Match Reports

Having come through the initial qualifying rounds of the Cup, Malaga now face First Division team Racing in the first round proper. These matches are played over two legs and with away goals counting double in the event of a draw, manager Muniz stated his intentions before the game saying that the best result for him would be one in which his team did not concede.

In common with most teams, even though the winner is guaranteed a UEFA Cup place, it's the second strings that get a chance to show their bosses what they are missing and Malaga were no exception last night, with no fewer than nine changes from the team that started against Sporting at the weekend. This was despite Muñiz declaring yesterday that he does not have a "second string" and that each and all of his first team squad is able to occupy a place in the first eleven.

There were some tactical surprises too, with right back Jesus Gamez on the right wing and centre back Silva given the holding defensive midfielder role. Baha, the only fully fit striker on Malaga's books at the moment, retains his place up front on his own.

Málaga (4-1-4-1): Arnau; Raúl Gaitán, Hélder Rosário, Jesule and Valcarce; Silva; Jesús Gámez, Sandro, Stosic and Calleja; Baha

10228 was the official attendance, being lower than normal league attendances because season ticket holders had to pay to get in and also, as ever, the game was being televised live.

Muñiz looked for an alignment that could adapt to the conditions of the racinguistas, who used a formation very similar to their normal eleven, with the exceptions of a change at full back and striker Munitis, who remained on the bench. The malaguistas, with the framework ready by Muñiz, perfectly restrained their rival and, in addition, they were quick to counterattack .

The level exhibited by the local players was high, in the main, including Raul Gaitán who has just recovered from injury. The malaguista work rate neutralized the theoretical superiority and quality of their opponents. Jordi, Bolado and Duscher were the best for Racing, whereas Calleja, Sandro and, mainly, Peragón, recovering from injury, showed well in Malaga's attacking plays.

The dangerous approaches in each goalmouth amused a public solidly behind their team, although the brilliance of the game was little. Sometimes it was boring. Perhaps the worse thing was the injury of Baha, who dislocated his right shoulder in 25' and had to retire for Peragón to come on as his replacement. The mishap demolished the plans of Muñiz, who incorporated Geraldo and Apoño at half time to look for a good result for the return game.

The game began to open up in the second half and the alternatives in the offensive game were multiplied. Without having great opportunities, the eleven Cantabrians elevated the intensity with the participation of Munitis. But the malaguistas maintained their level in all the lines and they did not forget to attack either. Equality was the dominant note.

Malaga could have won the game due to several opportunities squandered by Peragón and if the referee had given a penalty when this same forward was brought down on the edge of the penalty area in a play in which the referee could have expelled the violator. Also Jordi for Racing could have scored, although the result can be considered acceptable for both. It was a sweet tie for the Malaga side that was playing a very defined style of game, based on hard work and good tactical positioning.

Now it will be necessary to wait for the return for the tie to be decided, on a date to be decided (either in December or January).

Full time Malaga 0 Racing Santander 0

On Saturday, Malaga are at home again to take on the other Racing, Ferrol, in the league. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.