Arnau's arms.

Half time Malaga 0 Getafe 1

Malaga introduce two subs on the resumption - Edgar comes off for Counago and Nacho comes off for Antonio Lopez. Gabriel moves to the right wing and Counago moves up front alongside Salva as Malaga revert to a 4-4-2 formation.
In 47' the two subs have an immediate impact as the busy Lopez uses some trickery to get into the box. He slips the ball to Counago, but he tries to place the ball without enough power and Garcia makes the save.
In 49' the two subs combine again. This time, Antonio Lopez elects to shoot himself and his effort can only be parried by Garcia. Counago has two defenders and goalkeeper to contend with but he picks up the loose ball and fires home from five yards. It's only his third goal of the season, but it's the first we've seen in a long time at La Roseleda and it's a time to go a little mad and enjoy the moment.

Malaga 1 Getafe 1

In 51' Jesus Gamez takes a long throw from the right touchline which finds Juan Rodriguez's head but Garcia makes a fine save.
In 53' Juan Rodriguez is brought down in full flight as Malaga go for a second goal. Antonio Lopez flights in a delightful box but the referee spots an infringement by Salva on Garcia and the danger is averted.
In 57' Alberto reminds us that Getafe are still a threat when his run down the right wing ends with an excellent cross for Paunovic. The striker's header requires a fine save from Arnau.
In 63' Juan Rodriguez is booked for a foul on Dorado from behind.
In 64' the limping Dorado is replaced by Guizo.
In 65' Jesus Gamez is replaced by Hidalgo. Gabriel now moves back to right back for his third position this game.
The change seems to work when Bovio finds Hidalgo who in turn spots the overlapping run of Gabriel. The little Brazilian's first touch eludes him though and his shot goes wide.
In 70' Nano is booked for a foul on Gabriel and is immediately substituted for Riki.
In 72' Valcarce sends in a lovely cross for Salva. The burly striker goes up for it as Garcia rushes out. The keeper goes to punch the ball but connects with Salva instead and the forward crashes to the ground. There are loud appeals for a penalty, but as usual at La Roseleda, it's not given.
This event seems to knock the stuffing out of Malaga and their fire seems dampened. The game becomes scrappy and bogged down in midfield.
In 81' Redondo comes off for Cubill.
In 83' another fine move from Counago, who beats three before crossing from the left, sees Salva's header go just wide.
The game turns again in 84' when Paunovic is brought down by Fernando Sanz. The Malaga captain is deemed last man and is given a straight red card.
The luck worsens for Malaga two minutes later when their other centre half goes down in a challenge in his own box. He receives several minutes of treatment before being stretchered off. Malaga are down to nine men and have no central defenders on the park!
Guizo tries to exploit the issue as Malaga desperately try to reform and Bovio makes a timely tackle to deny the substitute after running back from midfield for 20 yards.
In 90' Malaga's last throw comes when Counago is fouled 30 yards out. Bovio takes the kick but mishits it and the goalkeeper gathers easily.
In 92' Alexis returns to the field shakily and takes up a forward position.
In 94' Guizo finds Paunovic in a wide position. From a tight angle the striker attempts an unlikely shot at goal. It seems to catch Arnau by surprise and hits off his body and into the goal.

Malaga 1 Getafe 2

There's no time for a restart as the referee blows for full time. I can say no more.

Malaga travel for the next two weekends, away to third placed Osasuna and second placed Real Madrid respectively. Their next home game is in three weeks against Racing Santander. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:13 AM | Permalink

A busy week in La Liga, three games in six days. After Malaga's extra time defeat by Zaragoza last Sunday, the team from the capital of the Costa del Sol travelled north to La Coruna to face Deportivo on Wednesday. Despite going ahead through a wonder goal from Duda (a 40 yard volley which screamed into the net), Malaga went down 2-1 after two defensive errors. And, as has been happening each week, their closest rivals at the foot of the table were gaining points, deepening the crisis at La Roseleda.
So this weekend, some respite? Er, no. The always much anticipated visit of Barcelona, the reigning champions and well on course to retain their title this season brings a top v bottom clash. Not much hope for the much needed win which could yet set Malaga off on a wee run which could get them out of danger, but a chance for local fans to see some incredible footballing talent.
However, Barcelona also have had three games to play this week and on Tuesday night they are in Lisbon to play Benfica in the Champion's League. So it was not surprising, if very disappointing, when Barcelona rested several key players for Saturday night's game. Not playing were World Footballer of the Year, Ronaldinho, nor Deco, Puyol, Messi and Edmilson. However, top scorer Eto'o did play as did former Celtic favourite Henrick Larsson, playing in his final season in Spain before returning to finish his career for his home town club in Sweden next season.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Belleti, Olguer, Rodri and Sylvinho; Motta, Van Bommel and Gabri; Guily, Eto'o and Larsson.

Malaga also had to bring in some fresh faces with ever present Alexis suspended, along with Juan Rodriguez and Morales. Nacho, Edgar and Hidalgo were kept on the bench as manager Hierro tried yet another new first eleven for his starting line-up.

Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Antonio Lopez; Manu, Gerardo, Bovio and Duda; Salva and Counago.

It's Saturday night, it's 20:00h, it's 22C, it's Barcelona at a packed La Roseleda. Malaga kick off defending the Fondo end, where last Sunday a ticket for Zaragoza cost 15 euros. This week, the same seat costs 90 euros!
After some cagey passing across the back four by both teams during the opening minutes, it's Barcelona who show first, with pacey winger Guily taking a pass from Larsson on the 6 yard line, but the diminutive one oversteps and Arnau comes to gather easily.
Arnau is desperate to have a good home showing after his dreadful (and potentially La Liga threatening) error last weekend against Zaragoza.
In 10' Malaga's first attempt is a half-hearted and hopeful effort from Duda, 40 yards out. It's on target but no problem for Victor Valdes.
In 12' Barcelona show great movement down the right wing. Guily sends in a delightful cross over the heads of Malaga's defenders to Larsson, lurking at the far post. His header is on target but Arnau makes it look easy.
In 16' Van Bommel has a go from 40 yards with a powerful drive. It's net-bound until it takes a deflection off Gerardo and the ball flies over the bar for a corner. Guily takes the corner, trying to swerve it in, but it's just over.
In 21' Counago finds himself free down the left wing. He's just outside the penalty box and lets fly with a powerful left footed drive. Valdes has to fling himself full length to make a fine save.
In 26' Counago, who's managing to slip free from his markers with regularity, cuts the ball back to his strike partner Salva, who's waiting on the 18 yard line. Valdes anticipates the danger and rushes out to smother the ball at the big striker's feet.
Malaga seem to be in control of the game at this point, but the menace of Barca's front three is always there. But it's Duda in 27' who intercepts a pass in the centre circle and pings it down the left wing for Counago. The former Ipswich man runs towards goal but his shot is weak and easily taken by Valdes.
Malaga continue to press and Manu runs onto a ball from Bovio down the right wing in 29'. His cross finds Salva's head and Valdes can only palm it back out into his box. Cesar, returning to the first team after several weeks, is there, but his header goes straight into the grateful Valdes' arms.
Counago's runs down the left wing are causing the Barca defence some trouble and the defenders are having to resort to desperate hoofing of the ball out of the park to avert the danger.
In 32' Barcelona mount their first attack for over quarter of an hour. Olguer finds Larsson on the left wing. The speedy Swede in turn makes an inch perfect pass across the box to Guily. The dangerous winger shoots across the goal and Arnau can only watch in hope as it slides just past the far post.
In 37' a real stooshie. First, Antonio Lopez is booked for a foul for barging Belleti over the right touchline, about 30 yards out. From the free kick into the crowded box, Larsson clearly pushes the ball down with his hand to Eto'o, who makes no mistake from 6 yards. The referee seems to hesitate, but the Cameroon striker is already celebrating and the man in the middle blows his whistle and points to the centre spot. The crowd are incensed, the Malaga players are incensed, the Malaga bench are on their feet and are incensed and let's admit it, I was incensed. The entire Malaga eleven surround the referee and linesman on the touchline in front of the Malaga bench. The debate seems to last several minutes and Geoff and I are saying they are wasting their time as the referee will never reverse his decision. Then the whistle blows and the referee emerges from the ruck and points to the ........ goal box for a goal kick. Praise be! There is a God! Justice has been done! The score remains at 0-0. Larsson escapes without a booking.
It's now 40'. Arnau takes the goal kick quickly and finds Manu wide on the right wing. He's in space as the Barcelona men try to understand the decision. Manu continues his run unchallenged and we're hoping that Malaga can make Barcelona pay big time for their cheating ways. Manu approaches the goal; he's one on one with Valdes. Manu shoots, Valdes saves.
In 43' Duda again finds Counago on the left on the edge of the box. Counago swivels past his defender and has more time for his shot than he takes and his effort goes past the far post.
Just on half time, the villain known as Larsson has the best chance for Barcelona so far. Guily's perfect cross goes over 8'3" giant Cesar's head to land on Larsson's head. The cheat is well placed in line with the far post and his effort is well directed but Arnau is behind it and saves easily.

Half time Malaga 0 Barcelona 0

In 46' Motta brings down Counago 20 yards out. Duda, who's signed a three year deal with Sevilla, joining them in the summer, drives the free kick at goal, hits the wall and Gabri goes down like a sack of tatties and requires treatment.
In 49' Eto'o who's had a quiet first half, pops up in the right back position and with a telling pass, finds Larsson. The Swede fires in his shot point blank at Arnau but the keeper holds on to the ball.
Eto'o is not your normal centre forward. He drifts around the park in a free role and when he gets the ball there is fast and usually dangerous action. In 50' he appears wide on the right wing and slips the ball inside to Larsson, who's easily been Barca's most prominent player so far. The Swede shoots hard at the goal and Arnau has to make a great save to get palm the ball over.
In 55' Eto'o picks up the ball in the centre circle. He is allowed to run unchallenged towards the goal and put in a shot from 30 yards but it's well over.
Guily is replaced by Ezquerro.
In 56' the substitute finds Eto'o on the left. The slightly built striker runs and shoots at the near post but Arnau gets down and holds the ball.
In 58' Antonio Lopez is replaced by Nacho.
In 61' it's the Eto'o show again. Posted missing in the first half he seems omnipresent in the second. His run is halted by Gerardo, who has a clause in his contract, which automatically signs him on again if he plays 25 games for Malaga this season. Barcelona is his 24th game. Eto'o takes the free kick himself but the ball comes off the wall and is cleared.
In 63' Gabri goes off for Iniesta.
In 65' Counago goes off for Hidalgo.
In 66' Salva makes a pass in midfield which is intercepted by Eto'o. Again he is allowed to run and shoot, but it's well off target.
In 68' the most clear-cut chance for Malaga so far. Manu goes on a run down the centre and fuelled by Bovio's pass, he jinks past two defenders. Hidalgo makes a run down the right in support and Manu finds him with a perfect pass. All Hidalgo has to do is shoot past Valdes, but inexplicably, he turns and tries to pass it back to Manu and the chance is gone.
In 67' Bovio and Nacho go for the same ball and it lands at Eto'o's feet. He finds Ezquerro who's fine effort requires an excellent save from Arnau.
In 69' former Rangers and Arsenal man, Gio Van Bronkhurst comes on for ex-Arsenal man Sylvinho.
In 75' Duda forces a corner off Motta. Manu takes the kick on the left, sending in a curling inswinger. Both Hidalgo and Salva go for it, but the ball swerves out for a goal kick.
In 77' Arnau makes another fine save from a powerful drive from Iniesta.
In 80' Manu is replaced by Edgar.
Both teams are looking for the winner in the last 10 minutes.
in 85' Edgar's pace down the right allows him the space to find Bovio with a perfect pass. The Brazilian lets fly and Valdes watches anxiously as it shaves the far post.
The following minute Fernando Sanz gets up to head down a long ball out of the Barcelona defence. It lands at Eto'o's feet and his immediate shot forces an acrobatic save from Arnau.
In 88' Salva finds himself running alone in the Barcelona box. An easy pass from Duda out on the left would have given him an excellent opportunity. However the winger has an excellent effort himself and Valdes has to dive full length to just get to the ball as it was going in just inside the post.
92'. Our minds go back to last week's game against Zaragoza. Surely Malaga cannot give the game away in injury time again? Well, Eto'o certainly tried. His powerful shot from the right comes down off the underside of the bar and for a sickening second we think it's gone in. But no, out it comes and is hoofed into row Z.
Full time Malaga 0 Barcelona 0

If you had given us two goalless draws against Valencia and Barcelona at the beginning of the season, we would have been very grateful. But with the league position the way it is, these games are points lost.
Next week Malaga are away to fellow strugglers Real Sociedad, one of the three games the pundits say will save Malaga if they win it. I am still confused by this reasoning, however time will tell. The next home game is in two week's time against Getafe, another of the magic three. (Cadiz are the third). Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Remember, for past reports and other good stuff visit the following website: http://www.hodgers.com/malaga/

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 7:14 AM | Permalink

What a week for weather! It started with hot sunny days with fresh strawberries and cava out on the poolside and finished with torrential rain and thunderstorms. Geoff and my three year old record of attending Malaga matches without requiring a raincoat or brolly was under severe examination this weekend! The result - a five minute shower in the first half was all we had during the game, although the pitch was a little more "greasy" than it normally gets.

Last week Malaga were away in Sevilla against Real Betis and came back with a 1-1 draw (Hidalgo scoring from close range) and this weekend they face a Zaragoza team which beat Barcelona 6-0 in the Spanish Cup semis and so will meet Espanyol in the final. In the close season they lost David Villa to Valencia but replaced him with Diego Milito from Argentina and with 13 goals so far this season, the new man is second only to Barcelona's Eto'o as top scorer in La Liga.
Zaragoza (4-4-2): Cesar; Ponzio, Toledo, Cuartero and Aranzabal; Oscar, Celedes, Zapatar and Cani; Ewerthon and Milito.

Malaga made several changes to the team which did so well against Valencia in their last home game for the trip to Betis and again this week saw some surprises. There was no place in the team for regular right back Gerardo, who had to be content with a place on the bench, nor Edgar, who was even missing from the bench. Manu, who has not started a game all season, got a start this week. Morales, the giant Uruguayan striker who started last week drops to the bench and Duda, who came on as a sub last week, started this week. Even goalscorer Hidalgo had to be content to sit on the bench this week, as the hard work on the training ground this past week, must have influenced manager Hierro. However, sitting in the stand, I'm thinking that we should be seeing a settled formation by now so that the players can start to play more as a team, rather than a bunch of individuals wearing the same shirts.
Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Alexis, Fernando Sanz and Nacho; Manu, Juan Rodriguez, Bovio and Duda; Salva and Counago.

It's a 19:00h kick-off, 17C, with a rain-threatening heavy atmosphere. The crowd was a little less than normal (because of the weather?) but there was still a good feeling in the ground that Zaragoza could be beaten and Malaga could start their climb out of the relegation zone. There are 10 games left to play and Malaga have 22 points, but the pundits reckon that 30 points is all that is necessary to secure another year in the top league, especially if Malaga can beat their rivals Real Sociedad, Racing Santander and Cadiz. So the pundits think that winning these three games will be enough and any points gained from their other remaining matches, which include today's visitors Zaragoza, Getafe, Osasuna, Villarreal, Sevilla, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Deportivo will be icing on the cake! We shall see!

Malaga kick off towards the Gol end and immediately force Zaragoza on the back foot, with Manu racing down the right wing and finding Duda in the box. But the little Portuguese winger should have headed the ball rather than try to bring it down with his feet and the defence recovered to clear.
In 3' Salva had a great chance in the penalty box but slipped in the wet conditions as he tried to connect to pass from Bovio.
In 4' the first corner of the game is awarded to Zaragoza. Cani's kick is punched away confidently by Arnau. Juan Rodriguez picks up the ball and sends Duda on a chase into the Zaragoza half, forcing Cesar to come off his line and out of his penalty box to head the danger away.
In 7' Bovio finds Counago running into the inside left channel. The striker manages to get a good cross in from the byline and it falls to Duda, who goes down in the box after a tackle from Toledo. No penalty.
The following minute Malaga keep up the pressure when Salva is brought down by Cuartero just outside the box. Both Duda and Bovio line up to take the free kick, but it's Duda's effort which comes back off the wall.
It's all Malaga and another fine run by Counago down the left wing is completed with an inch perfect pass to Duda, but the Zaragoza defenders clear the danger.
In 11' the first real save of the game comes from Cesar when Jesus Gamez, overlapping down the right wing, sends in a curling cross-cum-shot which very nearly crept in just under the bar. Cesar just got a fist to the ball and punches the ball clear.
In 14' Salva intercepts a pass in the centre circle and runs towards the goal. He is brought down from behind (normally a booking offence, but not this time). Duda takes the free kick and hits the wall.
Zaragoza have weathered this early storm and their defence looks strong and capable.
We have to wait until the 25th minute to see a shot from Zaragoza. The Brazilian Ewerthon takes a pot shot from 25 yards across the goalmouth from a wide position, but his shot is off target.
In 29' Manu dribbles his way past two defenders to the edge of the box. His shot has power but is rising and just skims over the bar. That would have been some goal.
In 32' Fernando Sanz becomes the first booking of the game for a foul on Celedes from behind. Oscar takes the resultant free kick which Arnau has to tip over the bar. Cani's corner is cleared by the very efficient Alexis.
In 36' Toledo clashes with Salva. It's a head knock and he has to go off for treatment. The physio applies a jar of vaseline and the defender tries to return, but the ref says "No, I want that head of yours bandaged". It is lucky that we have medically competent referees in the game. Toledo returns to the game in the 43rd minute, suitably bandaged. Malaga were unable to take advantage of these seven minutes.
Half-time Malaga 0 Zaragoza 0
Malaga have started a new thing where you can send them a text message on your mobile and they will display it on the giant scoreboard. However, the few Zaragoza fans have got wind of this first and start putting predicted scorelines up on the board in their team's favour, which momentarily confuses the Malaga fans during the half time interval.
Zaragoza make a substitution at half time. Celedes comes off and ex-Malaga midfielder Movilla comes on to welcoming applause from the Malaga crowd.
Malaga almost go ahead in the first minute after the resumption. The ever willing Counago makes a run down the right and forces Aranzabal to concede a corner. The ball is semi-cleared only to Manu who puts the ball back across the six yard line. Counago's header, though, is easily mopped up by Cesar.
In 50' Bovio splits the defence with a great ball for Counago. The quick striker is past the defenders but is brought down from behind in the box. A penalty and a red card, surely? Nada.
In 51' Manu, who's had a good game forces another corner on the right. Duda's corner kick is cleared but only to Bovio, who finds Manu in space. The winger tries a shot but it goes just past with Cesar watching hopefully.
In 54' Counago turns Toledo to crate space for a shot from 18 yards but it's just wide.
In 55', three things happen
Jesus Gamez appears down the right wing and tries another of those cross-cum-shots. It again is falling just below the bar and again Cesar makes a fine save by finding a finger to touch the ball over.
Manu is replaced by Hidalgo
Toledo is booked for a foul on Duda.
Zaragoza cannot get out of their half during this second period as Malaga continue to press, make chances and try to get the goal that would give them three precious points.
In 60' Salva receives another fine pass from Bovio, who looks in command the centre of midfield. The ball somehow gets under the big striker's feet and the Zaragoza defenders get the time they need to make the intervention and clear.
Zaragoza resort to offside tactics and the eager Malaga forwards are caught out three or four times in the next five minutes, much to the frustration of the strikers and crowd alike.
Zaragoza seemed to have settled for a draw and are quite content to allow Malaga possession and use the offside trap and kicking the ball out of play, whilst Malaga seem to be thinking that they have at least the draw and with a bit of luck and good fortune, may get the goal their play and possession deserve.
In 64' the impressive Cani is replaced by Savio.
In 66' the unimpressive Milito is replaced by Sergio Garcia.
In 75' Oscar is booked for a foul on Nacho. Counago is replaced by Morales.
In 77' Jesus Gamez, who has become more of a right winger than a full back since Manu was taken off, wins a throw at the corner flag. He throws it to Bovio and the Brazilian takes a swing towards goal, but it's inches over.
In 78' Salva forces a corner on the left out of nothing. Hidalgo takes it and his inswinger has to be punched clear from under the bar by Cesar.
In 84' Duda is replaced by Gabriel.
The midfield, Hidalgo and Bovio in particular continue to provide openings in the defence for the strikers to exploit but the linesman's flag seems to be continually up for offside.
The 90 minutes are up and both teams seem now certain that the game will finish as a draw. Four minutes are added on for stoppages.
In 93' Sergio Garcia chases a lost ball into the box. Arnau comes out to gather comfortably, but the Zaragoza striker collides with the goalkeeper and both go down. For a moment there is some confusion as Sergio Garcia lies prone in the box, seeking a penalty, I think. Arnau has only one thought - get the ball quickly to the other end and rushes out to the edge of the box to loft it into the night air. But no. The referee says it's a free kick and Arnau must go back to the goal box to take the kick. Well, all the defenders and attackers alike, except for Sergio Garcia, have moved up to the half way line awaiting Arnau's kick. The goalkeeper has to run back from the 18 yard line to the six yard line to place the ball for the free kick. He takes it hurriedly, aiming for Alexis. But his kick is woefully weak and the now on-his-feet Sergio Garcia intercepts the ball and puts it square across the penalty box to where Ewerthon has been awake enough to see what had happened and run onto the ball to slip it into the empty net.
Malaga 0 Zaragoza 1
There was no restart and that bizarre goal was the last act of the match. Stunned? Stunned is not strong enough. Travesty? Definitely. Does this mean the end for Malaga in La Liga this season? Very probably. What a disaster!
The other teams just above Malaga, Alaves, Betis, Mallorca, Cadiz all managed to get a point at the weekend, opening the gap up between Our Boys and themselves, so everything has worked against them again.
This week the league have a full schedule of midweek games and on Wednesday, Malaga are away to Deportivo La Coruna. Next Saturday, Malaga are at home again, to runaway leaders Barcelona. Malaga must take points from some of these games, no matter who they are playing. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 6:38 PM | Permalink

