Jornada 3: Albacete vs Malaga
Jornada 3: Albacete vs Malaga (a rough précis and translation from the local newspaper report)
Albacete (4-4-2): Valbuena; Cheer, Santi, Noguerol and Hector; Camera, David Sanchez, Hierro and Parri; Juan Carlos and Biagini.
Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Silva, Cesar Navas and Jose Mari; Romero and OJ Morales; Edgar,Couñago and Calleja; Salva.
The teams turned out in front of a poor 6834 spectators in the Carlos Belmonte Stadium. Compare the estimated 15,000-18,000 last week for Malaga’s home game against Alaves.
Manager Alonso kept the same team and used the same tactics used in both previous games. The Uruguayan defensive midfielders, OJ Morales and Romero, were in charge from the first moment to stop any creativity of the local team and the young back four were again impressive in their like assignment.
In a poor first half, Albacete did not manage an attempt on goal. On the other hand, Malaga had several opportunities, the best of which was a header from Couñago which forced the local keeper to make a save on the goal-line.
Half time Albacete 0 Malaga 0
The first goal came in 62’. After a foul on Parri by Arnau, SANTI scored, after a centre from Parri‘s free kick. It was a hard blow for the visitors against the run of play. Three minutes later and Albacete were two ahead, scored by BIAGINI, again after another free kick in much the same position as the first one, although with some controversy as the Malaga team were convinced that the ball had gone out of play.
Saúl replaced Edgar after 60’ and then on came Sandro in 66’ for OJ Morales. The changes did have an effect and put Albacete under severe pressure, resulting in a foul on Salva in the box in 77’. SALVA took the spot kick himself to make the score 2-1. However, before the kick was taken, the referee had to consult with his assistant. As he was doing this, Valbuena pushed Salva to the ground. The referee only indicated the penalty for the Malaga, so Valbuena was lucky to escape a straight red card.
Chengue Morales came on for Calleja after 84’.
Although they attacked for nearly 20 minutes until the end of the game, Malaga could not overcome a stubborn Albacete defence.
Malaga's poor disciplinary record continued in this game with 5 bookings and a sending off: Romero, OJ Morales, Jose Mari, Salva and Sandro were all booked. Substitute goalkeeper, Gotia, was sent off from the bench!
Full time: Albacete 2 Malaga 1
Next week Malaga will have a chance to return to winning ways at home to Numancia. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.
http://www.canalsur.es/Informativos/noticias/deportes.html