Match Reports

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.