Being a Raith Rovers supporter all my life, I know all too well how it feels to support a team which is struggling and looking doomed for relegation. Every game you come away downhearted, hoping that, while it is still mathematically possible, there is still a chance that the manager will get it right and the team will get a few breaks and come good, just in time to avoid relegation.
Being a Malaga supporter, it is clear that the fans here are not used to this scenario, or haven't been for many years. They turned out en masse on Sunday night and were right behind the team from the kick-off. Brilliant!
Last week, the team went away to Atletico Madrid and after 9 minutes they were down to two Fernando Torres goals. After 15', they were lucky to remain only 2-0 down when Gotia, making his first start for the big team in La Liga in Arnau's continuing absence through injury, saved a penalty. It didn't last long though and a goal from Maxi and two from substitute centre back Valera meant the score finished 5-0. Atletico didn't play well; Malaga were just dire.
As well as losing 5-0, Malaga also lost Duda, who was given a straight red for slapping an Atletico player on the back of his head. To top it all off, fellow strugglers Mallorca were beating Real Madrid and Alaves managed a draw which meant that Malaga were truly alone at the bottom of the league.
Having said that, a glance at the league table shows 5 points between seventh bottom and Malaga, so a wee run of wins could yet mean escape from the relegation zone.
Where better to start than Sunday's game against Valencia. What? Valencia are generally regarded as in the big three in Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid. Before Sunday's game they were lying second behind Barcelona in the league and Canizares has only lost 19 goals in these 25 games, making him the best goalkeeper in Spain at the moment. The team boasts 9 full internationals, including in David Villa, Spain's top scorer this season with 15 goals. Only Eto'o has scored more this season (18) and he's from Cameroon. Villa is in excellent form and was on the score sheet in midweek for Spain in their friendly with the Ivory Coast. Bit of a big ask for Malaga, but winning these games is what they will have to do if they are to stay up.
Valencia (4-4-2): Canizares; Miguel, Marchena, Navarro and Moretti; Angulo, Albeda, Baraja and Regueiro; Aimar and Villa.
The press were after Malaga manager Hierro's head after the 5-0 shambles. He hasn't been given a "vote of confidence" by the board, more a "finding and starting again with another new manager is not the best for the club in its present situation, with 13 games remaining in the season".
Hierro's selection last week raised a few eyebrows, dropping Bovio for Anderson, putting winger Duda inside with Nacho on the wing and Edgar up front with Salva. It didn't work out, big time.
He took the team away up the coast to Jerez for the week, to try and rebuild confidence and take them away from the glare of publicity around the La Roseleda training ground.
So we waited with bated breath for Hierro's selection against the giants from Valencia. He made seven changes, dropping Gotia, Gerardo, Litos, Ribeiro, Anderson and Hidalgo, with Duda ineligible through suspension after his red card. In goal was Reina - who? I don't know, but I'm guessing he is the Malaga C keeper, as Malaga B's keeper, Munoz, was on the bench and there was no mention of Gotia. There was a return for captain Fernando Sanz in the heart of defence and a recall for Jesus Gamez at right back, just three weeks after being told that he should continue in the Malaga B team for the rest of the season "to aid his development". Nacho was given the left back slot and Antonio Lopez was given the left wing position, with Bovio and Juan Rodriguez in the centre of midfield, with giant Uruguayan Morales recalled to join Salva up front.
Malaga (4-4-2): Reina; Jesus Gamez, Alexis, Fernando Sanz and Nacho; Edgar, Juan Rodriguez, Bovio and Antonio Lopez; Morales and Salva.
When the teams kicked off, there was another surprise in store for the home fans. Defensive midfielder Bovio slotted in behind the front two, with Juan Rodriguez, a striker last year, sitting in front of the back four.
It was a very late kick off, 2100h, and although it was 17C it felt colder. The game was live on Canal+, the subscription channel here and also on Sky Sports 1 in the UK.
Malaga lost the toss and were asked to kick off facing the Gol end, the far away end from us. They started very brightly and immediately forced half a dozen corners in the first five minutes, all on the left, caused by direct running from Nacho, Morales and Antonio Lopez. Valencia's defence did not look comfortable at all, with Morales in particular causing difficulties with his mobility and his 9'3" height giving him an advantage in the air.
The first real opportunity fell to Bovio in 7' when he was granted a free header from a cross from Antonio Lopez, but the Brazilian could not direct the shot and the ball went over.
The following minute Canizares had to race from his goal line, out of his penalty area to deny Edgar whose run down the right was well spotted by Bovio.
It was 13' before Valencia entered Malaga's penalty area with any threat. Full back Moretti got to the by-line but his cross went out of play for a goal kick.
Valencia are a strong team, but they are a counter-attacking team, quite content to absorb pressure and catch teams out with rapid bursts up the park to find the two sharp shooters, Villa and the little Argentine international, Aimar. Malaga's strategy seems to be all out attack, with Alexis given the role of following danger man Villa all over the park.
So, Malaga enjoy a great deal of possession and are looking good. They look positive and mobile and Bovio seems to be finding his targets with his passes. Valencia are on the back foot, but you are always aware that they have the class and guile to nip up the field at any time and spoil the party.
And so, in 29' it was Valencia who came closest to scoring so far when Miguel latched onto a loose ball in the penalty box after Fernando Sanz was deceived by the very frisky and alert David Villa. Miguel's shot was hurried but it was on target and came off the bar with debutant goalie Reina looking on.
Reina is looking very nervous in goal and fluffs an attempted catch in 33' when he came out to take a cross from Albeda. The ball lands at Regueiro's feet, but his shot is luckily well over.
Alexis is doing a fine job in containing Villa and at the other end Morales is winning everything in the air. Unfortunately, Salva is not playing close enough to the big man to take advantage of all his knock downs.
Half time Malaga 0 Valencia 0
It's Malaga's turn to come close in 49'. Nacho takes a throw in on the left, six yards off the Valencia goal line. He throws it to Bovio, who manages to turn and shoot a swerving ball right across the goalmouth, where it comes off the far post, with Canizares watching.
Aimar is starting to show in this half, after being posted missing during the first. Bovio is the first booking of the game in 50' after bringing the little Argentine down.
The second booking was next minute, when Villa brought down Nacho.
In 53' Aimar goes close with a good shot from 20 yards which whistles just past.
In 57' Fernando Sanz is booked for bringing down Aimar, just outside the box. The little striker takes the kick himself, which beats the wall but comes off the bar, before being hoofed away by Salva.
In 61' Juan Rodriguez has a chance inside the 6 yard box from a Nacho corner, but he heads just over.
It's a good game with Malaga showing well and Valencia always a threat.
In 67' a minor stooshie when Antonio Lopez and Nacho combine well down the left wing. Nacho's cross is aimed at Morales in the 6 yard box but the giant Uruguayan seems to be held back and can't jump for the ball. But, no penalty!
In 71' Salva breaks down the left wing and manages a great cross into the box. Edgar runs onto it and blasts a shot at goal which Canizares has to dive full length to just tip it round the post for a corner. Fine save.
In 72' there are howls of derision from the crowd when best players on the field, Morales and Bovio are substituted for Hidalgo and Counago.
In 74' former Malaga midfielder Rufete comes on for midfielder Angulo for Valencia.
In 77' Juan Rodriguez joins the Aimar club when he is booked for a foul on the little striker.
In 80' Reina makes a great save from Aimar's shot. The goalie gets down low to turn the ball round the post for a corner.
In 84' an almost spectacular goal from Hidalgo. He receives the ball from a free kick after Salva had been brought down. He's in the centre circle, but with no options for a pass, he elects to shoot! It's a powerful shot forcing Canizares into another full length dive to just get his fingertips to the ball to touch it past. Top football, this. Both shot and save are out of the top drawer.
In 85' Mista replaces Villa, who has been played off the park by Alexis.
In 86' Counago misses an opportunity to send us all home happy, when Edgar intercepts a pass and knocks the ball up for the former Ipswich Town man to head, but the ball goes straight to Canizares who is well positioned on his goal line.
Full time: Malaga 0 Valencia 0

Not a win, and we need the three points badly, but a very good display from the home side and we leave the ground feeling that perhaps there is a chance we can avoid the drop.
Next week it's another sixpointer against local Andalucian rivals, Real Betis, in Sevilla. In two weeks, the next home game is against Real Zaragoza. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:52 PM | Permalink

Well, new manager Manolo Hierro could not have wished for a better fixture list to start his tenure in charge of Malaga, against the three bottom clubs in La Liga, he had a great opportunity to take the club away from relegation worries and hike them up into the middle of the table. Three six-pointers, back to back!
In his first game in charge he did the needful and beat Athletic Bilboa. Then last week, the long trip up to Vittoria in the Basque Country to play Alaves, who have been bottom club all season. What happened? A 3-2 defeat for Malaga! An own goal by Cesar, a defensive error between Arnau, Cesar and Litos to allow Alaves to score with a simple tap-in for the second and worst of all, Arnau kicking the ball against their striker instead of clearing way up the park, only to watch the ball rebound and back into the empty net. That result meant Malaga dropped into the third bottom position, above Athletic and Mallorca, as Alaves climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

So to Sunday's match against new bottom club, Mallorca. Hector Cuper resigned as manager last Monday night and Mallorca appointed Gregorio Manzano as their new boss. Yes, the very same Manzano who was sacked by Malaga last season around Christmas time. Manzano has been out of the game since leaving La Roseleda, but how often does it happen in football when he makes his return, he returns right back where he was last?
For Hierro, the defensive problems which have changed results in the past few weeks need to be addressed. The loss of Valcarce at left back to injury has caused all sorts of problems, with a number of players being asked to play out of position to cover there. Well, on Sunday, we had the debut of new signing, Portuguese international left back, Ribeiro, signed on the last day of the January transfer window from Dinamo Moscow. There was no place again for captain Fernando Sanz, who had to be content with a place on the bench and Cesar was dropped for his howlers last weekend. So Litos retains his place alongside wunderkid, Alexis, with Gerardo at right back.
In midfield there was a return for Duda, who has not played for five months after being in dispute with the club's management. At the beginning of the season, the tricky Portuguese left winger declared that he would not be signing an extension to his contract with Malaga when it expires in June 2006, nor was he seeking a transfer, as he preferred to move club at the end of his contract under the Bosman ruling. Malaga's response? Shove him to train with the Malaga C squad, for which the 25 year old is ineligible, as the Malaga C squad play in the under-19 league. However, needs must, when your club is fighting relegation, and some sort of compromise has been agreed between club and player. The upshot of all this was that he played against Alaves last week and scored with a lightning bolt direct free kick!
Up front, there was a return for Salva, missing through suspension last week, but his replacement last week, Uruguayan international, Morales, who apparently had a stinker, does not even merit a place on the bench. Hierro sticks to an attacking 4-4-2 formation, but with Edgar up front, and Gabriel in the right wing slot.

Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Gerardo, Alexis, Litos and Ribeiro; Gabriel, Juan Rodriguez, Bovio and Duda; Salva and Edgar.
Mallorca (4-2-3-1): Prats; Cortes, Nunes, Tuzzio and Potenza; Basinas and Pereyre; Campano, Arango and Pisculichi; Tuni.

It's a 7pm kick-off tonight and there is a bitterly cold wind blowing (8C). But we're cheered up by Malaga's new mascot, Manolito el Octopus, who does some amazing things with his eight legs.
Mallorca, in their normal red shirts, kick off and within 42 seconds, dangerman, Venezuelan attacking midfielder, Aranga, forces Arnau to make a point blank save from 6 yards as Malaga are caught sleeping.
In 2' Juan Rodriguez offers Mallorca a second chance with a needless foul 30 yards out. Again it's Aranga who takes the kick but his shot is high and wide.
It's only 5' gone before the first booking of the match and it is Litos for a tackle from behind in the centre circle.
The next minute and we get our first glimpse of new boy, Ribeiro, who goes on a run down the left flank. His run is looking promising before he is hacked down by Cortes, who is booked.
Mallorca have a grip on midfield in these early stages and Malaga have to resort to fouls to stop the play. Gerardo gives away a free kick in 9' which affords Pereyre a free header that Arnau can only watch as it whistles just wide.
Malaga's first attempt at goal finally comes along in their first attack in 11' when Salva is brought down. Brazilian defensive midfielder Bovio finds his countryman Gabriel with the kick. The wingback sends in a tempting cross which Salva gets his head to, but it is just wide.
Malaga have another chance in the next minute when Duda takes a free kick from 40 yards after the bustling Salva is again brought down. Duda's kick is well wide of the post.
A better chance is presented to Bovio in the next minute as Malaga continue to press. Duda beats his man on the left and cuts it back to the Brazilian, but he seems to be surprised with the pass and his weak shot is easily mopped up by Prats.
Malaga continue to press forward and Bovio is starting to dictate in midfield. He wins a free kick in the centre circle and Arnau is left alone in the Malaga half as Mallorca defend in depth. There is a sense of anticipation as Duda takes the kick, but the ball is blocked in the box and hoofed clear.
In 20' Edgar forces Malaga's first corner after the Portuguese Angolan rushes down the right wing and the ball comes off Potenza. Duda takes the kick and finds Gabriel in the box, but the ball bounces off his knee and goes wide.
In 25' Arnau has to make a great punching save from a shot from Tuni, as Mallorca try to catch Malaga on the break.
In 27' the best chance so far for Malaga. The two Brazilians Bovio and Gabriel combine well down the right, before a well aimed cross lands at Duda's feet. The little Portuguese winger is in the clear with only the keeper to beat but he snaps at the shot which goes well into the upper tiers of the stand behind the goal.
In 29' Pisculichi is booked for a foul on Edgar.
In 31' Duda has another chance after a good run down the left wing by Ribeiro. He slips the ball to his countryman, but Duda again shoots over.
The next minute Edgar shoots straight into Prats' arms after receiving a short pass from Juan Rodriguez to give him the opportunity.
In 36' the so far disappointing Juan Rodriguez, who looks out of sorts, gives away a free kick about 30 yards out. There is a sense of danger in the air as Aranga shoots from the kick. Arnau has to make a spectacular diving one handed save to turn the ball around for a corner. The corner is swung into the crowded box and drops for centre back Nunes. He is at the near post and his effort flashes across the goal mouth and out for a goal kick. Arnau looks in difficulty and Gerardo has to take the goal kick.
In 40' it's clear Arnau cannot continue and he is substituted by Gotia, who comes on to make his first team debut. The youngster had starred in last season's Malaga B team, but had yet to make an appearance in La Liga.
Half time Malaga 0 Mallorca 0
In 47' Duda finds Edgar on a run down the left channel, but the striker is brought down by Tuzzio, who could have received a straight red, as he looked "last man".
In 48' Duda, who seems to have moved inside a little, finds Salva breaking into the box. Prats shows amazing pace when he rushes out off his line and launches the ball high into the upper tier of the main stand.
In 50' Campano shows his pace for the first time in the game as he runs past Ribeiro. The left back makes a desperate tackle from behind to bring the winger down and is lucky just to receive a yellow card.
Then in 55' disaster for Malaga. Tuni breaks down the right wing and gets in his cross into the box. There seems to be no danger for Litos and Alexis who are both covering Pisculichi, who is alone in the box. There was a suspicion of a use of hands to control the ball by the forward, away from the defenders, but it's all done in a flash and the ball is in the back of the net to put the visitors ahead.
Malaga 0 Mallorca 1
Hierro immediately makes his final two changes: Juan Rodriguez and Gabriel off for Hidalgo and Counago. Edgar goes to his more familiar right wing slot, for Counago to partner Salva upfront and it's a straight swap in central midfield with Hidalgo taking up the attacking midfielder role.
Ribeiro makes another fine run down the left and Potenza is booked for a foul on him.
In 65' the new boy Ribeiro forces a corner down the left. However, Hidalgo's kick is weak and easily cleared.
The game becomes very scrappy with constant interruptions as Mallorca defend their lead uncompromisingly and Malaga lack the class to beat these destroying tactics.
The next chance falls to Bovio after another good combination between Ribeiro and Duda wins a corner on the left. The ball falls to Bovio and this time he directs a powerful shot a goal which brings out an excellent save from Prats.
In 75' Pisculichi is subbed for Victor.
In 79' Prats again denies Malaga with his rushing out, this time to thwart Counago who had been put through with a clever pass from Salva.
Mallorca are playing the offside rule to perfection as Edgar, Duda, Salva and Counago are successively caught out after more promising midfield play from Malaga creates the openings since the introduction of Hidalgo.
In 85' Basinas is booked for time wasting as the clock starts to run out for Malaga.
In 86' Pereyre is booked for kicking the ball away as Edgar attempts to quickly take a free kick.
In 87' we're on our feet as Edgar enters the box on a run and his shot forces another fine save from Prats.
In 89' Tuzzio is booked for pulling Duda's shirt almost off his back. It's a second booking and Tuzzio is off.
In 90' Arango is subbed by Ballesteros.
Three minutes of added time are shown on the fourth official's board as Malaga continue to look for a life saving equaliser.
In 91' Victor is booked for not retreating 10 yards after twice being told off by the referee.
In 92' a great chance for Malaga. Litos, who has moved up front, gets onto the end of a great cross from Ribeiro. He is up above the Mallorca defence and his header is powerful, beating Prats all ends up. However, the ball takes a lick of paint off the cross bar and goes over.
In 93', a wonder goal. Campano picks up a ball on the left wing. We're waiting for the cross, as he is almost on the touchline. Somehow he manages to put in a powerful right footed shot from no angle and the ball flashes into the net. It's game over for Malaga, but the usually partisan home crowd has to applaud that goal, as good as any I've seen this season.
Full time Malaga 0 Mallorca 2


A poor game with two sides scrapping it out for La Liga survival. Malaga, having lost two six-pointers in a row, now drop to 20th and last place in the table. Their next few games do not provide easy prospects for them; away to Atletico Madrid; home to Valencia; away to Real Betis and home to Barcelona. It's a tough league and it's not looking too good for Malaga at the moment. We shall have to wait and see what Hierro can do to save the team from relegation. The next home game is against one of the best sides in the league, Valencia. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!


PS A number of you have written about the apparent high number of bookings in each game. This is down to two reasons: a Spanish referee will book you for any foul committed in which the offending player does not make any attempt to make contact with the ball - quite right; also, a Spanish referee will book a player for no apparent reason, so the same the world over, then.

Sunday's crime count:
Malaga: 2 yellows: Litos and Ribeiro
Mallorca: 8 yellows: Cortes, Pisculichi, Tuzzio (2), Potenza, Basinas, Pereyre and Victor.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 12:51 PM | Permalink

Before I tell you about Saturday night's match, let us go back one week to the away game against Espanyol, up in the Olimpic Stadium in Barcelona. I listened to this game live on the English speaking radio station, Spectrum FM, and it was clear that unless Malaga got a result against the Catalans, manager Antonio Tapia would be sacked.
You can imagine what I felt like (and what he felt like) when before half an hour had gone in the game, Malaga were down 3-0 (it should have been four as Arnau saved a penalty in 22 minutes against Tamudo). Although Malaga did score a consolation goal from the unlikely source of Alexis, with a fantastic 40 metre volley, the final result and defeat of 3-1 plunged Malaga to bottom place in La Liga, after going eight games without a win. This is my third season as a season ticket holder and Malaga have never before occupied one of the three relegation spots, let alone been bottom.
Sure enough, on Monday morning, Tapia left the club and a new manager was appointed right away - Manolo Ruiz Hierro, elder brother to former Real Madrid and Spain legend Fernando, who incidentally has just announced his retirement from playing with Bolton Wanderers. Manolo did have 12 years playing at the top level in Spain, including a stint at Barcelona, and was well known for his never say die attitude, ceaseless running and work ethic as an old fashioned centre forward. However, he has never managed a team at any level, so why did Malaga appoint him? Well, he is currently General Manager at Malaga, responsible for arranging contracts and signing new players etc, so he is well known to all the staff and players. He is also has a very positive attitude and is likely to be a good motivator for the team, whose heads are down after the previous weeks' results. In his press interview he said that he wanted his players to enjoy playing again, that Malaga would not be relegated this season and that he would adopt attacking tactics in every game (unusual in Spain as most teams sit back in defence and rely heavily on swift counter-attacking). The Spanish media wanted to know if he would play with two strikers, play Alexis in the centre of defence, rather than right back, what about cover for the still injured left back Valcarce, what about Duda, what about Manu?
His response was for people to wait and see what his formation was against Athletic Bilboa; Jorge Ribiero, 24 year old Portuguese international left back, has been signed from Moscow Dinamo on the last day of the transfer window; no change on Duda; and Manu has been told that he is in Hierro's plans. Also, Paco Esteban has been loaned to Cuidad de Murcia until the end of the season and Jesus Gamez has returned to Malaga B, where "more games starting a match will be better for him" for this young right back.
Athletic have also had a torrid season and are on their second manager, Javier Clemente, after sacking Valverde earlier, as this once illustrious club have struggled all season to get out of the relegation zone. So a six pointer in prospect in a game both sides need to win and both fancy their chances against fellow strugglers.
Teams:
Athletic (4-2-3-1): Lafuente; Ireloa, Lacruz, Prieto and Amorbieta; Gurpegui and Orbaiz; Aduriz, Yeste and Gurpegui; Llorente.
Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Gerardo, Alexis, Litos and Nacho; Edgar, Hidalgo, Bovio and Antonio Lopez; Counago and Salva.
So Malaga's team did hold a few surprises - yes two strikers, but Counago favoured over Morales; both central defenders Cesar and Fernando Sanz on the bench and Alexis at centre back with Litos, who has been on the sidelines with Tapia; no Juan Rodriguez, another Tapia ever present, but a first start at home for new signing, Bovio. Ribiero is not match fit so stand-in left back, left winger Nacho is selected there again.

