Match Reports

Malaga made the long trip to the Spanish north coast to Santander to play Racing in the second leg of the Copa del Rey (first leg 0-0). But with their eyes firmly on the league, starting with Cadiz on Saturday, eight of the normal first team were left behind - Jesus Gámez, Weligton, Rossato, Apoño, Antonio Hidalgo, Calleja, Salva and Baha did not travel.

Málaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Raúl Gaitán, Hélder Rosario, Jesule and Valcarce; Cheli, Carpintero, Sandro and Eliseu; Iván Rosado and Peragón.

It was a more attacking line-up than anticipated and perhaps Muñiz thought he could snatch a quick away goal to make the game more complicated for the home team (as away goals count double in the event of a draw), but in fact, Malaga were overwhelmed in first half an hour by a Racing very focussed and with an almost perfect tactical disposition.

As a result Malaga did not see the ball until they were 2-0 down. Both goals were the fruits of their defensive laziness at corners.

In Malaga’s only attack in the first third of the game Malaga-reject Cesar Numpty raised his leg and committed a clear penalty against Pink Iván, but Peragón wasted the opportunity when taking a very little run up.

Malaga only really reacted when Racing stopped in its push and Sandro began to have more seconds to look for passes in depth, but Malaga already needed to score two goals.

However, Cheli gave the first warning, in an excellent move with Eliseu but his shot went straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Half-time: Racing 2 Malaga 0

Malaga continued in its reaction in second half, with more pride than capacity. Racing lowered its intensity compared to how they started the game, but did not fail to take advantage of the occasions that allowed them to counterattack.

The changes of Muñiz, that introduced Gerardo and Paulo Jorge, for a taciturn Peragón and Hélder Rosário, respectively, made no difference to the play or final outcome.

Final score: Racing 2 Malaga 0

So Malaga took leave of the Copa and although they may have had a mouth-watering tie against one the big guns, it leaves their midweek’s free in January to concentrate on winning league fixtures and gaining promotion by the end of the season.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:37 PM | Permalink

In heavy rain, albeit at 11C, 10,094 supporters turned up to watch Malaga’s last game of 2007 on the last shopping Saturday before Christmas.

Today’s visitors, newly promoted Sevilla Atletico (Sevilla’s second team and so cannot be promoted from La Segunda no matter where they finish in the table) have had a fantastic start to their season occupying a top six spot almost from Jornada 1.

Despite the fact that Malaga scraped a draw last week with a last minute own goal, Muñiz kept faith with his players by naming an unchanged team.

Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo, Capintero and Calleja; Baha and Salva.

The stadium had an emptyish look about it with the fans seeking out cover from the driving rain. (Since 2003, this is only the third time I have not sat in my seat because of the weather. Our seats are behind the goal at the Fondo end and have no protection against the elements whatsoever).

Malaga started kicking towards the Fondo goal in the first half; perhaps the first time they have done this so far this season. Perhaps they were hoping that their record of not scoring during the first half would change with the change?

It looked to have worked as early as the third minute when Calleja twice got the break of the ball down the left side. He had an opportunity to shoot with the visitor’s defence in disarray, but with Salva and Baha both running into the box he elected to try a cross instead and the chance was lost.

That was about it for goal scoring chances in the first half for Malaga as both teams seemed content in the conditions to slog it out in midfield. Although Paulo Jorge and Calleja both started playing wide down their respective wings, again as the half progressed, they wandered into a very crowded centre of the park and it was almost a relief when the referee blew for half time.

Half time Málaga 0 Sevilla Atlético 0

There were no changes from either side upon the resumption and unsurprisingly, no change in the state of play on the park. Sevilla Atletico are a young side full of hopefuls wanting to break into the top side and were very well organised, particularly in midfield and defence. With Paulo Jorge now wandering aimlessly all over the pitch and Calleja tiring, it was the visitors who managed to get into the home penalty area on a number of occasions with only poor shooting and side net from keeping the score level.

The game was to change with the first substitution of the game, when perhaps Malaga’s only true winger, Eliseu was introduced at the expense of left back Rossato. Calleja dropped back into defence and the flying Portuguese winger took up the position wide left on the wing.

Eliseu gives Malaga a very different option when he comes on, because he has genuine pace and given proper service can create havoc in any defence. At first he wasn’t too effectual as the Sevilla defenders response was to bring him down on every occasion he received a pass that was not quite accurate enough. But his presence and running did cause Sevilla to become more defensive and Goitia was starting to wave his arms around to keep warm as a virtual spectator.

However, it needed a second substitution from Muñiz, bringing on Apoño for Carpintero in 70’, before there would be any breakthrough in the match, which was looking yet again destined to be a draw.