It's a 6pm kick-off in the 18C warm February sunshine and Hierro is greeted with a huge cheer from the capacity crowd. Athletic are in their change strip of all-black with red numbers instead of their customary red and white stripes with black shorts and look menacing without kicking a ball.
In the first minute the nerves are showing as Arnau receives a difficult pass back from Litos and he miss kicks the ball straight to giant centre forward Llorente. Alexis is alive to the danger and gets across quickly to hoof the ball out of play.
In 3' Athletic's tactics become clear - Route 1. Llorente, their lone striker, is at least 8'3", but fast and nimble and Athletic's aim is to lob the ball over the top of Malaga's defence for him to run onto. It almost works as Orbaiz sends a beautiful pass onto the onrunning striker with only Arnau to beat. The Malaga stopper is not known for rushing off his line, but on this occasion he was out quick to stifle the danger.
It's 5' before Malaga mount their first attack. Gerardo plays the ball through for Edgar in space in the box. Edgar's pace carries him past the defence but his shot is straight at Lafuente.
Another scare for Malaga in 6' as Llorente again has an opportunity. This time he has his back to goal as he receives his pass, but he swivels dramatically to fire his shot just over the bar.
Athletic are enjoying the best of the action in these first few minutes as Malaga's new defensive line-up tries to get to grips. Llorente towers above both Alexis and Litos, who short on inches, make up for that in pace and positioning.
The next minute Salva gets onto a nice through ball from Hidalgo, but Lafuente rushes out of his box and smothers the ball at the burly striker's feet.
Malaga try again in the next minute, this time down the left wing. Good interpassing between Hidalgo and Antonio Lopez allows the overlapping Nacho to get to the by-line. His cross has plenty of pace and eludes both Salva and Counago to arrive a Edgar's feet. He tries a shot from 6 yards that is just wide.
Llorente is still causing problems with his height and pace and in 15' Gerardo does well to beat him to the ball to head out for a corner.
In 20' Alexis tries to emulate the Route 1 tactic with a long pass from his own 18 yard line to Counago. The ex Ipswich man tries a low drive but Lafuente has no real difficulty in making the save.
In 28' the first booking of the game is Orbaiz for a foul from behind on Hidalgo.
In 30' Nacho is fouled on the left just outside the box. There is some jostling in the crowded box as Hidalgo takes the kick. Hidalgo picks out LITOS who makes no mistake as he heads past Lafuente. GOAL - we haven't seen one of them for a long time at La Roseleda and we are going to celebrate. The crowd go daft - blow for full-time now ref and we'll go away happy. It's also a little ironic that the goal is scored by a player not really quoted in the last year by the former manager, whose name we have already forgotten. Fickle - yep, that's what us football supporters are the world over.
Malaga 1 Athletic 0
In 34' another great chance falls to Edgar. Again he uses his pace to just run past the full back. Lafuente runs out of his 6 yard box and dives full length in the corner of the 18 yard box to stop the shot from the Portuguese Angolan.
Ireola is in full flight and Antonio Lopez looks like last man, albeit at almost the half way line, when he brings the full back down unceremoniously in 38'. His card is yellow but could have been a straight red.
Orbaiz takes the kick and sends it deep into the box to the Llorente. The gigantic one nods it down and as Arnau goes diving to save the shot that wasn't, the ball falls to ARDUIZ who simply taps the ball into the undefended net to equalise.
Malaga 1 Athletic 1
In 41' Malaga have the ball in the net again. Edgar tries to send in a cross from the right but it's blocked and goes for a corner. Hidalgo's accurate kick finds Salva's head and it's in! But the ref says "no, there's some infringement" and the goal is disallowed.
In 44' Edgar is fouled on the right wing and Antonio Lopez trots across from the left wing to take the kick. Again there is much jostling in the box and Litos is pushed out of Antonio Lopez's pass. Penalty! The crowd are on their collective feet all around the ground, but the ref says "No".
The referee is not the most popular man in Malaga at the moment after disallowing what seemed a perfectly good goal and now not awarding a cast-iron penalty. He is given much abuse, much stronger than "the referee's a wanker" and the referee has to be escorted off the field at half time by police in full riot gear, with their shields raised high in Roman style to avert any flying objects.

Half-time Malaga 1 Athletic 1

From the kick-off Malaga almost take the lead. Again it's Edgar down the right wing who causes the danger when he skips into space to send a delightful cross for the powerful Salva to head. Lafuente has to make a fantastic full length save to stop a certain goal.
Malaga are playing with much more spirit than in previous weeks and at a higher tempo. The fans are lapping it up and shouting their team on when they have the ball and whistling when Athletic take possession.
In 50' the ball comes out of the Athletic defence and lands at Nacho's feet. He tries a shot from fully 40 yards and Lafuente has to punch nervously to clear.
Llorente is surprisingly substituted and Danobeite comes on to replace him after 51'. Yeste moves up to take up the striker's role.
In 52', Litos becomes the second Malaga booking and third so far, for a foul on Yeste who has become more prominent since his change of position. Yeste takes the free kick himself but his shot cannons off the wall and goes over. It's Yeste with the corner kick too, but he tries an inswerver and Arnau easily punches clear.
In 55' Counago shows some good skill and he forces a corner with his persistence. Lafuente rises above everybody to Hidalgo's corner and punches clear.
In 62' the ineffective Antonio Lopez is substituted for Gabriel. The little Brazilian takes up the right wing berth with Edgar moving to the left.
In 65' Aduriz goes off for another striker, Urzaiz, as Athletic change to a 4-4-2 formation as they go looking for the winner.
Urzaiz's first effort is an audacious shot from his own half, which has Arnau scrambling back from his 18 yard line to see the ball land on the roof of the net. Whew!
In 66' Nacho becomes Malaga's third booking, for a stupid tackle from behind deep in Athletic's half.
Two minutes later and Nacho is in trouble again. He is caught out of position upfield and is beaten for pace by Yeste, who has run onto the ball in the space which should be occupied by the left back. Nacho tries to catch him up, but only succeeds in catching Yeste's legs and the striker falls down all too easily. The referee produces another yellow card, but as he's already been booked, Nacho is shown the red card and he's off!
Well, Malaga are down to ten men and Athletic's tails are up!
In 69' Hidalgo, who's been having a good game, wins a free kick down the right wing. There is the usual jostling the box and the kick is delayed whilst the referee tries to sort it out. Malaga take the opportunity to bring on Cesar for Counago, so Alexis moves to left back to accommodate him. The giant centreback rushes immediately into the box to add to the mayhem. At last Hidalgo is able to take the free kick, which he floats to the far post. Cesar makes a dash for the near post taking three defenders with him, so when the ball comes down from the heavens, it finds SALVA standing on his own and he gratefully picks his spot and heads home! GOAL!
Malaga 2 Athletic 1
I look at my watch and it's now 75' gone. It took almost 10 minutes for the free kick, Cesar substitution, goal and restart!
In 76' Athletic make another change - defender Prieto off for attacking midfielder Tiko, as Athletic try to make their one man advantage tell.
In 80' there is an unusual contretemps. Arnau, who has just been warned by the referee for time wasting, lets a loose ball run to the corner of his 18 yard box, near the by-line. Yeste runs across to make him pick it up and play it. Arnau does pick up the ball and walks forward to the 18 yard line. He shows Yeste the ball then goes to kick it upfield. Yeste sticks up his leg and takes the ball from Arnau. The result - both are booked by the referee.
In 82' Salva is booked (seventh yellow of the match for Malaga) for dissent after the referee did not award a free-kick after the striker was upended in the centre circle.
Despite being down to ten men, Malaga are the team pressing forward and looking much the likelier to score again.
In 83' Hidalgo is put through by the clever Gabriel. The attacking midfielder beats two men before sending in a powerful drive which forces a great save from Lafuente.
In 86' Bovio goes off to a standing ovation, he has not put a foot wrong all game in his defensive midfielder role. He is replaced by Juan Rodriguez.
In 91' Hidalgo, who seems to have a good rapport with Gabriel, slips a through ball for the little Brazilian, who sets off on a mazy run leaving a trail of Athletic players in his wake. He manages a shot but it is blocked and the danger is over.
Full time Malaga 2 Athletic 1

Well, a far better performance from the blue and whites and this result coupled with others elsewhere mean they jump three places and out of the immediate drop zone. Next week, they are away to Alaves, who have been in the bottom three all season, so another six-pointer and a great chance for Malaga to put some distance between them and the other strugglers.
The following week and the next home game is against Mallorca, the other team from the bottom three, so three six-pointers back to back! Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 6:37 PM | Permalink

Sunday 18:00h kick off. It's been a beautiful day on the Costa del Sol, clear blue sky and warm sunshine. The pitch at La Roseleda looks fantastic; lush green grass, with no bald patches and another full house.

It's the first game of the second half of the season so it is appropriate to take stock to check the progress of the club. At the beginning of the season, manager Antonio Tapia stated that his initial target was 42 points. This would ensure another season in the top league. Once this was achieved, it would be time to collect sufficient points to gain a top six place which would bring back European football to Malaga. The ground is being developed to FIFA standards (to bring international matches here) and the new main stand on the main road is growing into a magnificent structure, which will boost the capacity to 36,000. So how is the team doing? Badly! The number of points accumulated so far is 17, below the target, and with many of the big guns to be faced away during the second half of the season. This means they are lying fourth from bottom, with the bottom three clubs relegated at the end of the season.

The team have gone seven games without a win (3-1 against Real Sociedad on November 20, the last victory) and the media have been saying that Tapia will go if his team fails against Celta. Indeed, they have already started to speculate on his successor, with Ernesto Valverde (ex Athletic Bilbao) the favourite, with Hugo Sanchez (the Mexican superstar, currently in charge of Pumas in his home country), Michel (Rayo Vallecano), Javier Irureta (ex Deportivo), Victor Fernandez, Jose Antonio Camacho and Vicente del Bosque (ex Real Madrid) mentioned, among others.

Reinforcements have been brought in during the January window - attacking right full back Gabriel (23) signed from Fluminese in Brazil; another Brazilian, Bovio (24), signed from Santos, a defensive and creative central midfield player praised by Pele and one who hopes to be included in Brazil's World Cup squad this summer in Germany; and, on loan from Sevilla until the summer, with a view to a permanent move then, attacking left winger Antonio Lopez.

Much has been said in the media (and by Geoff and me) about Tapia's tactics, particularly at home games, where he has persisted with a negative defensive formation with one striker, usually Salva, alone up front. When he has changed the formation to 4-4-2, usually in desperation after going behind in a game, the players look more comfortable and play more cohesively as a team. Tapia favours the 4-2-3-1 formation, because that brought him some success in the second half of last season, but then he had the players, such as Juanito, Romero and Miguel Angel, who could occupy and dominate the midfield. Juanito and Miguel Angel have both been transferred and Romero suffered an injury in the first half hour of the first game of the season and looks to be out for most of the rest of the season, after a number of operations on his leg. The new boys brought in, Hidalgo and Nacho (an attacking midfielder and left winger respectively) were not direct replacements, yet Tapia has persisted with this formation, using a right back (Gerardo) and Nacho as the two holding defensive midfielders.

Today's visitors, Celta Vigo, have returned to the top league after a season in the Segunda, but are an average side and well within the compass of the squad Tapia has at his disposal. Celta have been relying heavily on striker Baiano, signed from Malaga during the summer, to get the goals for them (a point not lost on Malaga fans, as the Brazilian was an immediate favourite on his arrival from Brazil last January), and have managed some good results (notably beating Real Madrid away) to gain them a respectable midtable position.

So given all this background, and having been given a brief glimpse of the quality of Bovio when he came on a substitute last week, there was an aura of anticipation for this game, as we settled into our seats and waited to hear the team announcements. So there was an audible groan around the stadium when Malaga's team was announced. Yes, it was a 4-4-2 formation. But instead of Morales (who has impressed with his presence and workrate on the few occasions he has been given an opportunity) it is Paco Esteban up front with Salva. There are surprises in defence too. Left back Valcarce misses his second match after sustaining an injury during the warm up against Sevilla two weeks ago. His replacement is left winger Nacho. There is no place for captain Fernando Sanz for the second week running as Litos retains his place alongside Cesar and at right back it is Jesus Gamez, in the spot occupied by Alexis all season. Does this mean central defender turned right back Alexis is dropped? No, he appears as one of the central midfielders alongside Gerardo, with Edgar on the right wing and ...... Gabriel (an attacking right back, remember) on the left wing. Of course, Juan Rodriguez and Antonio Lopez are suspended, but there is no place for Bovio in the starting line-up and he sits on the bench alongside Morales, Counago, Hidalgo, Anderson, Fernando Sanz and Goitia (the reserve goalkeeper).

Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Litos, Cesar and Nacho; Edgar, Alexis, Gerardo and Gabriel; Salva and Paco Esteban.
Celta Vigo (4-4-2): Pinto; Angel, Sergio, Lequi and Jose Enrique; Borja Oubina, Jorge, Nunez and Canobbio; Silva and Baiano.

The first attempt at goal falls to Gerardo 30 yards out after 4' but it's blocked as it travels at warp speed towards the goal.
We have to wait until 11' for the next goalmouth incident and it's Celta who win a free kick wide on the right after Nacho had brought down Silva. Our main striker, Salva, is back in his own penalty box as Malaga bring all ten outfield players back to defend. Salva is facing his own goal when the ball comes to him and he lifts it up and just over his own bar for what would have been the own goal of the season had it gone in. Whew!
In 13' it's Salva at the other end now and he pushes a clever ball through to Paco Esteban which splits the Celta defence. The little striker is clear through on goal with only Pinto to beat, but with the whole goal to choose from, his shot is straight at the goalkeeper and it bounces past. Gerardo goes for goal direct from the resultant corner and Pinto has to look lively to punch the ball clear from just under his bar.
In 17' Gerardo gives away a free kick on the right wing 30 yards out. Jesus Gamez intercepts the freekick and with some insight sends a diagonal pass across to the left wing to Gabriel. The Brazilian shows a good first touch which takes him past a defender, then he starts on a run down the left wing, leaving a further two defenders in his wake. The fourth defender, though, is one too many, and the ball is unceremoniously hoofed out for a throw.
Malaga are creating chances and look the better side in these opening exchanges. Gabriel again does some good work down the left wing before swinging in a cross (with his right foot) from the byline, which finds Edgar alone in the box. The Portuguese winger shoots but Pinto dives across his goal and pushes the ball away.
Another fright for Malaga in 26'. Canobbio takes a free kick 30 yards out after Litos clashes with Baiano. The shot loops over the defensive wall and Arnau and lands on the roof of the net.
Celta's menace is there for all to see as they start to impose themselves more on the game. In 27' Jorge goes close with a shot from the left which Arnau watches hopefully as the ball just goes past his far post.
Then in 32' Arnau has to tip a rasping free kick from Jorge over after the midfielder had been fouled by Jesus Gamez on their left wing.
In 35' Baiano goes down in the centre circle clutching his leg, with nobody near him. It must be serious, because he is substituted by Javi Guerrero.
The following minute and Malaga have another great chance to go ahead when Alexis slots a pass through the middle for the pacy Edgar to run onto. Again, a Malaga player finds himself with only the goalkeeper to beat, but Edgar goes for power and lifts the ball over the bar.
In 37' the first booking of the game when Borja Oubina is yellow carded for a foul on Salva in the centre circle.
In 42', perhaps the best chance of the first half, when Gerardo supplies Paco Esteban between the central defenders, but the diminutive striker again strikes the ball against Pinto and the opportunity has gone.
Half time Malaga 0 Celta Vigo 0
Malaga make a substitution at half time, with Paco Esteban being replaced by Counago up front. Malaga seem to be asleep as within 30 seconds of the resumption, NUNEZ goes on a run down the right wing, seems to surprise both Nacho and Cesar who hesitate, waiting for each other to make an intervention, and let the winger run between them to shoot, and unlike the Malaga forwards in the first half when faced one on one with the goalkeeper makes no mistake.
Malaga 0 Celta Vigo 1
It's a setback for the home side, but Counago has made an impact since coming on against one of his former sides and we're convinced that, after all the chances that have been made, that Malaga can still win this crucial game.
in 48' Counaga baffles the Celta defence with some intricate ball skills in the box before slipping the ball to Gabriel, who has appeared in the box on a run. Pinto however rushes out to collect the ball from Gabriel's feet.
In 50' Malaga make a second substitution, with Hidalgo coming on for Jesus Gamez. This requires a major change to the lineup, with Gerardo going to right back, with Alexis and Hidalgo in the middle and now Edgar and Gabriel have swapped wings.
Whilst all these changes were going on, Celta almost go two ahead, when Arnau has to make a fantastic save from Jorge.
In 52' Edgar has another great opportunity presented to him when he is found in the clear by Alexis, who has shown great spirit by attacking and winning the ball off Canobbio. However, it is not Edgar's day in front of goal and his miskick is deflected past the post for a corner. Gerardo finds 9'2" giant centre half Cesar's head with the corner and his header skims the bar as the ball goes just over.
In 54' Pinto makes a fine reaction save after another fine run by Edgar ends with a cross-cum-shot which is deflected at the last minute off Angel.
In 58' Pinto has to dive full stretch across his goal to deny Counago's shot after more good work by Gabriel.
In 60' Jorge is replaced by Roberto and Litos is replaced by Morales, for Malaga's third substitution. So no Bovio this week, then. Morales is of course a giant 10'6" Uruguayan striker, so his appearance means yet another change in formation and lineup is required. The team is completely changed into a 4-3-3 formation, with Morales up front with Counago and Salva. For some reason, Gabriel, who has been playing on the right wing in the second half to some effect, now goes to right back. With Litos coming off, Alexis goes back into central defence beside Cesar and Gerardo, who has been playing right back during the second half, goes back into the midfield beside Hidalgo and Edgar.
These are major changes, but it shows the level of desperation that has been reached as Tapia tries hard to find a winning formation. However, Geoff and I both remark that such experiments should be made on the training ground and not in the middle of a match and possibly does show after all, that Tapia has lost all confidence in his and his team's capabilities.
In the left back position, Nacho still looks like a fish out of water and he becomes the first Malaga name to go into the book after he is left standing by Nunez and he elects to barge home off the ball in frustration.
In 67' Hidalgo steps up to take a free kick after Nacho had been fouled by Nunez. The box is busy and we've now got two of the tallest players in world football, Cesar and Morales, jostling with the defenders. However, Hidalgo does not take advantage of their height but elects to shoot - well over the bar. A waste.
Then in 70' the sucker punch for Malaga. Nunez goes on a great run down their left wing and leaves Gabriel for dead. He manages another powerful drive that Arnau has to dive fully across his goal to make the stop. However, the ball lands at SILVA's feet and the winger has an empty goal to tap the ball into.
Malaga 0 Celta 2
Nunez is immediately replaced by defender Mendez as Celta now intend to play out the final 20 minutes and defend their lead by playing 10 men behind the ball.
In 76' Malaga have another chance when Morales wins a free kick 20 yards out. Gerardo's effort is strong and Pinto makes another fine one-handed diving save to deny Malaga.
In 81' Celta show that they are still dangerous on the break, particularly with the pace of Silva. He easily beats Nacho down their right wing and Silva's shot comes off the top of the bar with Arnau stranded.
The white handkerchiefs are out now around the ground as the Malaga supporters use this traditional method to indicate to the Malaga management that a change is required. The chants are as much for Malaga President Roldan to go as much for Tapia.
The game draws to a close and the Celta team greet the full time whistle in jubilation, whereas the Malaga players heads are down. This result plunges Malaga into the relegation zone proper, lying third from bottom.
Next Sunday, Malaga are away to Espanyol at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. Espanyol lost 5-0 against Getafe on Sunday so it is an interesting match with two teams struggling for form. Roldan has stated that Tapia's job is "safe for the moment", but with the quality and calibre of the squad, the team is definitely underachieving and maybe a different manager is necessary to turn things around as Tapia seems devoid of ideas. His old mate Anon resigned as second team manager in midweek after Malaga B went bottom in the Segunda and after Roldan had said that his job was "safe for the moment".
We shall wait and see what happens. The next home game is in two weeks against fellow strugglers Athletic Bilbao in a six-pointer. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:43 AM | Permalink

After a three week Christmas and New Year break, Malaga's first game of 2006 was away to local rivals Sevilla, in a hostile crowd of 40,000, where 1000 brave Malaga supporters ventured to see if the blue and whites could repeat last year's 0-2 away win.
But Malaga's bad luck continues. In the warm-up before the game, left back Valcarce sustained an injury and had to be substituted without making an appearance at the kick-off. Alexis, who has played all season at right back, was put in at left back and Jesus Gamez who impressed against Villarreal got the right back slot. Then, after only 29 minutes, Hidalgo was sent off on a straight red card for an innocuous foul in midfield, giving the home side a further advantage. Within three minutes of the sending off, they went ahead with a goal from Maresca, whilst Malaga were trying to regroup.
The visitors managed to hang on until half time, when Manager Antonio Tapia changed the team by bringing on 8'3" Uruguayan giant, Morales, in an attacking formation, with three in midfield and two up front. The impact was almost instant, as Morales found space down the right and his square pass was booted into the net by his strike partner, Salva, in 47 minutes, to restore parity. It seems 10-man Malaga had the upper hand at this point and went looking for a second goal. But the usually dependable captain, Fernando Sanz, made two errors in rapid succession in the 62nd and 64th minutes and gifted Sevilla two goals to Adriano and Dragutinovic respectively, to leave Malaga beaten 3-1.

So to Sunday's match against Cadiz, another Andalucian derby, and against a team new to La Liga, having just been promoted at the end of last season after many years in the lower divisions. In fact, Malaga CF have never played Cadiz in the league before, the last encounter between the two cities being back in season 1990-91 in the Second Division, before Malaga UD went bust.
We were all looking forward to the game as it had been several weeks since we had been to La Roselada and also we were looking forward to seeing Malaga's three new signings in the January transfer window, Brazilians Gabriel and Bovio, both signed from Brazilian clubs and left winger Antonio Lopez, signed from Sevilla. We were also looking forward to two home games in succession against newly promoted sides (next week sees the visit of Celta Vigo) and a chance to see an end to a bad run of seven games without a win, which has seen Malaga slide down the table to just above the relegation zone. Two victories would see them jump eight places in this tight league and out of danger.
So it was quite disappointing when we saw Malaga's line-up. Valcarce was still out injured, so Alexis remained at left back, with Jesus Gamez at right back. Gabriel did get a start, but on the right wing, when the press had indicated that he was a defender. There was no room for Anderson, our third Brazilian, not even on the bench, and Bovio and Antonio Lopez were named as substitutes. Also named as a substitute was Morales, who had made such an impact in the two previous games, and so it was a very defensive 4-2-3-1 formation that Tapia put out, at home, against a team that had only scored 12 goals in 18 games. In addition, captain Fernando Sanz was dropped (for the first time in three seasons) for his errors against Sevilla and Litos got his first start of the season in the heart of the defence.

Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Litos, Cesar and Alexis; Juan Rodriguez and Gerardo; Gabriel, Edgar and Nacho; Salva.
Cadiz (4-2-4): Armando; Varela, De la Cuesta, De Quintana and Silva; Suarez and Benjamin; Enrique, Sesma, Medina and Mirosavijevic.

In the absence of both Fernando Sanz and Valcarce, it's Edgar wearing the captain's arm band, as he lined up in the centre of midfield after spending the first half of the season as a pacy right winger. It's also the second home game in a row against a team with the nickname "Yellow Submarines" and the away team's kit was certainly in the bright canary colour.
The opening 10 minutes or so was like the two teams were struggling to adapt to the conditions as the ground was unusually heavy and wet, as prior to the match we had had three days of heavy rain. Tonight it was fair and 17C at the 17:00h kick-off, but Geoff and I were concerned that in our third season as season ticket holders, we were at last going to be soaked, as there is no cover at La Roseleda, and we had managed so far to escape any rainfall at all.
We had to wait until the 13' for the first attempt at goal and it was from Edgar, tight on the left goal-line, who somehow managed a shot which Armando did well to palm away.
Then, in the next minute, a sensational stooshie. Cadiz's first meaningful foray into Malaga's half and they win a free kick down their left after a foul by Jesus Gamez on Enrique. Enrique took the kick himself and sent in a good cross along the 6 yard line into the crowded box. The Malaga defence waited for Arnau to take, but their Uruguayan striker, MEDINA, clearly stuck out his hand to divert the ball into the net. The referee awarded the goal, after which he was surrounded by the entire Malaga team, who followed him across to the linesman, who had since trotted back to the half-way line, in front of the Malaga bench, who in turn were all on their feet remonstrating. After several minutes of protest, a yellow card was waved (at Alexis, I think) and the teams took their positions for the restart. The run of bad breaks that Malaga has had to endure this season continues.
Malaga 0 Cadiz 1
Directly after the resumption, Juan Rodriguez was booked for a frustration-led feet up foul on Enrique.
Then, in 18' Benjamin was booked for a similar foul on Gerardo and it was starting to look not a little uncomfortable for the referee, who had to reassert his authority quickly or the game was going to end with very few players on the park.
In 24' Gerardo takes a free kick on the right. Uncharacteristically, he does not go for goal himself, but picks out Edgar in the box. Unfortunately he has his back to goal and in swivelling around he is not able to direct his shot properly which goes just wide.
In 27' Enrique is allowed to run in on goal from a very obvious offside position and although Arnau makes a comfortable save, the Malaga bench are back up on their feet shouting at this same linesman who allowed the goal. The referee runs across the park and shows a yellow card to one of the Malaga substitutes, at this point, we know not whom.
Then in 28' the occasion Geoff and I have dreaded for three years. It started to rain! There was much of a flurry in the crowd as ponchos, rain-mates, beanie hats, plastic macs and all sorts were put on by the worried spectators. They needn't have worried. In 29' the rain stopped and didn't return during the game.
Back to the game and in summary it was a scrappy affair. Neither team had a grip in midfield; there was no fluency to the game. Malaga's formation didn't look right with no player taking the eye and all looking like they weren't sure what position they were in and what they were supposed to be doing, with so many players out of position. They reminded me of Scotland under Bertie Vogts. And Cadiz weren't any better, posing no threat to Malaga's goal as the game got stuck in midfield and was peppered with numerous stoppages for petty fouls.
Then, in 30', with all the time in the world, giant centre back Cesar made his pass wide to Alexis too short and lacking in pace. In jumped MEDINA to intercept and run onto Arnau, who he cleverly chipped as the goalkeeper came out to narrow the angles.
Malaga 0 Cadiz 2
Then in 38' Cesar almost gifts another one as he slips to the ground when he should have been comfortable with plenty of time. This time Sesma accepts the gift but his shot goes wide with Arnau stranded.
Then in 40' Cesar does it again, as he looks increasingly uncomfortable in the conditions and we were all saying 3-0 when Suarez picked up the loose ball 12 yards out but he put it just over.
We are praying for halftime and some improvement from Malaga,when Benjamin drives a free kick at goal, which Arnau did well to save.
Half time Malaga 0 Cadiz 2
Tapia does ring the changes at half time. Not surprisingly Cesar is taken off and replaced by Antonio Lopez. Jesus Gamez is also subbed as Morales comes on. So it's a completely new line-up for the second half, as Malaga go to a 4-4-2 formation (which we all believe is how the team should have started!)
Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Gerardo, Litos, Alexis and Nacho; Gabriel, Juan Rodriguez, Edgar and Antonio Lopez; Salva and Morales.
It's all Malaga now as they start to press the Cadiz defence for the first time in the match. Cadiz for their part seem determined to hold onto their lead and just defend and play the second half out.
These tactics become quite clear as in 52' Armando in the Cadiz goal goes down unchallenged and has to receive several minutes treatment. Medina is substituted by Pavoni.
In 54' Antonio Lopez shows some trickery down the left wing and gets in a shot which curls just wide of the post. We were beginning to think this is it - Malaga are still in this game and with a little guile and some effort they could easily score the three goals which would give them a victory against a so-so team, who did not have a shot on goal during the entire second half.
In 57' Edgar breaks down the right, gets to the by-line and sends in a powerful cross. Antonio Lopez, lurking just inside the box connects with a great volley which Armando manages to punch out to his right wing. Enrique is there to try and control the ball and Antonio Lopez turns and runs towards him. They both go down in a heap and the referee runs across and flashes a yellow card at Antonio Lopez. Then, he brings out a red card and the new boy's home debut is over after only 13 minutes on the field. We can only surmise that it was Antonio Lopez who was the sub on the bench that was yellow carded in the first half and now he was being sent off for a second "bookable" offence. Malaga are down to 10 men for the second week running!
To his credit, Tapia did not retreat into damage limitation at this setback. Instead, he chose this time to introduce Bovio for his debut, taking off fellow countryman Gabriel, who had been ineffective on the right wing. This meant another restructuring of the formation, with Edgar moving to the left wing, Juan Rodriguez wide right and Bovio in the centre of midfield, in a still attacking 4-3-2 formation.
Big things are expected of Bovio, a stylish midfield playmaker and a former team-mate of Robinho, now at Real Madrid. But these circumstances were not the best for an introduction into Spanish football.
What followed was a number of Cadiz players going down in nothing fouls and looking dead, requiring several minutes of treatment. This playacting was intended to get the referee to send off more players, frustrate and infuriate Malaga's team and supporters and obviously waste time.
Full time Malaga 0 Cadiz 2
So a poor spectacle and Malaga's bad luck and bad run continue. With now 8 games since a win, Tapia's coat has moved to the shaky hook, with the President of Malaga CF, Senor Roldan, being moved to declare in the press during the week that he is still confident that Tapia can save the club from relegation.
The next few games are all against teams which Malaga should expect to get points from, but the manager will have to pick more attacking teams and somehow try to keep 11 men on the field to give them a chance.
We shall see next Sunday if there is any change in fortune when Celta Vigo come to town for the 18:00 hours kick-off. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:18 AM | Permalink

Wednesday 21 December 2005, 2000h kick-off, it’s 16C and the last game of the year before the Christmas break. The next game is away to Sevilla on 8 January 2006, so it’s very important for Malaga to get a good result here at home. Malaga are short of players for this important game, after the debacle in Santander on Sunday, when during the 1-1 draw with Racing, the referee saw fit to send off five players, three from the home side and Anderson and Gerardo from Malaga, who all face an automatic one game suspension. Juan Rodriguez also suffered an injury during that game and is unfit to face the Yellow Submarines.  With Miguel Angel and Juanito transferred at the beginning of the season, Romero out injured since the first game and now a further three midfielders out, it was going to be a makeshift side that Antonio Tapia would be putting out. New signing Bovio arrives from Brazil on 2 January 2006, but Tapia will be using the upcoming transfer window to bolster his side as they go into the second half of the season.
Villarreal on the other hand are enjoying their most successful period in their history. Their squad is fully fit and have successfully negotiated the first part of the Champion’s League and enter the knock out part of the competition in the New Year. They currently lie in fourth position in La Liga and are well organised, fit and quick on the counter attack. Chilean Manager, Manual Pellegrini has filled his team with South American superstars, including Riquelme, Forlan, Senna and young Argentinean goalkeeper Viera, who was wanted by Arsenal before he signed for the Yellow Subs.
Malaga are forced to field two Malaga B players to make up tonight’s team, full back Jesus Gamez and midfielder Usero. So centre back Alexis, who has played all season at right back, is pushed forward into midfield to play alongside Usero in front of the back four, as Tapia names a 4-2-3-1 line-up: Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Alexis and Usero; Edgar, Hidalgo and Nacho; Salva.
Villarreal play a more orthodox 4-4-2 and lined up as follows: Villarreal (4-4-2): Viera; Kromkamp, Gonzalo, Pena and Arruabarrena; Riquelme, Josico, Senna and Font; Jose Mari and Forlan.
 
We’ve had a very pleasant evening so far. With John and Geoff off to England for the Christmas festivities, they’ve given their tickets to Pauline and Helen, so the four of us, including me and Barry, went into Malaga city to see the fantastic Christmas lights (some say they are better this year than Oxford Street in London). The city is buzzing, it’s the Wednesday before Christmas and shops are open late and it’s almost a shame to leave but there is a football match on so we made our way to La Roseleda.
The blue and white striped team from Malaga win the toss and elect to play into the Fondo goal and are first to show when the fleet footed Edgar is tripped on the edge of the box in the first minute. Hidalgo has a go but Viera makes the save look easy.
In 4’ Malaga have as good a chance as they have had in many a game. Edgar has the beating of Arruabarrena and bursts into the box. His shot is parried down by Viera but only to Salva who is chasing behind. Salva has plenty of time but elects for power and blasts the ball well over.
It’s all Malaga as Villarreal have not been allowed to settle. In 5’ Kromkamp becomes the first booking for a foul on Usero.
In 10’ Alexis is penalised for a challenge on Riquelme in a dangerous position 20 yards out. The Argentinean playmaker takes the kick himself and sends in a delightful cross for Gonzalo’s head, but his effort goes well wide.
Font is next to show in 14’ with a run down the wing. He finds Riquelme with his low pass and the subsequent shot is just wide of Arnau’s far post.
Villarreal are gifted a chance in 20’ when a poor clearance from Alexis lands at Riquleme’s feet. His first time half volley has Arnau at full stretch across his goal to tip around for a corner. The set piece comes to nothing though as Gonzalo is tugging a shirt that results in him becoming the second booking of the game.
Villarreal are now in control of the game with Riquelme involved in everything. In 23’ he flights a through ball for Forlan to run onto. The blond Uruguayan strikes hard and low which Arnau can only push out. It falls to Font, but his shot is straight at the goalkeeper and Arnau is able to gather the ball to his chest.
Villarreal are looking good at this point, strong and fast and always dangerous with their slick passing and movement.
Malaga try to get back into the game and Hidalgo tries a half hearted shot from well out to try and change things, but it’s high and well wide.
Some good play between Edgar, Jesus Gamez and Usero finds the latter forcing a corner. But it’s the ubiquitous Riquelme who pops up to hoof the ball clear from Hidalgo’s kick.
In 29’ Edgar, who’s having a good game on the right wing finds Salva in the box. The big striker tries to feed Hidalgo but the attacking midfielder is beaten to the ball by the out rushing Viera.
The game is swinging from end to end but it’s 35’ before the next attempt at goal. This time Senna tries from 30 yards but his dipping shot skims the top of the bar and goes over.
The next minute Edgar gets in another fine cross for Salva but Hidalgo is offside. Villarreal employ the offside trap very well, even given Edgar’s pace and ability to get to the by-line. The linesman’s flag arm is kept busy as time and again Malaga’s forwards are deemed to be offside. This must be very frustrating for the players as well as us in the stands, because Malaga had very many promising moves stopped in full flow by the linesman’s flag.
In 39’ Alexis finds himself in space in the midfield and with everybody waiting for the pass he tries a shot on goal, but it goes straight to the keeper.
In 40’ Usero becomes Malaga’s first booking for tugging Riquelme’s shirt. The number 8 takes it himself but his attempt on goal is easily caught by Arnau.
 
Halftime Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
When Malaga reappear, Usero has been substituted by Morales and Malaga go to a 4-4-2 line-up with the giant Uruguayan up alongside Salva. In the first tackle of the game, Jesus Gamez gets booked for a foul on Font.
Just as Villarreal seem to be making some headway down their left wing, Jesus Gamez intercepts a pass and bursts into the centre circle. He looks up to see Morales starting a run and sends a delightful pass into the path of the striker. He is an awesome sight in full flight, with good feet for such a big man and as he goes into the box Morales is brought down by Pena. No penalty, says the referee, prompting jeers and whistles from the home crowd.
In 49’ Villarreal make a change with Anzo coming on for Josico.
In 50’ Morales, who’s made a big impact since he came on, intercepts a pass in the centre circle and finds Edgar wide on the right. Pena moves across and brings down the Angolan. Hidalgo takes the free kick and attempts a shot but Viera punches clear.
In 53’ Morales who seems to be in the thick of everything again wins the ball in midfield. This time he finds Nacho wide on the left. The little winger rushes into the box where he is body checked by Gonzalo. No penalty says the referee, resulting in more jeers, whistles and a nice song about the referee’s mother and lack of legitimate father.
Morales giant presence and agility are causing Villarreal problems and in 56’ he again wins the ball and slips a through ball for Edgar, who runs into the box. Again the Malaga man goes down in the box; again there is an appeal for a penalty. The referee has had enough of this and produces a yellow card. Salva runs across to the referee who turns around to show him the card too. But Salva isn’t complaining to the referee, he was just trying to draw his attention to the linesman on the nearside who is flagging furiously. The referee and fifteen players go across to speak to the linesman. After some debate and a minor melee, the referee points to the penalty spot! It’s only the second penalty awarded so far this season. The first was in the first home game of the season against Espanyol when Gerardo scored. This time it’s Salva who steps up. Salva had an impressive record from the spot in his first stint at Malaga, but he doesn’t seem too confident as he steps up to take this kick. The crowd sense this and go strangely silent. It’s all bad as Salva’s weak attempt goes straight into Viera’s arms.
In 59’ Nacho, who has had a quiet game so far, comes to life on the left and ends his run with a shot that has Viera scrambling across his goal to save.
In 65’ Salva and Morales combine well in the middle of the half and again find Nacho on the left wing. The winger is brought down by Kromkamp. Hidalgo hits the free kick hard at goal and Viera brings off a fantastic save and tips it over.
In 73’ Morales bullies the Villarreal midfield again, winning the ball by his sheer presence. He again finds Nacho willing to take on the all yellow kitted team’s defence. His first shot is parried right back to him by Viera. His second shot produces another fine save from the young goalkeeper as he puts it over the bar.
In 76’ striker Lucho comes on for Font, as Villarreal try to get back into the game.
Malaga are in control and are going all out to get the goal which they deserve and which would surely win the game for them.
In 80’ Hidalgo’s pass finds Edgar on the left wing. The right winger hits his cross too hard and Morales has to chase it out to the right touchline and manages to force a corner off Arrbuarrena.
In 81’ centre back Gonzola is replaced by attacking midfielder Roger, as Villarreal think they can still snatch a win. Paco Estaban comes on for the tiring Salva.
In 83’ captain Fernando Sanz, who has strolled through the game up until this point, is outpaced by Riquelme and is booked for tugging at his shirt.
In 84’ Diego Forlan, who has been kept quiet by Fernando Sanz and the towering presence of 9’3” Cesar all game, finally gets a shot at goal. It’s a close shave for Malaga as it is only just wide of the far post.
In 86’ Morales has the chance to make a claim for a regular place in the team when he rises above the Villarreal defenders to meet Nacho’s cross, but Viera is on great form and saves brilliantly to deny the huge Uruguayan.
On 90’ our hearts are in our mouths when Riquelme makes space for a shot, but Arnau saves comfortably at the near post.
Full time Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
It was a good game, with two good footballing teams providing excellent entertainment. Unfortunately for Malaga, despite their makeshift team, they were unable to convert their overall superiority into goals and a win they so desperately need to avoid descending into the dreaded relegation zone. We now have to wait until 15 January 2006 for the next home game, which will be a second consecutive derby (after the game away to Sevilla on the 8th) against newcomers Cadiz, who incidentally also play in all yellow and also have the nickname Yellow Submarines. We may have some new faces on board by then, certainly Bovio, so your Malaga CF Correspondent is looking forward to the game already.
In the meantime, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:59 PM | Permalink

Wednesday 21 December 2005, 2000h kick-off, it’s 16C and the last game of the year before the Christmas break. The next game is away to Sevilla on 8 January 2006, so it’s very important for Malaga to get a good result here at home. Malaga are short of players for this important game, after the debacle in Santander on Sunday, when during the 1-1 draw with Racing, the referee saw fit to send off five players, three from the home side and Anderson and Gerardo from Malaga, who all face an automatic one game suspension. Juan Rodriguez also suffered an injury during that game and is unfit to face the Yellow Submarines.  With Miguel Angel and Juanito transferred at the beginning of the season, Romero out injured since the first game and now a further three midfielders out, it was going to be a makeshift side that Antonio Tapia would be putting out. New signing Bovio arrives from Brazil on 2 January 2006, but Tapia will be using the upcoming transfer window to bolster his side as they go into the second half of the season.
Villarreal on the other hand are enjoying their most successful period in their history. Their squad is fully fit and have successfully negotiated the first part of the Champion’s League and enter the knock out part of the competition in the New Year. They currently lie in fourth position in La Liga and are well organised, fit and quick on the counter attack. Chilean Manager, Manual Pellegrini has filled his team with South American superstars, including Riquelme, Forlan, Senna and young Argentinean goalkeeper Viera, who was wanted by Arsenal before he signed for the Yellow Subs.
Malaga are forced to field two Malaga B players to make up tonight’s team, full back Jesus Gamez and midfielder Usero. So centre back Alexis, who has played all season at right back, is pushed forward into midfield to play alongside Usero in front of the back four, as Tapia names a 4-2-3-1 line-up: Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Alexis and Usero; Edgar, Hidalgo and Nacho; Salva.
Villarreal play a more orthodox 4-4-2 and lined up as follows: Villarreal (4-4-2): Viera; Kromkamp, Gonzalo, Pena and Arruabarrena; Riquelme, Josico, Senna and Font; Jose Mari and Forlan.
 
We’ve had a very pleasant evening so far. With John and Geoff off to England for the Christmas festivities, they’ve given their tickets to Pauline and Helen, so the four of us, including me and Barry, went into Malaga city to see the fantastic Christmas lights (some say they are better this year than Oxford Street in London). The city is buzzing, it’s the Wednesday before Christmas and shops are open late and it’s almost a shame to leave but there is a football match on so we made our way to La Roseleda.
The blue and white striped team from Malaga win the toss and elect to play into the Fondo goal and are first to show when the fleet footed Edgar is tripped on the edge of the box in the first minute. Hidalgo has a go but Viera makes the save look easy.
In 4’ Malaga have as good a chance as they have had in many a game. Edgar has the beating of Arruabarrena and bursts into the box. His shot is parried down by Viera but only to Salva who is chasing behind. Salva has plenty of time but elects for power and blasts the ball well over.
It’s all Malaga as Villarreal have not been allowed to settle. In 5’ Kromkamp becomes the first booking for a foul on Usero.
In 10’ Alexis is penalised for a challenge on Riquelme in a dangerous position 20 yards out. The Argentinean playmaker takes the kick himself and sends in a delightful cross for Gonzalo’s head, but his effort goes well wide.
Font is next to show in 14’ with a run down the wing. He finds Riquelme with his low pass and the subsequent shot is just wide of Arnau’s far post.
Villarreal are gifted a chance in 20’ when a poor clearance from Alexis lands at Riquleme’s feet. His first time half volley has Arnau at full stretch across his goal to tip around for a corner. The set piece comes to nothing though as Gonzalo is tugging a shirt that results in him becoming the second booking of the game.
Villarreal are now in control of the game with Riquelme involved in everything. In 23’ he flights a through ball for Forlan to run onto. The blond Uruguayan strikes hard and low which Arnau can only push out. It falls to Font, but his shot is straight at the goalkeeper and Arnau is able to gather the ball to his chest.
Villarreal are looking good at this point, strong and fast and always dangerous with their slick passing and movement.
Malaga try to get back into the game and Hidalgo tries a half hearted shot from well out to try and change things, but it’s high and well wide.
Some good play between Edgar, Jesus Gamez and Usero finds the latter forcing a corner. But it’s the ubiquitous Riquelme who pops up to hoof the ball clear from Hidalgo’s kick.
In 29’ Edgar, who’s having a good game on the right wing finds Salva in the box. The big striker tries to feed Hidalgo but the attacking midfielder is beaten to the ball by the out rushing Viera.
The game is swinging from end to end but it’s 35’ before the next attempt at goal. This time Senna tries from 30 yards but his dipping shot skims the top of the bar and goes over.
The next minute Edgar gets in another fine cross for Salva but Hidalgo is offside. Villarreal employ the offside trap very well, even given Edgar’s pace and ability to get to the by-line. The linesman’s flag arm is kept busy as time and again Malaga’s forwards are deemed to be offside. This must be very frustrating for the players as well as us in the stands, because Malaga had very many promising moves stopped in full flow by the linesman’s flag.
In 39’ Alexis finds himself in space in the midfield and with everybody waiting for the pass he tries a shot on goal, but it goes straight to the keeper.
In 40’ Usero becomes Malaga’s first booking for tugging Riquelme’s shirt. The number 8 takes it himself but his attempt on goal is easily caught by Arnau.
 
Halftime Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
When Malaga reappear, Usero has been substituted by Morales and Malaga go to a 4-4-2 line-up with the giant Uruguayan up alongside Salva. In the first tackle of the game, Jesus Gamez gets booked for a foul on Font.
Just as Villarreal seem to be making some headway down their left wing, Jesus Gamez intercepts a pass and bursts into the centre circle. He looks up to see Morales starting a run and sends a delightful pass into the path of the striker. He is an awesome sight in full flight, with good feet for such a big man and as he goes into the box Morales is brought down by Pena. No penalty, says the referee, prompting jeers and whistles from the home crowd.
In 49’ Villarreal make a change with Anzo coming on for Josico.
In 50’ Morales, who’s made a big impact since he came on, intercepts a pass in the centre circle and finds Edgar wide on the right. Pena moves across and brings down the Angolan. Hidalgo takes the free kick and attempts a shot but Viera punches clear.
In 53’ Morales who seems to be in the thick of everything again wins the ball in midfield. This time he finds Nacho wide on the left. The little winger rushes into the box where he is body checked by Gonzalo. No penalty says the referee, resulting in more jeers, whistles and a nice song about the referee’s mother and lack of legitimate father.
Morales giant presence and agility are causing Villarreal problems and in 56’ he again wins the ball and slips a through ball for Edgar, who runs into the box. Again the Malaga man goes down in the box; again there is an appeal for a penalty. The referee has had enough of this and produces a yellow card. Salva runs across to the referee who turns around to show him the card too. But Salva isn’t complaining to the referee, he was just trying to draw his attention to the linesman on the nearside who is flagging furiously. The referee and fifteen players go across to speak to the linesman. After some debate and a minor melee, the referee points to the penalty spot! It’s only the second penalty awarded so far this season. The first was in the first home game of the season against Espanyol when Gerardo scored. This time it’s Salva who steps up. Salva had an impressive record from the spot in his first stint at Malaga, but he doesn’t seem too confident as he steps up to take this kick. The crowd sense this and go strangely silent. It’s all bad as Salva’s weak attempt goes straight into Viera’s arms.
In 59’ Nacho, who has had a quiet game so far, comes to life on the left and ends his run with a shot that has Viera scrambling across his goal to save.
In 65’ Salva and Morales combine well in the middle of the half and again find Nacho on the left wing. The winger is brought down by Kromkamp. Hidalgo hits the free kick hard at goal and Viera brings off a fantastic save and tips it over.
In 73’ Morales bullies the Villarreal midfield again, winning the ball by his sheer presence. He again finds Nacho willing to take on the all yellow kitted team’s defence. His first shot is parried right back to him by Viera. His second shot produces another fine save from the young goalkeeper as he puts it over the bar.
In 76’ striker Lucho comes on for Font, as Villarreal try to get back into the game.
Malaga are in control and are going all out to get the goal which they deserve and which would surely win the game for them.
In 80’ Hidalgo’s pass finds Edgar on the left wing. The right winger hits his cross too hard and Morales has to chase it out to the right touchline and manages to force a corner off Arrbuarrena.
In 81’ centre back Gonzola is replaced by attacking midfielder Roger, as Villarreal think they can still snatch a win. Paco Estaban comes on for the tiring Salva.
In 83’ captain Fernando Sanz, who has strolled through the game up until this point, is outpaced by Riquelme and is booked for tugging at his shirt.
In 84’ Diego Forlan, who has been kept quiet by Fernando Sanz and the towering presence of 9’3” Cesar all game, finally gets a shot at goal. It’s a close shave for Malaga as it is only just wide of the far post.
In 86’ Morales has the chance to make a claim for a regular place in the team when he rises above the Villarreal defenders to meet Nacho’s cross, but Viera is on great form and saves brilliantly to deny the huge Uruguayan.
On 90’ our hearts are in our mouths when Riquelme makes space for a shot, but Arnau saves comfortably at the near post.
Full time Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
It was a good game, with two good footballing teams providing excellent entertainment. Unfortunately for Malaga, despite their makeshift team, they were unable to convert their overall superiority into goals and a win they so desperately need to avoid descending into the dreaded relegation zone. We now have to wait until 15 January 2006 for the next home game, which will be a second consecutive derby (after the game away to Sevilla on the 8th) against newcomers Cadiz, who incidentally also play in all yellow and also have the nickname Yellow Submarines. We may have some new faces on board by then, certainly Bovio, so your Malaga CF Correspondent is looking forward to the game already.
In the meantime, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:59 PM | Permalink

Wednesday 21 December 2005, 2000h kick-off, it’s 16C and the last game of the year before the Christmas break. The next game is away to Sevilla on 8 January 2006, so it’s very important for Malaga to get a good result here at home. Malaga are short of players for this important game, after the debacle in Santander on Sunday, when during the 1-1 draw with Racing, the referee saw fit to send off five players, three from the home side and Anderson and Gerardo from Malaga, who all face an automatic one game suspension. Juan Rodriguez also suffered an injury during that game and is unfit to face the Yellow Submarines.  With Miguel Angel and Juanito transferred at the beginning of the season, Romero out injured since the first game and now a further three midfielders out, it was going to be a makeshift side that Antonio Tapia would be putting out. New signing Bovio arrives from Brazil on 2 January 2006, but Tapia will be using the upcoming transfer window to bolster his side as they go into the second half of the season.
Villarreal on the other hand are enjoying their most successful period in their history. Their squad is fully fit and have successfully negotiated the first part of the Champion’s League and enter the knock out part of the competition in the New Year. They currently lie in fourth position in La Liga and are well organised, fit and quick on the counter attack. Chilean Manager, Manual Pellegrini has filled his team with South American superstars, including Riquelme, Forlan, Senna and young Argentinean goalkeeper Viera, who was wanted by Arsenal before he signed for the Yellow Subs.
Malaga are forced to field two Malaga B players to make up tonight’s team, full back Jesus Gamez and midfielder Usero. So centre back Alexis, who has played all season at right back, is pushed forward into midfield to play alongside Usero in front of the back four, as Tapia names a 4-2-3-1 line-up: Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Alexis and Usero; Edgar, Hidalgo and Nacho; Salva.
Villarreal play a more orthodox 4-4-2 and lined up as follows: Villarreal (4-4-2): Viera; Kromkamp, Gonzalo, Pena and Arruabarrena; Riquelme, Josico, Senna and Font; Jose Mari and Forlan.
 
We’ve had a very pleasant evening so far. With John and Geoff off to England for the Christmas festivities, they’ve given their tickets to Pauline and Helen, so the four of us, including me and Barry, went into Malaga city to see the fantastic Christmas lights (some say they are better this year than Oxford Street in London). The city is buzzing, it’s the Wednesday before Christmas and shops are open late and it’s almost a shame to leave but there is a football match on so we made our way to La Roseleda.
The blue and white striped team from Malaga win the toss and elect to play into the Fondo goal and are first to show when the fleet footed Edgar is tripped on the edge of the box in the first minute. Hidalgo has a go but Viera makes the save look easy.
In 4’ Malaga have as good a chance as they have had in many a game. Edgar has the beating of Arruabarrena and bursts into the box. His shot is parried down by Viera but only to Salva who is chasing behind. Salva has plenty of time but elects for power and blasts the ball well over.
It’s all Malaga as Villarreal have not been allowed to settle. In 5’ Kromkamp becomes the first booking for a foul on Usero.
In 10’ Alexis is penalised for a challenge on Riquelme in a dangerous position 20 yards out. The Argentinean playmaker takes the kick himself and sends in a delightful cross for Gonzalo’s head, but his effort goes well wide.
Font is next to show in 14’ with a run down the wing. He finds Riquelme with his low pass and the subsequent shot is just wide of Arnau’s far post.
Villarreal are gifted a chance in 20’ when a poor clearance from Alexis lands at Riquleme’s feet. His first time half volley has Arnau at full stretch across his goal to tip around for a corner. The set piece comes to nothing though as Gonzalo is tugging a shirt that results in him becoming the second booking of the game.
Villarreal are now in control of the game with Riquelme involved in everything. In 23’ he flights a through ball for Forlan to run onto. The blond Uruguayan strikes hard and low which Arnau can only push out. It falls to Font, but his shot is straight at the goalkeeper and Arnau is able to gather the ball to his chest.
Villarreal are looking good at this point, strong and fast and always dangerous with their slick passing and movement.
Malaga try to get back into the game and Hidalgo tries a half hearted shot from well out to try and change things, but it’s high and well wide.
Some good play between Edgar, Jesus Gamez and Usero finds the latter forcing a corner. But it’s the ubiquitous Riquelme who pops up to hoof the ball clear from Hidalgo’s kick.
In 29’ Edgar, who’s having a good game on the right wing finds Salva in the box. The big striker tries to feed Hidalgo but the attacking midfielder is beaten to the ball by the out rushing Viera.
The game is swinging from end to end but it’s 35’ before the next attempt at goal. This time Senna tries from 30 yards but his dipping shot skims the top of the bar and goes over.
The next minute Edgar gets in another fine cross for Salva but Hidalgo is offside. Villarreal employ the offside trap very well, even given Edgar’s pace and ability to get to the by-line. The linesman’s flag arm is kept busy as time and again Malaga’s forwards are deemed to be offside. This must be very frustrating for the players as well as us in the stands, because Malaga had very many promising moves stopped in full flow by the linesman’s flag.
In 39’ Alexis finds himself in space in the midfield and with everybody waiting for the pass he tries a shot on goal, but it goes straight to the keeper.
In 40’ Usero becomes Malaga’s first booking for tugging Riquelme’s shirt. The number 8 takes it himself but his attempt on goal is easily caught by Arnau.
 
Halftime Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
When Malaga reappear, Usero has been substituted by Morales and Malaga go to a 4-4-2 line-up with the giant Uruguayan up alongside Salva. In the first tackle of the game, Jesus Gamez gets booked for a foul on Font.
Just as Villarreal seem to be making some headway down their left wing, Jesus Gamez intercepts a pass and bursts into the centre circle. He looks up to see Morales starting a run and sends a delightful pass into the path of the striker. He is an awesome sight in full flight, with good feet for such a big man and as he goes into the box Morales is brought down by Pena. No penalty, says the referee, prompting jeers and whistles from the home crowd.
In 49’ Villarreal make a change with Anzo coming on for Josico.
In 50’ Morales, who’s made a big impact since he came on, intercepts a pass in the centre circle and finds Edgar wide on the right. Pena moves across and brings down the Angolan. Hidalgo takes the free kick and attempts a shot but Viera punches clear.
In 53’ Morales who seems to be in the thick of everything again wins the ball in midfield. This time he finds Nacho wide on the left. The little winger rushes into the box where he is body checked by Gonzalo. No penalty says the referee, resulting in more jeers, whistles and a nice song about the referee’s mother and lack of legitimate father.
Morales giant presence and agility are causing Villarreal problems and in 56’ he again wins the ball and slips a through ball for Edgar, who runs into the box. Again the Malaga man goes down in the box; again there is an appeal for a penalty. The referee has had enough of this and produces a yellow card. Salva runs across to the referee who turns around to show him the card too. But Salva isn’t complaining to the referee, he was just trying to draw his attention to the linesman on the nearside who is flagging furiously. The referee and fifteen players go across to speak to the linesman. After some debate and a minor melee, the referee points to the penalty spot! It’s only the second penalty awarded so far this season. The first was in the first home game of the season against Espanyol when Gerardo scored. This time it’s Salva who steps up. Salva had an impressive record from the spot in his first stint at Malaga, but he doesn’t seem too confident as he steps up to take this kick. The crowd sense this and go strangely silent. It’s all bad as Salva’s weak attempt goes straight into Viera’s arms.
In 59’ Nacho, who has had a quiet game so far, comes to life on the left and ends his run with a shot that has Viera scrambling across his goal to save.
In 65’ Salva and Morales combine well in the middle of the half and again find Nacho on the left wing. The winger is brought down by Kromkamp. Hidalgo hits the free kick hard at goal and Viera brings off a fantastic save and tips it over.
In 73’ Morales bullies the Villarreal midfield again, winning the ball by his sheer presence. He again finds Nacho willing to take on the all yellow kitted team’s defence. His first shot is parried right back to him by Viera. His second shot produces another fine save from the young goalkeeper as he puts it over the bar.
In 76’ striker Lucho comes on for Font, as Villarreal try to get back into the game.
Malaga are in control and are going all out to get the goal which they deserve and which would surely win the game for them.
In 80’ Hidalgo’s pass finds Edgar on the left wing. The right winger hits his cross too hard and Morales has to chase it out to the right touchline and manages to force a corner off Arrbuarrena.
In 81’ centre back Gonzola is replaced by attacking midfielder Roger, as Villarreal think they can still snatch a win. Paco Estaban comes on for the tiring Salva.
In 83’ captain Fernando Sanz, who has strolled through the game up until this point, is outpaced by Riquelme and is booked for tugging at his shirt.
In 84’ Diego Forlan, who has been kept quiet by Fernando Sanz and the towering presence of 9’3” Cesar all game, finally gets a shot at goal. It’s a close shave for Malaga as it is only just wide of the far post.
In 86’ Morales has the chance to make a claim for a regular place in the team when he rises above the Villarreal defenders to meet Nacho’s cross, but Viera is on great form and saves brilliantly to deny the huge Uruguayan.
On 90’ our hearts are in our mouths when Riquelme makes space for a shot, but Arnau saves comfortably at the near post.
Full time Malaga 0 Villarreal 0
 
It was a good game, with two good footballing teams providing excellent entertainment. Unfortunately for Malaga, despite their makeshift team, they were unable to convert their overall superiority into goals and a win they so desperately need to avoid descending into the dreaded relegation zone. We now have to wait until 15 January 2006 for the next home game, which will be a second consecutive derby (after the game away to Sevilla on the 8th) against newcomers Cadiz, who incidentally also play in all yellow and also have the nickname Yellow Submarines. We may have some new faces on board by then, certainly Bovio, so your Malaga CF Correspondent is looking forward to the game already.
In the meantime, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:59 PM | Permalink

Sunday 11 December 2005, 19:00h kick off. We've got jackets on for the first time this season to keep out the chilly cold 17C temperatures for the big match - the visit of Los Blancos from Madrid. It's a sell-out crowd, even with the tickets costing 125 - 250 euros and there is eager anticipation that Malaga might be able to get a result against a team with a new manager installed. Cara was the Real Madrid B team manager and is an old friend of Tapia, himself promoted from Malaga B team last year. They were colleagues in 1981-82 season at Fuengirola and have kept in touch over the years. But that is all put to one side for tonight's game.
There is no Raul (seen walking with a stick on Spanish TV at the World Cup draw, which, incidentally must surely have been fixed to give England such an easy group. As Alan Hansen said, "There can be no excuses now if England fail to win the competition".) There is also no Beckham, who has a sufficient knowledge of Spanish to get himself sent off every other game for dissent and misses the big one tonight on suspension. There is also no Woodgate, but then we're used to that. Roy Keane (rumoured to be brokering a two year deal with Real Madrid) is also absent, but not on Spanish sports programmes, who only show some of Keeno's most atrocious "tackles" and subsequent red cards as they seem to be trying to influence the giants in pure white.
It's still a formidable team which is announced on the giant scoreboards, filled with exciting multimillion pound, euro, dollar (any currency) talent. They line up in 4-2-3-1 formation as follows:
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Salgado, Pavon, Helguera and Roberto Carlos; Sergio Ramos and Guti; Robinho, Baptista and Zidane; Ronaldo.
Malaga have Gerardo absent on suspension and is place is taken by lanky Brazilian Anderson. Salva is fit again and returns in attack. There is a place for Uruguayan giant Morales on the bench, after his return from injury.
Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Alexis, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Juan Rodriguez and Anderson; Edgar, Hidalgo and Nacho; Salva.

Real Madrid are in their famous all-white strip and win the toss, electing to defend the Gol end and attack the Fondo end.
The latest young Brazilian superstar to sign for Real Madrid, Robinho, is the first to show in 5' with some trickery down the right wing. He beats Valcarce with sheer pace and passes to the overlapping Salgado, who cuts in towards the goal and unleashes a shot which rises over the bar.
Real Madrid are looking good, with plenty of movement and pace, slick one touch passing and uncanny knowledge as to where their team-mates are without looking up. However, it's Anderson who is taking the limelight, breaking up several promising moves with good timing, positional play and intelligent tackling.
Guti, captain in Raul's absence, is the main conduit for Real Madrid for starting attacking moves from the back.
In 7' Guti's long pass upfield finds Ronaldo running into space and he whacks a powerful shot from 20 yards, but straight at Arnau.
In 8' Cesar is booking for bringing down Baptista at the half way line as the pacy Brazilian looked to be running away into a clear Malaga half. If Cesar had been closer to his own goal, he might have been sent off.
The following minute, as so often happens, the boot is on the other foot when Guti scythes down Juan Rodriguez in a similar situation.. When the referee fails to award the yellow card, there are howls and screams from the packed crowd.
Hidalgo takes the free kick and finds Edgar, who tries a volley which goes well wide.
In 11' wunderkid Sergio Ramos is brought down just outside the box by Cesar. There is some trepidation when Zidane steps up to take the kick, but it comes off the wall and the danger is cleared.
In 16' Edgar's clever run forces Salgado to give away a corner before Nacho's pass can find its mark. Hidalgo swings it from the left corner flag, Salva leaps forward and the ball is in the net. We're on our feet, but before the dancing can begin, the referee has spotted something wrong and the "goal" is disallowed.
It's Malaga in the ascendancy and they go close again in 22'. Hidalgo slips a through ball to Salva who turns past Sergio Ramos and unleashes a powerful shot. Casillas has to make an excellent save and tips the ball over.
The next minute and Hidalgo tries a shot, which Casillas elects to punch out of the crowded box. It lands at Edgar's feet, but his effort is weak and Casillas is able to gather the ball.
In 25' Sergio Ramos is booked for bringing down Edgar, who is causing problems with his pace down the right wing.
In 28' Anderson is booked for dissent after a foul is given after a perfectly good tackle on Zidane, who has many years of practice in falling over when he has lost the advantage with the ball.
In 31' Malaga's defence is caught napping as Roberto Carlos is allowed to overlap down the left and get in a superb cross for Ronaldo. In fact Robinho and Baptista are also waiting but fortunately for Malaga, Fernando Sanz recovers enough to block the shot and clear.
It's end to end stuff and Valcarce sends in a cross from the left after neat interchanges with Nacho. Hidalgo collects the pass and shoots and forces another excellent save from Casillas.
In 34' Robinho forces a corner on their left after ghosting in behind the defence and Alexis has no choice but to put it behind. Zidane takes the kick and SERGIO RAMOS makes a terrific run from deep to head the ball home. Malaga's defence had everybody in the box marked, but had not allowed for the run of the young superstar.
Malaga 0 Real Madrid 1
Four minutes later and Real Madrid go two up. This time Robinho wins the ball out on the right touchline and starts a run towards the goal. He runs past Valcarce, evades Fernando Sanz's tackle and keeps his balance as Cesar (remember he is 9'2") also makes a tackle attempt. The ball goes momentarily loose but ROBINHO finds the ball now at his left foot. No bother to the little Brazilian and his shot gives Arnau no chance, despite diving full length across the box.
Malaga 0 Real Madrid 2
In 44' we fear the worst as Zidane goes on a run, cutting in from the left. A few cross overs and shimmies later, he unleashes a great drive at the goal. Arnau has to make a great save to push the ball wide.

Half time Malaga 0 Real Madrid 2

In 46' Robinho eludes Valcarce yet again. It looks like the full back is booked for his tackle, but confirmation does not appear as usual on the giant scoreboard.
In 53' as Anderson dithers with the ball in the centre circle, the ball is whisked off him by Ronaldo and the terrifying sight from Malaga's point of view is of the three Brazilians, Robinho, Ronaldo and Baptista all bearing down on the Malaga goal with the defence posted absent. Ronaldo elects to pass to Baptista, when Robinho would have been the better bet. Baptista's effort however is on target and Arnau has to make another tremendous save to keep the score respectable.
In 55' Malaga almost get themselves back into the game, when Edgar gets to the byline and sends a lovely cross into the box. Unfortunately, Salva finds the ball behind him but somehow executes a fantastic bicycle kick which Casillas did well to save at point blank range.
In 57' Paco Estaban comes on for Hidalgo.
In 58' Anderson spots Edgar's run down the right. The pacy winger gets in a tremendous shot which Casillas has to dive full length to save.
In 62' Fernando Sanz's clearance falls at Zidane's feet. The Frenchman runs before releasing Ronaldo. The centre forward returns the ball perfectly for Zidane but his shot goes wide.
In 66' we have a "Roberto Carlos" moment. The ball is cleared from the crowded Malaga box to Roberto Carlos, standing alone in the centre circle. The full back elects to shoot! and the ball screams towards the goal, strikes the bar and goes over!
In 72' Juan Rodriguez has a couple of attempts. The first is weak and gathered easily. The second is a cross/shot which Casillas is glad to see go just wide of the far post.
In 73' Fernando Sanz is replaced by Morales, as Malaga go 3-5-2 in search of a goal.
It almost pays off immediately when the giant Uruguayan's beefy shot scrapes the bar as it goes over from just outside the box.
In 77' Valcarce is booked this time for tugging the shirt of Robinho.
In 80' good movement and interpassing between Salva and Morales finds the Uruguayan in the box but crowded out. He lays it back to Nacho who forces a dramatic two fisted punch out save from Casillas.
A rash of substitutions now takes place with first Pablo Garcia on for Baptista. Then Valcarce goes off for Diego Castro. Then Robinho is replaced by Diogo.
In the last minute, Malaga's final fling. Edgar gets in another excellent cross from the right. Morales is in the six yard box and meets the ball cleanly and powerfully with his head, but somehow Casillas manages to keep the ball out with another point blank save.
Full time Malaga 0 Real Madrid 2

Well, a good game, with plenty of skill and all that's good about the beautiful game, but not a good result for Malaga. Next week they are away to Racing Santander, who share joint 13th place in the league. Then the following Wednesday, Champion's League and all, fourth place Villarreal visit La Roseleda. Another tough game in store (aren't they all), but never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 6:41 PM | Permalink

Football is an emotive sport, both for those playing and those watching. It's not often I get angry, but I have had to wait a day to let my anger subside after Sunday night's match against the surprise team of the season and co-league leaders with Barcelona, Osasuna. More of this later.

Back to last week when Malaga visited Madrid to play Getafe, also enjoying themselves in the top half of the league this season. Malaga were without the suspended left back Valcarce and Tapia in his wisdom fielded very right footed Gerardo in his position. Tapia is not one for change in personnel, likes his favourites, and just shuffles them around rather than introduce other "squad" members. Last week he opted for his favourite 4-2-3-1 formation, as follows: Arnau; Alexis, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Gerardo; Juan Rodriguez and Anderson; Edgar, Hidalgo and Nacho; Salva.
It seemed to work when Malaga took the lead after 24 minutes with a goal from Edgar, but Getafe replied a minute later to restore parity at 1-1, when Gerardo was caught wrong footed by their right winger who slung in a cross that was converted easily by their striker. Just before half time, a carbon copy goal gave Getafe a half time lead at 2-1.
Just after halftime and Malaga equalised through Nacho. Malaga seemed to have the upper hand and went looking for the winner. However Gerardo lost possession in the last five minutes and Getafe scored again to take all three points at 3-2.

For this week's game, Malaga are suffering a bit of an injury crisis, especially up front where Salva, Morales and Counago are all out. Valcarce returns after suspension so Tapia is forced to make several changes to his line-up for this very tough match. He opts for 4-4-1-1 formation with Hidalgo playing off Paco Estaban, who gets his first start of the season, having previously only appeared as a substitute.
Malaga (4-4-1-1): Arnau; Alexis, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Edgar, Juan Rodriguez, Gerardo and Nacho; Hidalgo; Paco Estaban.
Osasuna, who come from Pamplona in the Pyrenees (famous for the bull runs through the town every July, you've heard of that) have not beaten Malaga at La Roseleda for 17 years. Also, in their last encounter in Pamplona last season, Malaga ran out 6-1 winners. So, their Mexican manager, Javier Aguirre, had scores to settle with this year's highflying squad. He also opts for the 4-4-1-1 system, with Serbian International Milosevic (yes the former Aston Villa man from years ago) playing off the giant African striker, Webo.
Osasuna (4-4-1-1): Elias; Flano, Cuellar, Josetxo and Cruchaga; Valdo, Punal, Raul Garcia and Moha; Milosevic; Webo.

Malaga's line-up causes a few raised eyebrows when the team is announced, more so for the substitutes including several Malaga B players making their debuts in the Malaga first team squad, including Diego Castro, Jesus Gamez and Ador. Malaga B are also playing today and must have struggled with so many of their regulars missing (they drew 1-1 away to Recreativo, so they didn't do too badly).
Malaga win the toss and choose to defend the Gol end with Osasuna defending the Fondo (where we sit).
It's all Osasuna from the kick off. From the first minute they start to impress and we realise that this team are the best we've seen here (in opposition) so far this season. They're quick, first to the ball, challenging all over the park and always seems to have a backup man to cover for the second ball.
The first attempt at goal is from centre back Josetxo near the half way line, when the ball is cleared from the Malaga defence straight to him after 4' and he attempts an outrageous volley which Arnau had to watch very closely.
Milosevic seems very energetic and chasing everything and causes Malaga some discomfort in 7' when he intercepts a short pass back to Arnau from Cesar. However, Malaga's Captain Fantastic, Fernando Sanz, recovers the situation to give away the corner, when really there should have been no threat.
There is again some more worry as Cesar brings down Milosevic in 13' as Malaga are failing to get a grip of this up-tempo, slick passing hi-nrg team. The lively Moroccan Moha takes the free kick but he puts it well over.
The first Malaga attack providing any sort of goal threat is in 14'. Juan Rodriguez sends a delightful through ball right down the middle to Hidalgo. Elias rushes out from his goal and gets there first but can only blast the ball against Nacho, who is providing support. The ball comes off Nacho towards the empty goal but unfortunately goes wide of the post.
In 16' the up-till-now anonymous Edgar forces a corner on the right but Gerardo's kick is headed clear by Milosevic, who seems to pop up everywhere.
With Osasuna in control, Tapia changes the formation after 20' to his favourite 4-2-3-1 system, with Juan Rodriguez and Gerardo sitting in front of the defenders to provide a bit more cover in defence.
It's still Osasuna who continue to press and Raul Garcia goes close in 21' with a snap shot from 30 metres which has Arnau at full stretch.
Webo is causing the Malaga defence all sorts of bother. He's a big man but also very quick and nimble on his feet. In 22' he takes the ball off Cesar who was dithering with the ball looking for an opening. WEBO runs on one on one with Arnau and as the goalkeeper advances, the big striker sends it past the keeper and into the net at the far post.
Malaga 0 Osasuna 1
It's no more than the visitors deserved after all their pressure and they're making Malaga look very ordinary.
The next minute Webo almost makes it two when he is on the end of a through ball into the box, but as he attempts to head the ball down Arnau manages to position himself for any easy catch.
Osasuna are not letting up and Milosevic goes very close in 25' with a left footed volley just over the bar.
In 26' Alexis's name goes into the ref's book for a foul on Moha in front of the Osasuna bench. They, to a man, are all on their feet protesting to the referee, but the card is yellow.
Osasuna seem to have pace all through their team as Malaga's pacy players, particularly Edgar and Paco Estaban, are finding out. Hidalgo sends a lovely ball into space down the left wing in 29' for which you would normally expect Paco Estaban to be the winner. He and Flano run side by side for seems like a 100m sprint for the ball which has been placed over the defence's heads and into clear space down the wing. The full back has just the better of the striker and ball is put out for a throw.
For the first time in the game we are on our feet in anticipation in 31' as Hidalgo flights another ball over the Osasuna defence who are playing high up the field. This time it's down the right wing and Edgar is free. He gets to the by-line and sends in his cross but the ball eludes everybody and drifts out for a goal kick.
The next minute, Paco Estaban has his first shot at goal as Malaga at last seem to be getting more possession. The pacy striker's lob though is too high and goes over.
In 34' Malaga keep up the pressure and when Hidalgo is brought down just outside the "D" it's a chance for a set piece. However, Gerardo's effort hits the wall.
In 35' Malaga are maintaining the pressure in the Osasuna half and the unlikely figure of Alexis is the man in the box on the end of a chipped pass from Juan Rodriguez. Josetxo makes a terrific intervention to knock the ball out for a corner. Gerardo finds Paco Estaban with the resultant kick, but the whistle goes as he is adjudged to have used a hand.
In 37' Malaga keep up the pressure. Juan Rodriguez slips a lovely ball through for Paco Estaban to run onto in the box. We're back on our feet as the striker is in the clear and seems to have time to shoot. However, he elects to send a square pass across the 6 yard line. There are three defenders and the goalkeeper between Paco Estaban and NACHO, but the pass is true and the little winger makes no mistake.
Malaga 1 Osasuna 1
We are thinking what a great game this is. Malaga have battled themselves back into the game against a team who at one point we thought were going to completely overrun them and get the perfect revenge for last season's 6-1 drubbing. We were just settling ourselves back in our seats when Malaga are caught in a sucker pincer movement by Osasuna. From the kick off Moha, who seems to have a free role, makes a run down the right. As Malaga are furiously back peddling, the little winger sends in a perfect pass onto the head of the onrushing VALDO at the far left hand post. His header goes in at the near post with Arnau completely beaten for Osasuna to restore their lead.

Half time: Malaga 1 Osasuna 2

After the break, it's Malaga who are first to show when in 47' Edgar knocks a ball through for Paco Estaban to chase and Elias has to come outside his penalty box to head the ball to safety.
The game thereafter develops into a farce. Yes, after only two minutes into the half, Osasuna's tactics become clear. They are going to hang on to their lead and frustrate Malaga and their fans for the whole of the second half. This they do by time wasting at Olympic standards. For example, when the ball goes out for a throw on the left, the right back has to walk across from the other side to take the throw. Similarly for corners. If it is on the right, the left back takes it, walking from the other end of the park. In every tackle, the Osasuna man goes down like he's mortally wounded, requiring the game to be held up for several minutes while he gets "attention". It's a shame, because the first half was an excellent football match and Osasuna seemed to be too good a team to resort to these sort of tactics. But I think they had burnt themselves out in the first half, where they were so up-tempo and they didn't leave enough gas for the second half. The referee? Well he seemed to be in on the act, as every tackle resulted in a free kick to Osasuna and treatment necessary for the player "brought down". It was gamesmanship at it's worst and they were getting away with it.
In 54' Tapia made a double substitution. Off came the ineffective Edgar and more surprisingly, centre half and captain Fernando Sanz. On came Diego Castro (the little Argentinean has been making a name for himself since joining Malaga B in the summer) to slot into the right wing position. Also on was Jesus Gamez, who came on to play right back. So Malaga went to a three at the back, five across the middle with two up front. Alexis went into the centre of defence and Valcarce moved up field into the left winger's position. Hidalgo joined Paco Estaban in attack. Very radical change, but Tapia could see that Malaga were being stifled in midfield and Osasuna's new tactics meant that their strikers were not really posing any threat as the team plan seemed to be to put the ball out of play and waste time as much as possible.
In 56' there is a strong claim for a penalty as Paco Estaban is manhandled off the ball in the box whilst Hidalgo was floating in a freekick. I have told you in the past about Spanish TV coverage. Every such event is shown from every possible angle over and over again. On Canal 2 they have a panel of six in the studio and every one agreed that it was a penalty. The one who did not agree was our friend the referee. He gives a corner instead. Malaga force three corners in succession and Cesar came closest with a header. The nine feet six giant, however, put his effort straight at Elias and the pressure on Osasuna was relieved.
On a rare excursion into the Malaga half, Moha, who had been a thorn in Malaga's side in the first half, was first booked for a cynical foul on Alexis (retribution?) then, the other side of him, he sends in a dangerous cross across the goalmouth, which beat the Malaga defence and Arnau and fell to Milosevic inside the 6 yard box. The Serb is looking into the empty goal but is caught by surprise when the ball comes to him and he somehow put it wide.
In 66' with Webo at the furthest corner from the dugouts, he is substituted for Munoz, a midfielder. Webo walks off at a snail's pace to loud jeers from the crowd. Several minutes later, the substitution is completed. No action is taken by the referee. The free kicks now being awarded to Osasuna every minute are a disgrace to refereeing and succeed in frustrating the Malaga team but also spoilt the spectacle of the game as the flow was nonexistent, especially as Osasuna were content to take maximum advantage to waste more time.
In 72' Milosevic, who is looking very tired, goes down as Gerardo takes the ball cleanly from him. Gerardo is booked for dissent when the referee awards another free kick.
In 74' Tapia takes off Valcarce for Ador. Nacho reverts to left wing and Hidalgo drops back to midfield to allow the young hot prospect striker to join Paco Estaban up front, as Tapia tries to change things in Malaga's favour.
In 76' Hidalgo wins a blatant freekick, when he is hacked down on the right wing, for which the referee is treated to ironic cheers from the crowd, as it is the first award to Malaga for some time and even he couldn't have awarded it the other way. Hidalgo takes the kick himself and Cesar gets onto the end of it, but his header is straight at Elias.
Osasuna look completely bereft of energy and take the time wasting tactic to new levels. Moha is taken off for defender Sosa in 80' as they try to hang on to their lead.
Malaga almost get the equaliser they and Osasuna deserve in 81'. Hidalgo swings in a corner to the near post to Paco Estaban. The striker's shot beats Elias but strikes a defender on the line. The ball then strikes another defender on the line, with neither of them aware of what was happening before the ball is hoofed anywhere up the park by Milosevic, back defending in his own six yard box.
The sense of frustration from the crowd is reaching dangerous proportions as Osasuna continue their time wasting to the extreme at every throw in and free kick and they are awarded plenty.
Substitutions also take at least three minutes each as the player taken off strolls from the ground to the whistles and jeers from the crowd.
Then in 89' the fourth official puts up his board to indicate the stoppage time to be added on - 3 minutes. It's just beyond belief! And a minute later - the referee blows for full time.
Full time Malaga 1 Osasuna 2

A game of two halves. The first, all that is best about Spanish football, a real contest between two good footballing teams, with plenty of skill, good movement, pace, passing and technique on display. The second half? A terrible spectacle and one which neither the referee or Osasuna should feel any pride about. We left the ground feeling that we had been robbed of an excellent football match. We were really looking forward to the second half and it was literally spoiled by the visitor's tactics.

Next week, Malaga are at home again in a 7pm Sunday kick off against Real Madrid, always a highlight of any season. This match has added significance with the sacking yesterday of Luxembourgo as Madrid's manager after a poor first half to the season, by their standards. Also Beckham will not be playing here next week (for the second season in a row) after his sending off against Getafe on Saturday night. So another compelling and interesting match in prospect as we try to put thoughts of Osasuna's display behind us. How will Malaga get on against the mighty "Blancos" from the capital? Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:16 AM | Permalink

Sunday 20 November 2005: 17:00h
This week's visitors come all the way from the heart of the Basque Country, from the beautiful seaside resort of San Sebastian on the Bay of Biscay. Real Sociedad had beaten Malaga on their last three visits to La Roseleda, including last season's thrashing 1-5 which signalled the end for Malaga's then manager Manzano. The good news for Malaga fans is the absence of Darko Kovacevic, who has scored 4 times in 9 outings this season and scored twice in last season's encounter. Also, his usual strike partner, the little Turkish striker, Nihat, is recovering from an injury and starts on the bench. They play with a defensive midfielder, Alonso, in front of the back four, another four in midfield, with a lone striker upfront.

Real Sociedad: (4-1-4-1): Reisgo; Rekarte, Labaka, Jauregui and Garrido; Alonso; Xavi Prieto, Gari, Novo and Aremburu; Bakero.

Malaga, after Deportivo snatched a draw from them two weeks ago, stay with the team and the 4-4-2 formation that has brought them some success in the last few matches;
Malaga: (4-4-2): Arnau; Alexis, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Edgar, Juan Rodriguez, Gerardo and Nacho; Salva and Counago.

It's been a windy day today and we found it quite cold at petanca, having to put on a jersey to keep warm, but at La Roseleda, the corner flags lie limp and it feels quite warm in another 25,000 capacity crowd. The new stand on the main road has progressed with a big step in construction since our last visit, with the huge concrete structure rising from the ground to our right, offering more shelter from the elements (whatever they are). The mild climate must be quite a shock to Real Sociedad as last week the whole of the north of Spain was covered in deep snow and the ski season has started early in both the Pyrenees and also, closer to home, in the Sierra Nevada in Granada. Enough of the weather, what about the game, I hear you rant!

It was Real Sociedad who started the more briskly. They win the toss and decide to defend the Fondo end (where we sit). Inside the first minute, they had a shot on target from Alonso from about 30 yards, which Arnau could only turn round the post. This corner developed into three corners before the Malaga defence could clear their lines and so from this point on, we were worried every time Real Sociedad got themselves into an attacking situation.
In 5' we have the first booking of the game, when fullback Garrido is cautioned after scything down Edgar wide on Malaga's right wing.
Gerardo takes the resultant free kick, which he swings in towards Salva's head, but goalkeeper Reisgo (which unfortunately translates as "Risky") rushes out to clear the danger. The goalkeeper looks small in stature for his position, but he makes up for that with his agility and pace.
It's the 13' minute before we see an attempt at goal from Malaga and it's a speculative shot from Valcarce, who, standing alone in the centre circle, finds the ball popping out of the crowded Sociedad penalty area and tries an audacious lob from fully 40 yards that Reisgo was happy to see fly just over the bar.
The next minute sees a better opportunity, when superb closing down by Juan Rodriguez forces Gari to make a mistake and the ball breaks to Edgar. The pacy Portuguese winger sets off at once with the ball, catching the static Sociedad defence cold. He races into the box, but for some reason elects to pass square to Salva when the shot was definitely on. Salva seems to be as caught out as the rest of us when he receives the pass, but recovers enough to blast a shot at goal. It comes off Labaka and skies over the bar for a corner.
An even better chance comes along in the 19th minute, when a clever pass from Juan Rodriguez finds Counago in the clear on the right. The striker is completely unmarked and probably has too much time to think as he goes one on one with the keeper. He probably also wasn't helped as the entire Fondo stand gets onto their feet in anticipation of the shot. Counago attempts a lob over Reisgo who has elected to rush out and the ball ends up on the roof of the net.
In 23' we have a scare when overlapping fullback Rekarte has a go from 20 yards which goes just wide of the post as Real Sociedad look dangerous on the counterattack.
In 26' Juan Rodriguez tries from 20 yards but it's high and wide.
Edgar wins a corner on the right as his pace exposes Garrido again in 30'. Gerardo's corner is aimed at Salva's head, with which the striker makes a powerful connection. Unfortunately it's Cesar on the goalline who stops the shot inadvertently as he tries to get out of the way. Counago pounces on the free ball but Reisgo makes an excellent save at his near post.
We were beginning to think it was going to be another of those frustrating days for Malaga, who for all their possession and chances, cannot finish and leave themselves open to a counter attack.
The next minute sees a bizarre moment. Edgar supplies Salva standing in the "D", but surrounded by three defenders. There is nowhere for him to go and no support immediately available. The action seems to freeze, with Salva with the ball at his feet standing still and neither of the defenders making any attempt to tackle or take the ball. We think the ref has blown his whistle, although we hadn't heard it. But no, Salva was just waiting for support, which came in the form of Gerardo. Salva pushes the ball towards him but the little midfielder's shot goes high and wide.
In 38' we see the first of Nacho, who has had a quiet time on the left wing. He swings a cross right across the field to Edgar, whose run has taken him past the Real Sociedad defence. Riesgo has to rush out again and averts the danger by kicking the ball high into the stand.
Xavi Prieto is creating havoc down the right wing for Sociedad and Valcarce is allowing the winger to beat him time and again and get his crosses in. In 43' Prieto whips a great cross across the penalty spot but Novo is beaten to it by Arnau.
In the last action in the first half, Malaga's passing and movement create another chance as Gerardo finds Counago in space. The striker slips it past two defenders into the path of Salva, but the big striker's effort goes just over.
Half time Malaga 0 Real Sociedad 0
We have to wait until the 53' before there is any goalmouth action. Counago's run again finds him unmarked in the box and one on one with the goalkeeper. Again the crowd rises to its feet in anticipation, but the striker's shot is weak and straight at Riesgo who gathers easily.
In 55' Labako is booked for a tackle from behind on Nacho.
In 60' Valcarce becomes the first Malaga player in the book for shirt tugging. As this is going on, Tapia makes his first change, bringing on Hidalgo for the disappointing Counago. This means that we have a change in formation, as Malaga go to five across the middle with Salva alone up front.
The change has an immediate effect. Hidalgo gets the ball and runs at the defence from halfway. He is tackled and the ball goes for a corner. Gerardo takes and sends it into CESAR. The giant centre back (at least 8'3") glances his header away from Riesgo in the crowded box and Malaga go ahead.
Malaga 1 Real Sociedad 0
As we are celebrating, Tapia makes his second change, taking off Valcarce for the Brazilian Anderson. Now Malaga revert to Tapia's favourite line up with four at the back (Gerardo taking over at left back), two holding midfielders (Anderson and Juan Rodriguez), two wingers (Edgar and Nacho), an attacking midfielder (Hidalgo) and a lone striker (Salva).
In 65' Juan Rodriguez sends a tempting ball into the left channel for Edgar to pick up and run into the box. The Angolan Portuguese is sandwiched between two defenders and goes down. A penalty? Numerous replays on TV later show that it was, but the referee says play on.
The next minute Nacho is booked for shirt tugging. Nihat comes on for Aremburu for Real Sociedad.
The threat of the little Turk becomes evident in 70' as his glancing header is just wide of the post with Arnau watching on helplessly.
In 75' Malaga increase their lead. Superb wing play by Nacho gets him past three defenders on the left. His cross is meant for Edgar, but HIDALGO takes the ball off his team-mate's feet to place a terrific shot past Riesgo.
Malaga 2 Real Sociedad 0
Sociedad make a change before kick off with Gari being replaced by de Paulo.
Malaga win the ball from the kick off and Edgar goes on yet another diagonal run from right to left. Hidalgo spots it and places the ball in front of him with a millimetre perfect pass. Goalie Riesgo rushes out and the ball Edgar and Riesgo all meet each other simultaneously. EDGAR's foot must have been there first though as the ball rockets into the empty net to make it 3-0.
Malaga 3 Real Sociedad 0
Edgar requires some treatment after his collision with Riesgo, so Sociedad kick off against 10 men. Xavi Prieto, the right winger, who has been Sociedad's main threat all evening again runs off with the ball down the right wing. He just runs past Gerardo before whipping in an inviting cross towards the penalty spot. Arnau and Fernando Sanz are looking at each other expecting the other to take charge of the ball. In runs DE PAULO to slide the ball past the two Malaga players and into the empty net to claw one back for the visitors.
Malaga 3 Real Sociedad 1
In 85' Salva is replaced by Paco Estaban.
In 86' Sociedad are not finished and are looking for another goal. This time it's de Paulo down the right wing and he finds Nihat with his cross. The tiny Turk tries to steer it past Arnau but it goes just wide of the post as well.
Fulltime Malaga 3 Real Sociedad 1
It's a good home win for the Boquerones and Malaga go up two places in the table to 11th. Next week they are off to Madrid for the tricky confrontation with Getafe, then the following week Malaga entertain Osasuna, who have had the best start to any season in their history. However, this weekend they have dropped down one from the top spot and are now lying second to Barcelona in the latest league table after drawing with ....... Getafe this weekend.
I am already looking forward to this clash, as I am sure you are. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

PS There has been some mischief in the English press about a takeover of Malaga by a consortium from England, who are associated with Arsenal FC. Some of the papers are saying that the deal has been struck, signed and sealed in a Marbella hotel, but the official Malaga CF line has been one of definite denial, with club Presidente Roldan stating that " There has been no discussions with anyone, at any time in any place. Malaga CF is not for sale".
We will watch and report if anything develops.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 4:16 PM | Permalink

Sunday 6th November 2005, 1700h. It's Malaga versus one of the top clubs in Spain over the past few years - Deportivo La Coruna. The team from Galicia on the northern west coast of Spain (north of Portugal and at the point where the Bay of Biscay meets the Atlantic) had a poor season last year by their standards - not in Europe and in the bottom half of the table. A new season, a new manager (Joaquin Caparros who moved from Sevilla) and a strong team with Spanish strikers Deigo Tristan and Valeron supplied by the likes of Duscher and de Guzman in midfield, with strong central defenders Juanma and Coloccini in front of goalkeeper Molina.
Malaga have played two matches since they thrashed local rivals Betis 5-0 at La Roseleda. They played Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the game brought forward to give Spain a chance in the World Cup Qualifiers Play-offs this coming week. After 79 minutes the score was 0-0 and the commentator on Spectrum FM was saying that the draw was looking the fairest result on the day - an excellent result for the away team. Then Juan Rodriguez took the ball from Ronaldinho in the box to put it behind for a corner. But wait, the wee Brazilian magician falls over in a heap. What will the referee do? Penalty! In Spain, they show such decisions at least 10 times, from every conceivable angle. No matter which angle, there was no contact, it should not have been a penalty. The wee Brazilian steps up to take the penalty and puts the ball past Arnau, to which the commentator said, " Well that's a travesty. The score is "Cheats 1 Malaga 0"". Malaga went all out to get the equaliser, leaving them a little exposed at the back and the Swedish magician, Henrick Larsson, scored an individual goal in the 88th minute after running from half way to make the final score Cheats 2 Malaga 0.
Last week was another away match against Real Zaragoza. According to the reports, Malaga seemed quite happy to play for a draw and that is what they came away with. 1-1 with Edgar netting Malaga's equaliser.
After playing 4-2-3-1 since he took over as manager, Tapia has found that this season, with the players at his disposal, he has had more success with two strikers up front in a 4-4-2 formation. With Romero still out injured and Duda out in the cold for refusing to sign a new contract, the team lines took a now familiar look.
Deportivo (4-2-3-1): Molina; Hector, Coloccini, Juanma and Capdevilla; Scaloni and Duscher; de Guzman, Valeron and Munitis; Tristan.
Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Alexis, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Edgar, Juan Rodriguez and Nacho; Salva and Counago.

Depor captain Scaloni won the toss and elected to kick into the Fondo end (our end) where the low sun may well have caused some problems to goalkeeper Arnau. The in form keeper was an immediate worry for us fans though as his right thigh was heavily strapped up. We were right to worry as Arnau did not take a goal kick all game (this was left to captain Fernando Sanz) and he elected to throw the ball out rather than kick.
Depor were first to show in the very early stages of the game and had the ball in the net in the first minute but the whistle had long gone for offside.
Tristan is first to have a shot on goal in 5' after Alexis had brought him down just outside the box. Scaloni's free kick found the big striker in the clear but he shot wide.
It's end to end stuff now and in 7' Juan Rodriguez takes a free kick just outside the "D". He strikes the ball so powerfully and the defender who blocked the effort had to receive some minutes of treatment after being pole-axed.
The next minute and we're all on our feet as Malaga go close. Edgar crosses from the right but it's too high for Salva. Left winger Nacho is in the clear and the ball drop nicely for him and he strikes for goal, but a defender gets in the way and it's deflected for a corner. Nacho takes an inswerving corner which Molina almost punches into his own goal.
Depor have a similar strip to Malaga with blue and white stripes so are in their away strip. It's a yucky pale green colour and it's difficult to pick them out against the colour of the grass.
Malaga start to take a grip of the game and dominate midfield. Valcarce is given a chance for glory when after good passing movement down the right wing, Edgar pulls the ball back for the little full back who standing in the clear. Valcarce tries to melt it and goes well over.
In 14' Malaga win a free kick just left of centre about 20 yards out. Usually Malaga's free kicks come to nothing when the taker goes for goal. However this time Gerardo chips the ball over the wall to Salva on the penalty spot, but Molina spots the danger and rushes out to smother the ball.
The next minute and Molina has to make another fine save, this time of the head of giant centre back Cesar who got on the end of the overlapping Alexis's cross from the right.
Nacho is finding space down the left and finds Salva in the box with his pass. But Salva has mistimed his run and has to turn to collect the ball. He pirouettes and shoots but his shot is blocked.
Counago has been posted missing so far, which is a pity as crosses from right or left are finding Salva's head, but his co-striker is never in a position to capitalise.
In 23' Nacho again supplies Salva with an opportunity. We are on our feet and dancing already, but somehow the ball is kept out.
It's the Nacho show as the little winger beats three men before releasing the overlapping Valcarce down the left. The full back has a go, but his fine effort swerves wide of the far post.
It's 32' before we see Depor back up our end in attack. The impressive and busy Munitis finds some space 20 yards out and takes a shot which Arnau helps past for a corner.
In 34' Scaloni is the first booking of the game for diving on the centre circle after a tackle from Gerardo. This prompts the stadium shout of "loco, loco" around the ground.
After all the pressure Malaga have been mounting there was a heart stopping moment in the 38th minute when Arnau failed to gather a cross cleanly whilst being pressured by Tristan. The ball bounces out of Arnau's hands in the six yard box and bounces back of Tristan back into the goalkeeper's grateful arms.
Just before halftime and we thought the ball was in again for Malaga. Edgar swung a dangerous ball into a crowded box after a corner. It was bagatelle with the ball striking and bouncing off several players as Malaga desperately tried to put the ball away and the Depor defence desperately tried to clear. Molina eventually got his hands to it and the danger was cleared.
Half time 0-0
Malaga start the second half slowly and it's Depor who look the most hungry in the opening moments of the second half. Malaga escape in 48' when a shot from Tristan hits the left post, travels along the line and hits the right post before Arnau picks it up.
In 52' Gerardo, whose had a quiet game by his normal standards, picks up the ball on half way and spots Salva's run. The big striker gets between the two centre backs Juanma and Coliccini, who have looked pretty solid up to this point. Juanma waits for Coliccini and vice versa while Salva's presence panics them. The ball lands in front of NACHO who is quickest to react and he thumps the ball delightfully past Molina to put the home team ahead.
Malaga 1 Deportivo 0
There is change of tactic now for Depor who change gear and become more attack minded. Immediately after the kick off Valeron shoots wide when it would have been easier to score.
With Depor pushing up looking for an equaliser, Malaga manage to catch them on the break with Edgar's pace down the right and Nacho down the left. Alexis finds Counago who in turn slips a great through ball for the run of Nacho. The wee winger sends in a perfect cross for Salva's head but he heads just over with Molina beaten.
In 60' Depor are again caught on the break and again Salva has a free header with which he should have hit the target. Cesar has another free header in 63' from Gerardo's corner but he tries too hard to direct it and it goes wide.
Deportivo try something different and bring on two substitutes in 64' Off go the lacklustre Duscher and captain Scaloni for Sergio and youth team player Carril.
Diminutive winger Munitis moves inside for Carril to take the wing and the number 11 starts to impose himself on the game. Munitis finds Tristan ghosting into the penalty box with a fine cross but the effort is straight at Arnau who gathers easily.
In 72' it's the second booking of the game when Hector is booked for a frustrated looking tackle on Nacho who has shown him clean heels all evening.
In 75' there is a strong appeal for penalty when Salva is dumped in the box by Coliccini. While the Malaga players protest, young substitute Carril hares off down the right wing with the ball. Gerardo tries to keep up with him but knows he cannot tackle from behind as the youngster enters the penalty box. VALERON has tracked the run and gleefully accepts the pass from the substitute and strokes the equaliser home.
Malaga 1 Deportivo 1
Tapia's response is to bring on three substitutes: Hidalgo, Morales and Pina on for Salva, Counago and the limping Valcarce. Nacho goes to left back and youth team winger Pina takes up a berth wide on the left.
Depor's response is to replace their striker Tristan with centre back Cesar, as they seem to be content with a draw.
The game kinda fizzled out like a damp squib (token Guy Fawkes reference) so with no more goal mouth action, the game ended a draw.
Full time Malaga 1 Deportivo 1

Next match is another home game on the 20 November with the international weekend next weekend. The visitors that day will be travelling down from San Sebastian, (also on the Bay of Biscay and the capital of the Basque Country) Real Sociedad. Malaga will be hoping that they can go one better against them and record a second home win of the season. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:48 PM | Permalink

In the first local derby of the season, Betis, from Sevilla, were the visitors to La Roseleda on Sunday. Another capacity crowd turned up to see if Malaga could come out of a patch of poor form and record their first win at home this season.
Last week, after a break the previous week for World Cup qualifiers, Malaga were away to Valencia. The history books showed that Malaga hadn't won in that fixture for 50 years. In that game, similar to other away matches, Malaga adopted a 4-4-2 system with two strikers, Salva and Morales, up front. However, it wasn't until they were 2-0 down and with fifteen minutes to play that Malaga came to life. They made three substitutions at 75 mins, among them Counago for Morales as a straight change, and right away scored through Salva to make it 2-1 and had Valencia dying for the final whistle, which eventually came with no further scoring.
So it was perhaps no surprise when Malaga's line-up was announced: 4-4-2 with the impressive Counago retaining his place:

Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Alexis, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Edgar, Juan Rodriguez, Gerardo and Nacho; Salva and Counago.

Betis on the other hand were just back from London and Champion's League duty having lost to Chelsea 4-0 in midweek and also the services of former Malaga favourite, Michel Angel, who broke his leg in that game and will be out for six months. Amongst their impressive squad is the young Spanish international right winger Joaquin, the subject of a bid of 10 million euros plus Cisse from Liverpool. Also in the team is Edu, signed from Arsenal in the close season. Betis also had history on their side having won in the corresponding fixture at La Roseleda for the past three seasons.

Betis (4-2-3-1): Doblas; Melli, Juanito, Rivas and Castellini; Assuncao and Arzu; Joaquin, Edu and Xisco; Oliveira.

It was a 17:00h kick off, with no wind and still bright sunshine with the temperatures around 28C on what had been a beautiful day on the Costa del Sol.
Malaga kicked off towards the Gol end (the other end from where we sit) and in the first minute some fancy footwork from Counago in the box allowed him to draw the ball back for the unmarked Valcarce, but the fullback's shot sailed well over the bar.
Malaga were dominating the early exchanges and Counago seemed to be involved in every move. In the third minute he again created havoc in the Betis penalty box before finding Nacho on his left, but the little winger's attempt was blocked and went for a corner, which Juanito headed clear.
Strong tackling from Rodriguez in midfield gained possession for Malaga in 5' and he released Edgar down the right wing. The Portuguese/Angolan paceman ran with the ball to the touchline but his weak cross was easily mopped up by Doblas in the Betis goal.
In 8' Counago wins the ball in midfield to continue the onslaught on Betis's goal. He spots Edgar on a diagonal run from right to left and the speedy winger again got to the touchline, leaving two defenders in his wake. This time his cross was powerfully struck - too powerfully as it eluded both Counago and Salva in the box and Juan Rodriguez had to dash to save it going out for a throw. His attempted cross was blocked for a corner. Gerardo took the kick and swung a cross into the box. The two Betis central defenders both went for it and it spilled to SALVA who belted it home from 4 yards. It was no more than had been deserved after all Malaga's pressure.
Malaga 1 Betis 0
In 13' there is strong claim for a penalty after Salva's pass found Edgar clear in the box and he was brought down from behind. Nothing was given.
In 16', Betis managed their first foray out of their own half. Joaquin tried a snap shot from fully 25 yards which had Arnau scrambling across his box to turn it for a corner, although the ball appeared to be going wide anyway.
In 18' Betis mounted a second attacked as they tried to get back into the game, Assuncao found Juanito in the clear with a well worked free kick, but the big centre half shot wide.
In 26' Assuncao was the first to be booked in the match after bringing down Juan Rodriguez just outside the box after the burly midfielder had made a fine run from the centre circle. Gerardo's attempt came back off the wall and was cleared.
In 30' excellent play between Nacho and Gerardo down the left wing finds the latter in the box. He looks up to see SALVA running in and Gerardo's inch perfect lob is bulleted past Doblas by a powerful header to make it a double for the striker.
Malaga 2 Betis 0
It is all Malaga now and Juan Rodriguez goes close in 32' with a powerful shot which grazed the bar as it flew over.
Malaga maintain the pressure and continue to look likely to score again. In 35' Nacho collects the ball from Valcarce and finds Counago in the box. The former Ipswich Town man swivels to send in another cracking drive which whistles just over.
In 36' Castellini makes a good run down the Betis left and his cross into the Malaga box finds Oliviera. The Brazilian meets the ball with his head but the shot goes wide of the post.
In 41' Gerardo is booked for dissent after Juanito falls down in a limp challenge and Betis are awarded a free kick.
In 42' Edgar is clear in the box with only Doblas to beat. Salva's pass gives the winger plenty of time to compose himself but he drags his shot wide.
Half time Malaga 2 Betis 0
Betis make two substitutions at half time in an effort to get themselves back into the game. Off come Arzu and Assuncao and on come Rivera and Malaga transfer target Juanlu.
In 50' the impressive Counago, enjoying his first start with Malaga since joining in the summer, finds Salva in the box with a neat pass. Salva in turn passes right to Edgar, but the winger's shot is blocked and goes out for the first corner of the second half. Gerardo swings the ball invitingly into the box and it's captain FERNANDO SANZ who meets the ball around the penalty spot to head the ball home for number three.
Malaga 3 Betis 0
Despite Betis' changes the game continues in the same vein as in the first half and it is Malaga who seem determined to pile on the agony for their Andalucian rivals.
In 54' Edgar is again in the clear in box as his pace gets him behind the defence to pick up Salva's pass. He is one on one with Doblas, but the keeper makes an excellent save to deny Edgar and concede a corner. From Gerardo's corner, Salva sends in a powerful header goalwards but only a fantastic reaction save from Doblas keeps the score the same.
More heroics from Doblas in 57' as Valcarce's cross is intended for Salva running past the hapless Betis defence. The keeper has to rush out to his "D" to head the ball clear.
In 63' Edgar makes another dart down the right wing. He sends in a cross intended for Salva, but Juanito gets there first but can't control the ball. As Doblas rushes out to assist his defender, the ball falls nicely for COUNAGO and he is able to prod the ball into the empty net to score for his new team for the first time.
Malaga 4 Betis 0
In 66' the relentless attacking play from Malaga is almost further rewarded as Doblas has to make another fantastic save, this time from Juan Rodriguez's powerful downward header, as the midfielder met another excellent Gerardo free kick.
In 70' it should have been five as Juan Rodriguez's header from an Alexis free kick on the right loops over Doblas but also the bar and lands on the roof of the net.
In 75' Malaga do make it five. Gerardo and Nacho again combine well on the left wing. The little winger sends in another excellent cross for the onrushing COUNAGO to head home for another excellent goal and his own personal second.
Malaga 5 Betis 0
In 76' Malaga make their first substitution. Gerardo gets a standing ovation as he goes off to be replaced by Anderson
In 77' the disappointing Joaquin is replaced by Israel, for Betis's final change.
In 78' Betis come closest to scoring in the whole game. Oliviera takes a free kick just outside the box. Arnau has to dive full length to deny the Brazilian adding to his season's tally.
In 80' another change for Malaga as Nacho is replaced by Paco Estaban. Edgar switches to the left and Paco Estaban begins to operate down the right.
In 82' Counago is replaced in another standing ovation, testament to his contribution during the game. His replacement is Hidalgo, who slots into midfield.
Full time Malaga 5 Betis 0

An excellent home performance from Malaga, but this is a tough league. Having already played "top teams" Valencia last week and Betis this week, their next game is away to Barcelona on Wednesday, followed by another away game at Zaragoza on the following weekend. The next home match is in two weeks against another of the "top teams" in La Liga, Deportivo de La Coruna.
Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 5:27 PM | Permalink

Great anticipation for Sunday night's match, which some of may have seen "live" either on Sky Sports 1 or Canal+ here in Spain. Malaga were semi-euphoric after their previous weekend's 1-4 away win at Mallorca, whereas Atletico Madrid had not won in La Liga since February and this early in the season were languishing in one of the three drop zone places in the table.
In the close season, striker Salva left them to join Malaga and was replaced by the Serbian, Kezman, signed from Chelsea after a bust up with Jose Mourino. Also signed in the close season was the Bulgarian, Petrov, who is known in his home country as the "new Stoitchkov". But the biggest change for Atletico Madrid for the new season is their new manager, Carlos Bianchi. The Argentinean has come to Spain with an impressive track record from his home country - 3 Intercontinental Cups, 4 Liberty Cups and 7 Argentinean League titles, among others.
So it is an understatement to say that Atletico were underperforming with the talent on hand, already boasting Argentinean goalkeeper, Leo Franco, Maxi Rodriguez, Frenchman Pierre Luccin, Perea and the sensational Spanish international striker, Fernando Torres and a win was a "must have" for them against Malaga.
Atletico Madrid (4-1-3-2): Leo Franco; Velasco, Pablo, Perea and Antonio Lopez; Luccin; Maxi, Gabi and Petrov; Kezman and Fernando Torres.
Antonio Tapia, on the other hand, has had difficulty in naming a settled line-up this year, either through lack of form in some players, injuries, suspensions and ongoing contract debates. Last week Tapia played 4-4-2 in the win against Mallorca, not out of choice but because he was limited by the players available. Only Arnau, Fernando Sanz, Cesar, Nacho and Gerardo have featured in all previous five starting line-ups so far. This week he was still unable to call up Romero, who is very badly missed in front of the back four, and big Uruguayan striker Morales picked up a injury in training. Biggest omission this week, though, was Duda. The little Portuguese left winger and playmaker, who scored twice last week, was left out again from the squad as he continues to refuse to accept Malaga's contract offers or a transfer to another club before his existing contract expires in June 2006. So the concept, "don't change a winning team", was not available and a strange looking line-up was announced to the crowd (which was sold out four days before the kick-off, despite being live on TV):
Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Alexis, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Gerardo and Anderson; Edgar, Juan Rodriguez and Nacho; Salva.

Although it's a 21:00h kick-off in October, the temperature was 21C and there was no appreciable wind. Malaga lost the toss and were asked to kick off towards the Fondo end (where we sit). In the opening two minutes, Gerardo picked up the ball in the centre circle and seeing that Leo Franco was on the edge of his penalty box, tried an audacious lob from 40 yards. But the ball didn't come down enough and went sailing over.
In the opening 10 minutes the pattern of play started to become obvious. Malaga were pressing forward, as you might expect the home team to do, whereas Atletico were looking to the pace of their powerful front two, Kezman and Torres, to catch out Malaga with the Route One over the top counter attack.
In 10' Fernando Torres did latch on to one such through ball and went direct towards the Malaga goal. This is a fearsome sight for the opposing fans as his touch is so good and his pace breathtaking. However on this occasion, Cesar stuck out a foot to cleanly take the ball whilst Fernando Torres ran on without the ball. This received a great cheer from the home crowd, both out of relief but also in a effort to wind up the young superstar, who was sent-off in the corresponding match last season.
Malaga did have a couple of freekicks in promising positions after their neat passing play was interrupted by uncompromising tackles from the Atletico back four, but the resulting attempts on goal were poor.
Then Salva, Juan Rodriguez and Edgar were all given marginal offside decisions within seconds of each other when in good scoring positions.
In 17' we caught the first glimpse of the pace and power of Kezman as he latched onto a seemingly safe passback from Fernando Sanz to his keeper. Kezman appeared out of nowhere to intercept the pass and race one-on-one with Arnau, but the Malaga keeper is in fine form just now and rushed out to avert the danger.
The following minute, Alexis attempted a long throw deep into the Atletico half. Fernando Torres intercepted the pass and set off on a long run into Malaga's half. Instead of electing to shoot he tried to find Kezman who had raced into the box with him, but Anderson's long legs got in the way of the pass and he was able to make the clearance.
In the 26th minute, Nacho, who was failing to make an impression down the left wing, at last managed to get past the full back to send a powerful drive towards the penalty spot to an onrushing Juan Rodriguez. The burly forward was brought down in a challenge by Pablo, but the referee did not award the penalty.
Luccin was first to be booked after 34' for showing his studs in a high tackle against Juan Rodriguez, who was continuing to trouble the Atletico defence.
The standside linesman continued to annoy and frustrate the Malaga frontmen as again and again marginal offside decisions spoilt some good leading up play. Perhaps the Malaga midfielders could have been guilty of not releasing the ball quickly enough to the forwards, but there were so many offsides in this period that it was becoming a joke.
In 39' Gerardo, given the freekick duties in Duda's absence, at last had some success with a dead ball and found the lanky Brazilian Anderson in space in the box but his free header went just over.
It was all Malaga at this point and Petrov was next to be booked in 41' for dissent, after having a so far frustrating match out on Atletico's left wing.
Then in 43', Atletico's third booking came when centre back Pablo brought down Juan Rodriguez from the back.
The resultant free kick bounced off the wall and was gathered quickly by Leo Franco who launched it straight down the middle for Fernando Torres to chase. The speedy striker raced into the box, again one-on-one with Arnau, but the goalkeeper brought off an excellent save to deny the Atletico a lead they scarcely deserved.
Half time Malaga 0 Atletico 0
Just after kick off and Gerardo becomes the first Malaga player to be booked for pushing Fernando Torres off the ball.
In 50' Malaga made their first substitution, by replacing Alexis with Hidlago. Gerardo dropped back to his more accustomed right back position, with Hidalgo slotting in midfield alongside Anderson, with Juan Rodriguez pushing up to join Salva in a more attacking 4-4-2 formation, as Malaga set out their stall to win the game.
The game's pace has picked up considerably since these changes as Malaga go in search of an opening goal.
In 57' Nacho is brought down in full flight down the left and is booked for complaining that he didn't get a free kick.
In 58' Salva goes close but heads just over from a clever Nacho cross.
The first attack of the half from Atletico produces a great save from Arnau as he somehow gets to the ball from a powerful header from Gabi from a Lopez freekick.
Atletico enjoy their best spell of the game with Arnau having to produce another fine save in 60', this time from Kezman after he had beaten Fernando Sanz all ends up for pace.
In 62' Arnau makes another save from Luccin's pot shot from deep midfield.
In 64' Petrov finally gets past Gerardo and manages to swing a ball into box, looking for the onrushing Fernando Torres. Cesar has it covered and moves in between the ball and player to intercept the cross, but the young striker goes down and the referee awards the penalty!
Now live at the game, it did not look like a penalty to me and most of the capacity crowd and all eleven Malaga players agreed with me. They gathered round the referee to protest and Anderson was booked for dissent. On the highlights later on TV, all fifteen camera angles and constant replays showed that Fernando Torres ran into the back of the towering centre back, who was looking towards the ball and Petrov and, crucially, that it was no penalty. It also showed the young striker smirking widely at his good fortune in hoodwinking the referee. The crowd behind the goal saw this too and went wild raising the decibel level in the stadium quite a few notches (bearing in mind it is a logarithmic scale). There was some shenanigans before Fernando Torres could take the kick as the referee held up the penalty kick until the Malaga players were out of the "D". But it was all to no avail as the big striker stroked the ball past Arnau to put the Red and Whites ahead.
Fernando Torres ran behind the goal to celebrate with his tongue out and his hands behind his ears deliberately taunting the home support and the shot was captured beautifully in a photograph published yesterday in a national newspaper here in Spain. No booking was forthcoming from the referee for this offence, so the crowd took the matter into their own hands and showered the player with plastic coke bottles as he ran towards the corner flag chased by his fellow players. There was a short delay as the missiles were removed from the pitch and announced boomed out over the pa system and on the giant scoreboards that the club is fined for such demonstrations.
Malaga 0 Atletico 1
Directly after the goal, Nacho was replaced by Paco Estaban to take over the wide left slot and three minutes later, Manu was brought on to replace the largely invisible Edgar out wide on the right.
Paco Estaban's first involvement was to be fouled by Velasco as he attempted to collect a pass from Hidalgo, which resulted in a booking for the Atletico right back.
Malaga are pushing up now and adjusting to the changes, trying to get back into game they had largely controlled up to the penalty. However, the threat from Fernando Torres and Kezman had not gone away and it was the latter who raced onto another long ball out of defence, in 75 minutes, out wide on the right. He seemed to drift past three defenders without suffering a challenge before releasing a right foot shot which went across Arnau and into the top left corner of the net.
Malaga 0 Atletico 2
This was indeed the killer blow for the game and everybody seemed to sense it, even though there were still 15 minutes left. Kezman was substituted right after scoring and Petrov moved up front to partner Fernando Torres.
Malaga look shell shocked and devoid of ideas now as Atletico sense it is their day and go looking for more goals. It's Petrov who is showing now for Atletico in his new forward position and he too shows he is a pacy player as he runs on more long balls out of the Atletico defence and only a succession of fine saves from Arnau denies the Bulgarian the chance to have his name on the scoresheet.
Full time Malaga 0 Atletico 2

It is a full three weeks before Malaga return to La Rosaleda. Next weekend is free due the World Cup qualifiers. The following weekend, Malaga face the difficult trip to Valencia, then it's back home for the first of the season's local Andalucian derbies, this time against the strongest of them, Real Betis. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.
Hasta luego!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:04 PM | Permalink

Just a quickie to tell you about Sunday's result. It was a 17:00h kick off at the San Moix stadium in Palma, so it must have been quite hot, temperature-wise, for playing. Tapia again tried a different formation, with several personnel changes again from the dismal draw against Alaves last Wednesday. There was no place for Anderson, serving a one match suspension after his ordering off against Alaves, nor for fit again Romero, in the starting line-up. He opted for two strikers up front in a 4-4-2 formation. Malaga: Arnau; Gerardo, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Edgar, Juan Rodriguez, Nacho and Duda; Salva and Morales.
The conditions and line-up must have suited "Our Boys" as they romped to a 0-2 score at half time with goals from Salva (his first this season and for his "new" club) after great work down the right wing and an inch perfect cross by Edgar, and Duda, the little Portuguese left winger who is very frustrating to watch normally, as he is always so involved with the play, being the principal taker of free kicks and corners. He took a free kick 40 yards out, which bounced just in front of Mallorca goalie Prats that totally deceived him and the ball finished in the net. Bit of a freak goal, but using the law of percentages, for the number of attempts he makes during a season, some have to go in somehow.
The second half started as the first finished and very soon (and before the hour) Malaga were 0-4 up! Duda got his second of the game with a spectacular 30 yard volley which the former Real Betis stopper, Prats, could only watch as it flew into the net. Edgar also got on the scoresheet for the second time this season, again coming in from the right wing, passing to himself right foot to left foot before sending a low drive across Prats and into the net from 15 yards.
Mallorca got a late consolation but this was a good result away from home and sends Malaga up the table from 18th to 9th position. The 21,000 season ticket holders at Malaga (a record for the club) will be hoping to see some of this form at La Roseleda, where the first two home games have been very frustrating to watch.
On Sunday, they face the mighty Atletico Madrid here in Malaga, with a 21:00h kick-off (live on Canal +, Spain's equivalent of Sky, so it may mean that it will be the live game on Sky this Sunday). Atletico have had a poor start to the season by their standards, so it will be a tough game and with superstar striker Fernando Torres up front, Cesar and Fernando Sanz will have to be at their best.
Can't wait - as your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:51 AM | Permalink

A strange start to the season with no team (apart from maybe Celta Vigo, with wins against Malaga, Real Madrid and Villarreal) going really great guns unlike the English and Scottish leagues. It's pretty bad in England where halfway through September and the pundits are discussing who might be runners-up to Chelsea.
Not so in Spain. Real Madrid have lost twice in their first three games and face a difficult tie at home to Athletic tonight. (Live on CanalSur, 22:00h kick-off - I will be watching as Jonathan Woodgate makes his debut 13 months after moving from Newcastle).
Bottom club after four games is Villarreal, although they are doing quite nicely in the Champion's League. So Malaga's also indifferent start has to be put into perspective. Their problems for me are in the midfield, where they were solid last year, based on the triangle of Romero and Juanito at the back, with Miguel Angel slightly more advanced. Romero sustained an injury in the opening fixture against Celta and is due to return in this Sunday's away game at Mallorca. In the summer, Michel Angel was transferred to Andalucian neighbours, Real Betis, whilst Juanito was also transferred to ..................... Alaves! He got stick during the game every time he went near the ball as not only is he a former favourite but he was born and brought up in Malaga - he shall never be forgiven for leaving his home town club.
Tapia has of course brought in replacements, but in the first three games he has already used 17 players as he tries to get the right blend. In last night's game, he tried a new line-up in the centre of midfield, with Anderson and Nacho at the back and Hidalgo in the advanced role. Edgar retained his place ahead of Juan Rodriguez after his goal against Athletic on Sunday and Morales is preferred to Salva up front in a much changed team.
Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Gerardo, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Anderson and Nacho; Edgar, Hidalgo and Duda; Morales.
Alaves, newcomers to La Liga after a few seasons in La Segunda, also have had a poor start to the season with two defeats and a draw in their opening three games. On Sunday, they were beaten at home 3-4 by this year's biggest surprise so far, Getafe, with Brazilian striker Nene snatching a hat trick and still seeing his team lose all three points. So they came to last night's match clearly intent on getting something from the game. We have seen these sort of matches before, even though it is still very early in the season, where the away team camps in their own half with eleven men behind the ball.
Alaves (4-2-3-1): Bonano; Alonso, Juanito, Lacen and Pellegrino; Wesley and Astudio; de Lucas, Jandro and Nene; Aloisi.

Alaves were slightly disconcerting for me at the beginning as their away strip (their home strip being identical to Malaga's blue and white stripes) was the tangerine and black of Dundee United and for a wee moment I was back in Scotland watching Raith Rovers playing the "Arabs". Then of course I came back to reality. It was a 21:00h kick-off, it was dry, I was dressed in tee-shirt and shorts and the temperature was about 24C.
True to expectation, Alaves set their stall out very early on, keeping possession, passing along the back four and killing time from the first minute! Malaga's frustration was not helped by some very fussy refereeing, with the game constantly being stopped (quite unnecessarily, in my view) for niggly fouls and free kicks. Brazilian Anderson was looking the best Malaga player in these early stages, trying and succeeding to intercept Alaves's short passes and trying to build something for Malaga to spring from.
The first incident of any note came in the 11th minute when Aloisi, signed from Osasuna in the close season, was booked for persistent fouling. The 11th minute!
It was the 13th before we had a shot on goal from either side. Gerardo took a long throw on the right wing deep in the Alaves half and found Hidalgo, who spun and shot powerfully from the edge of a crowded penalty box. But the shot went wide of the target.
Alaves continued to pass the ball between the back four and deny Malaga possession and it almost seemed that they were wasting and playing out time - it was quite clear they had come for the draw.
It was fully 21' before Alaves ventured into Malaga's half and Nene tried his luck from 40 yards and watched his effort go well over.
In 24' Duda was brought down on the left wing and was carried off on a stretcher (only to return two minutes later, looking none the worse). In the meantime Gerardo took the kick but it went straight into Bonano's grateful arms.
In 31' Morales intercepted a loose ball at halfway and started on a run. The 8'6" Uruguayan is impressive in full flight and he was bearing down on goal when Juanito stuck a leg in and robbed him of the ball. Morales kicked him back in frustration and was promptly booked.
The next minute Hidalgo forces a great save from Bonano after receiving an inch perfect cross from Edgar who had made space with an electric run down the right wing.
In 36' it's the first real goalmouth action at Malaga's end. In receiving a headed backpass from Fernando Sanz, Arnau was adjudged by the linesman to have carried the ball over the touchline and a corner was awarded. The luminous yellow booted de Lucas took the kick and Arnau had to make an instinctive point blank save from Aloisi. When the front man barged into the keeper to collect the loose ball, the referee blew for a free kick and the danger was over.
Alonso was booked in the 37th minute for a tackle from behind on Duda. From the free kick, Morales got himself into a scoring position but was offside.
A great chance for Malaga in the 39th minute as they started to impose themselves more on the game. Anderson made a short pass to Duda, who spotted a fine diagonal run from right to left by Edgar. However, instead of shooting at goal, the Angolan winger elected to try to find Morales and the chance was wasted.
In 40' Anderson finds Edgar on the right wing and he sets off on a trademark run with three defenders chasing him. Inevitably he's brought down and Duda crosses over to the right wing to take the kick. He finds giant centreback Cesar's head but the powerful header sickeningly comes back off the post.
Another chance from a freekick just before half time. Duda takes a freekick just outside the box after Edgar had been brought down again. The poor kick rebounds off the defensive wall but falls to Morales who has the fleetness of mind to turn and lay the ball on for Edgar. The shot however is blocked in the crowded area.
Half Time 0-0
After the break, Duda and Edgar have swapped wings and win a free kick in 47', but again the little Portuguese hits the wall.
In 49' Anderson is booked needlessly for obstruction on the halfway line.
On the left wing now Edgar finds Duda wide on the right. He moves inside to get the ball on his left foot and his effort brings a fine one handed save from Bonano.
It's all Malaga now and Nacho swings in a lovely cross from the left to find Morales's head in the 6 yard box, but the big striker tries to be too clever and his glanced effort slips past the post.
Some neat interpassing play between Hidalgo, Nacho and Anderson gives the former a chance when he accepts the return ball but his shot goes wide.
Then in 59' Edgar is brought down just outside the box after an excellent through ball from Nacho. Before the kick can be taken, Tapia decides it's time to go for a more attacking line-up and introduces strikers Salva and Paco Estaban for the upset- about- being- substituted Morales and Edgar. Malaga switch to a 4-4-2 formation, with Nacho moving to the left wing, Duda on the right.
It takes time for this new formation to gel and Alaves get back into their frustrating play and time wasting antics.
It's 71' before we see Malaga back in attack. Paco Estaban bursts down the right and sends a powerful cross right over Salva's head. Fortunately, Nacho is able to collect it and send it back in from the left. Again it misses Salva in the middle, but Paco Estaban is able to volley in a shot which produces a spectacular save from Bonano.
In 75' Manu comes on for the tiring Hidalgo. He takes over the right wing, Duda switches to the left and Nacho moves inside.
In his first kick, Manu slides the ball inside to the advancing Gerardo. From fully 35 yards, he sends in a piledriver which had the keeper beaten but Juanito manages to get in the way of and concede a corner.
In 77' Manu is booked for pushing.
Nacho breaks down the left in 80' and finds Salva with another excellent cross, but the big striker heads over.
In 84', perhaps the best chance yet comes from a Duda corner on the right. He finds Salva in the clear and the striker powerfully heads the ball downwards towards goal. However, the ball bounces off the ground and goes over.
In 85' Anderson is booked for a tackle from behind. It's his second booking and he's off! With him gone and Malaga down to 10 men, it's game over and Alaves get what they set out for - a 0-0 draw.
Full time Malaga 0 Alaves 0

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 1:42 PM | Permalink

Just a few short lines to tell you about your team, Malaga, and their first win of the season. Yes they made the 1000km trip to the north coast of Spain and beat the co-liga leaders (albeit after only two games) in Bilboa. The game was looking like an uninspired goalless draw. The only incident of any interest in the first 80 mins was when an Athletic striker fell down in the box chasing Cesar, tried to claim a penalty and was subsequently booked for his trouble.
Then in 80 minutes, Tapia made a change when he brought Edgar on for Juan Rodriguez, a straight swap as Edgar immediately ran out to the right wing. In his first movement, he picked up a loose ball, free on the right on the edge of the box. He took the ball down with his right and passed to his left and all in the one sweeping movement drove the ball into the far corner of the goal to make it 0-1!
This spurred Athletic into action and they went all out for an equaliser. This they got in 88 minutes when the ball was scrambled over the line in a crowded penalty box. 1-1
At this point, Tapia brings on another substitute, Hidalgo. In his first movement, in 91 minutes, he picked up a loose ball, free on the right on the edge of the box. He took the ball down with his right and passed to his left and drove the ball into the far corner of the goal to make it 1-2!
A famous victory and sets up "Our Boys" for their next home match on Wednesday night against newly promoted bottom club, Alaves, at La Roseleda. It's a full Liga card for Jornada 4 in midweek with all the kick-offs set for 21:00h. You've guessed it - your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 5:16 PM | Permalink

Well, at last, the first home game of the season. It's been some time since the last home match (22 May 2005) so the anticipation for this first home match of the season was high. Players have come and gone and new players have been signed, giving us our first opportunity to see them "in the flesh".
The latest arrival is Brazilian central midfielder, Anderson, on loan from Everton via Real Sociedad, until January and signed just 10 days ago. His signing is as a stopgap until another Brazilian, Bovio, arrives at the end of the Brazilian season in December. However, there is an option to sign Anderson on a proper contract if he impresses sufficiently.
Tapia's line-up was eagerly anticipated after the match against Newcastle last week and surprisingly he opted for a 4-4-2 formation as he is without the injured Romero and Hildago and with Juanito and Michel Angel transferred and Anderson so recently arrived, he had limited options to fill his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. So it was Alexis (promoted from Malaga B) at right back, in central midfield, Gerardo (who played all last season as right back) and Nacho (new signing in close season, a left winger, brought in to provide cover for Duda) and up front, new signings, Uruguayan, Chengue Morales, and the return of old favourite, Salva, released from his contract with Valencia to allow him to join Malaga.
Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Alexis, Cesar Navas, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Juan Rodriguez, Gerardo, Nacho and Duda; Morales and Salva.
Espanyol, who were in the top six in La Liga all season last year, also lost their first game of the season, so both teams were looking for the first win. The "other" team from Barcelona, who play at the Olympic Stadium there, played with Lopo as a sweeper in front of eccentric but brilliant Cameroon goalkeeper, Kameni, and with Spain international, Tamudo, who scored in the midweek World Cup qualifier against Serbia and Montenegro as the loan striker in a 1-3-5-1 formation.
Espanyol (1-3-5-1): Kameni; Lopo; Se, Pochettino and David Garcia; Domi, Fredson, Costa, Luis Garcia and Juanfran; Tamudo.

The game, played in front of a full house, starts tentatively, with both sides finding their way and Malaga in particular, getting used to a new formation and a sprinkling of new players in the team.
It's 12 mins before there is any goalmouth action, when a Duda cross from the left sought out the 8'6" striker Morales, whose header produced a fine save from Kameni onto the bar and over.
Malaga are in control and it's another chance provided by Duda on the left in 16' who hits a firm cross along the six yard line, but which eludes both Salva and Morales.
The first time Arnau is brought into play is in 18'. His punch out from a cross from Domi finds Duda who slips it to Nacho on the halfway line. The diminutive winger breaks down the left wing and sends in a wonderful cross but Morales, who is winning everything in the air, heads over.
In 25 minutes Arnau has to make a fine point blank save from Tamudo, but the wee striker was offside anyway.
Two minutes later the ball falls to Juan Rodriguez on the right after neat interchanges down the left between Duda and Gerardo, but the big striker has his powerful drive blocked by the Espanyol defence who are defending in numbers.
Domi is the most dangerous of the Espanyol players with his strong runs down the left wing and Alexis has to keep his wits about him.
In 33' Gerardo was the first to be booked for a tackle from behind at halfway.
Espanyol's best effort so far comes in 38' when Brazilian midfielder, Fredson, finds himself with the ball and in the clear 40 yards out, but his shot is sent high into the upper stands.
The next minute, Malaga have their clearest chance to date. Morales wins the ball in midfield and has only the goalkeeper between him and a debut goal. Duda runs wide in support and instead of electing to shoot, the huge Uruguayan passes to the little Portuguese winger, who, as par for the course, fluffs his shot.
Then out of the blue in 42' Juanfran, who has been invisible so far, ghosts in from the right wing past startled defenders Fernando Sanz and Cesar who seem to stand and watch and he delivered a low shot past an equally static Arnau to make it 0-1. Quite out of the blue and against the run of play!
Half time Malaga 0 Espanyol 1
The second half saw Malaga resume playing towards the Fondo end (where we sit) and unsurprisingly went all out to get back into the game. Straight from the kick off Nacho found space to try a snap shot, but Kameni made a fine save to stop the shot.
In 48' Duda wins a free kick 25 yards out but his shot rebounds off the defensive wall to safety.
In 51' Duda wins another free kick in the same place. This time his shot goes wide.
In 53' Juan Rodriguez is brought down in the same spot again by Lopo, who is booked. Duda takes the kick and this time finds the target, but Kameni makes an excellent save.
In 62' Malaga are encamped in the Espanyol half and Gerardo shoots on the half volley from 20 yards, but his powerful drive rebounds off the crossbar. The ball bounces back up to the halfway line and is picked up by the Espanyol striker Tamudo who lays it on for Luis Garcia to score past the undefended Arnau.
Malaga 0 Espanyol 2
In 63' Salva and Alexis are replaced by Anderson and Edgar, which required a big reshuffle in the team. Gerardo moves to right back, Edgar goes to right wing and Juan Rodriguez moves up to partner Morales.
In 68' Juanfran is replaced by Colunas.
In 72' Valcarce is replaced by Counago, who forms a three prong attack, with Nacho falling back to left back.
The game though lacks punch and Espanyol are just playing out time with Malaga seemingly giving up.
In 86' Morales handles in the box but the referee points to the spot and it's a penalty for Malaga! There is a gathering of Espanyol players around the referee in protest, but it's GERARDO who takes the kick and places it well out of Kameni's reach.
Malaga 1 Espanyol 2
From the kick off substitute Colunas goes for a run down the right wing. As he goes into the box, Nacho comes across to make a tackle, but before he gets near, Colunas falls down and the referee awards a ...... penalty for Espanyol!
More protests, this time by Malaga, but Tamudo steps up and Arnau saves! But wait, the linesman's flag is up, so the referee trots across to his assistant and awards a .....goalkick.
The game speeds up and the last two minutes are very exciting but it's all too late and Espanyol pick up the three points.
Full time Malaga 1 Espanyol 2

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 2:28 PM | Permalink

Yes, mi amigos, the Spanish football season has started (Jornada 1 saw Malaga slump to a 2-0 away defeat to "newcomers" Celta Vigo. Despite having 20 shots on goal and 12 corners, Malaga lost two goals in the season's opener, one a wonder goal from 35 yards, the other a superb individual solo effort from former favourite, Baiano, which represented Celta's only shots on goal all game - we wuz well and truly robbed).
Malaga did have a game last weekend, when everybody had the time off to allow for international fixtures. Malaga played host to Newcastle United at La Roseleda to contest the tenth year for the Trofea del Costa del Sol, an opportunity for both sides to play fringe players and keep up their match fitness. Malaga's first half team was:
(4-4-1-1) Arnau, Alexis, Litos, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce, Manu, Gerardo, Nacho and Duda, Juan Rodriguez and Salva.
The first half was dire with very little in the way of goalmouth action.
At half time, Tapia made several personnel and positional changes, and the team that lined up for the second half was:
(4-4-2) Goitia, Gerardo, Litos, Cesar and Nacho, Edgar, Hildago, Anderson and Duda, Paco Estaban and Pablo Counago.
What a difference! Malaga were sparkling, with both latest signing, Brazilian centre midfielder, Anderson and "promoted from Malaga B" striker, Paco Estaban, very impressive.
This team ran the show and after Edgar was tripped in the box after 60 minutes, Hildago stepped up to take the penalty (1-0). Then within ten minutes, Paco Estaban, who caused all sorts of trouble to the Newcastle defence with his direct running, found Pablo Counago in the "D" and his powerful drive was deflected past the hapless Harper to complete the scoring at 2-0.
A problem perhaps for Tapia, as I am sure the first half team represented his first choice eleven, with the exception of Romero, who was stretchered off in the game against Celta and wasn't risked. However, he could not fail to see the improvement in the second half, so we will have to wait and see what happens on Sunday night against Espanyol. It's a 21:00h kick-off here as we are in the middle of a mini heatwave here at the moment with the sirocco blowing across from the Sahara and maintaining daily temperatures in the high 30's (typically 37C) each day.
Can't wait. The good news for you all is that "your Malaga CF Correspondent" will be there!

Team sheet.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:44 PM | Permalink

I know that you are a bit like me and can't wait until the new Spanish football season starts, but we will have to wait a little longer for the first game of the season on 28 August (away to "newcomers", newly promoted Celta Vigo) and even longer until the first home game on 11 September (against last season's surprise success, Espanyol).
So, knowing that you are wondering about the team, who has come in and who has gone etc I thought I'd better whet your appetite for the upcoming season with a little news. Please find below the most current squad list and below that a list of the players who have gone during the summer. The players highlighted in green are those who have been transferred in, those in red below are those who have gone.
Big favourite Miguel Angel has gone to local rivals Betis for 3 million euros. The talented attacking midfielder had one year left to run on his contract so Malaga are making some money before he went for nothing next season. Also, last season's top scorer, Baiano, has gone to Celta Vigo, who Malaga meet in the opening game of the new season. Flops Amoroso and Wanchope have both been transferred out as well as Tote, who ended his loan spell unconvincingly.
So it's an all-new strike force this season, with returning hero Salva, who scored 20+ goals two seasons ago whilst on loan from Valencia, now signing a three year contract, probably linking up front with Uruguayan "Chenque" Morales.
In midfield, the signing of David Sanchez from Barcelona looks like a coup and with the experienced Antonio Hidalgo, from Tenerife, I believe we will soon forget the loss of Miguel Angel.
Remember you can read more online with www.soccer-spain.com and also on www.malagacf.com
Hasta pronto la neuva temporada,
Your Malaga CF Correspondent

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:04 PM | Permalink

Please find attached the newly published fixture lists for both Malaga (Liga 1) and Malaga B (Division 2) for the new season 2005-06 which starts on Sunday August 28 2005. This will enable you to:
look forward to the upcoming season's games in advance
book your holidays in Spain so that you can catch a match with your favourites at La Rosaleda (or for the more adventurous, one of the away games e.g. 23rd April 2006, Real Madrid vs. Malaga)
Latest News from La Rosaleda:

Transfers In: Pablo Counago (striker - Ipswich Town), Antonio Hidalgo (centre midfield - Tenerife) Goitia (goalkeeper - Malaga B) Paco Estaban (striker - Malaga B)

Transfers Out: Michel (Real Murcia - loan period ended) Tote (Betis - loan period ended) Baiano (Sao Caetano - loan period ended) Amoroso (Sao Paulo) Juanito (Alavés) Calatayud (Getafe - one year loan) Iznata (contract ended)

Preseason friendlies:

23 de julio: Barnsley FC- Málaga CF
27 de julio: Chesterfield- Málaga CF
30 de julio: Preston-Málaga CF
2 de agosto: Bolton- Málaga CF
6 de agosto: por confirmar
10 de agosto: Málaga CF- Xerez CD (Antequera)
12 de agosto: Mellilla- Málaga CF
14 de agosto: Almería-Málaga CF
16 de agosto: Granada- Málaga CF
19 de agosto: por confirmar
21 de agosto: Palermo-Málaga CF
2 ó 3 de septiembre: Málaga- Bolton

So if you are in the north of Englandshire this summer, you can catch your favourites in one of these attractive preseason friendlies. All I ask is that you send me a report, if you do go, so that we can all keep up to date with the team's progress.

Season Ticket Renewed: Yes, the good news is that I have renewed my season ticket for the new season and as I was one of the first 20,000 season ticket holders ( I was number 19,600) I was presented with a special football shirt in the Malaga colours of blue and white stripes with the logo "siempre malaga" (always Malaga) on the back in nice black letters. What nice presents do season ticket holders in the UK get, I wonder?

Information about new signing Pablo Counago
More information can be found on www.malagacf.com (in Spanish) or on www.soccer-spain.com in English

PABLO COUÑAGO FIRMA HOY POR EL MÁLAGA C.F.
Actualidad

07/07/2005 - El delantero pontevedrés Pablo Couñago, del Ipswich Town, será jugador del Málaga Club de Fútbol para las dos próximas temporadas. Una vez haya pasado el correspondiente reconocimiento médico será presentado ante los medios de comunicación a las 12,30 horas.

Pablo Couñago nació hace 25 años en la ciudad de Redondela (Pontevedra). Mide 1,82 y pesa 80 kilos. Es delantero centro nato y ha sido máximo goleador con la selección nacional española Sub 20 en el Mundial de 1999, donde fue Bota de Oro al máximo goleador. Ha sido internacional en todas las categorías inferiores en más de 40 ocasiones y ha logrado marcar más de 40 goles.
Formado en la cantera del Celta de Vigo, ha estado cuatro años en el Ipswich Town y regresa a España para consagrarse en su país y dar sus mejores años de fútbol.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 1:39 PM | Permalink