Carpintero is a defensive midfielder, very adept at breaking up attacks, whereas Apoño is a more skilled passer of the ball and with him and Hidalgo starting to spray the passes around, at last Malaga looked to be able to put the visitor’s defence under pressure.

Calleja and Eliseu combined down the left wing well in 77’ before the substitute crossed deep into the box. Both Salva and Baha were ready for the ball, but so were the Sevilla defenders. However they could only clear the ball to HIDALGO, who remembered how to shoot from 15 yards to open the scoring. GGGGGOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!

Malaga 1 Sevilla Atletico 0

Sevilla kicked off but Apoño intercepted the pass and sent Eliseu clear down the left wing. He raced down the wing and sent in an inch perfect cross for SALVA to crash home Malaga’s second! GOOAAAALLLLLLL!!!!! What a difference good passing and a bit of pace on the wing can make, especially when strikers such as Salva and Baha are so merciless if they get any kind of service. What a turnaround! The game was heading for a no-score draw and suddenly within a minute Malaga are 2-0 up!

Malaga 2 Sevilla Atletico 0

The scoring wasn’t over, but we had to wait until the last minute of the game to see a carbon copy of the second goal. Again, Eliseu was released in space down the left wing. Again his cross was perfect. Again SALVA was there waiting and ready to provide the finish! GOOAALLLLL!!!!!

Full time Malaga 3 Sevilla Atletico 0

In the end a convincing victory which puts Malaga back on top of the league pending the result of the Numancia-Cordoba game. However, on a driech Saturday evening, it is always a nice feeling to leave the football ground after seeing your team score three excellent goals and win 3-0.

There is a short break now in Spanish football over the festive season. Malaga’s next match is in the Copa del Rey on 2 January in the away second leg against La Primera side Racing Santander (first leg 0-0). The next league match is on the weekend of 5/6 January 2008 in Cadiz. The “Yellow Submarines” are now managed by ex Raith Rovers manager Antonio Calderon, who has seen them progress up the table since he took over in October. This is a local derby and a chance for a weekend away so we will be making the trip (about 3 hours) to enjoy the Three Kings and hopefully another Malaga victory! Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Enjoy yourselves over the Christmas and New Year period – take care and keep safe.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 3:48 PM | Permalink

Malaga travel for the second weekend on the trot, this time to Alicante, capital of the Costa Blanca, and home to Hercules. After their very strong start of seven straight wins, Malaga have been struggling and have been dropping points with regularity, with last week’s draw away to Gimnastic meaning also a drop to second place in the league, one point behind Numancia.

In the huge Rico Perez de Alicante stadium, the 9,000 crowd looked somewhat paltry as the players entered onto the field. Malaga were able to welcome back midfield general Hidalgo back from suspension and Peragon’s head injury incurred in last week’s game meant that Salva joined Baha up front for a promising 4-4-2 formation.

Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo, Carpintero and Calleja; Baha and Salva.

Malaga started the brightest and for the first 35 minutes of the half, they dominated the game, continuously encamped in Hercules’ half. The wingers stayed wide and Hidalgo was finding them with regularity. Their crosses into the box, though, weren’t of the required quality and again Baha and Salva were left looking for scraps. However, so much were Malaga dominant that it seemed almost a matter of time of time before they got a result for all their possession. Suddenly, though as so often seems to happen, Malaga’s high tempo and concentration lapsed before the break and some poor passes gave away possession in midfield which gave opportunities to show that perhaps Hercules weren’t just so easy to beat.

Half time Hercules 0 Malaga 0

Muniz’s half time pep talk seemed to work as again they started the brighter and had three attempts on goal within the opening five minutes of the second half. Hercules responded by making two changes in the next five minutes, bringing on Camara an attacking midfielder and Tote, a former Malaga and Real Betis striker to add some punch to their team.

Whether it was coincident with these changes, suddenly Calleja looked tired and unable to make any progress down the left. On the right, Paulo Jorge decided to leave the right wing for a free wandering role. As a result, Malaga’s midfield collapsed and Hercules began to take a firm grip of the game.

At least Muniz recognised Calleja’s frailty when he was replaced by the flying Portuguese winger Eliseu in 61’. But with Paulo Jorge totally out of the game, Hercules continued to take the game to Malaga, who once again had to rely on some strong defending from their centre backs, Rosario and Weligton.

It was a pity, because after the fine first half performance, Malaga should have been ahead and comfortably winning this match. Now, it looked to all the world that Muniz would be happy with the 0-0 draw. Very disappointing from a Malaga supporter’s point of view.

Now much had been said during the week in the local press about Malaga’s last four goals against all coming from set pieces and how they were going to spend all their efforts on the training pitch making sure that they could avoid more embarrassments.

However, in the 80’, Malaga conceded a free kick wide on the right. The free kick itself found a home player in the box, but his shot was blocked by Rosario. The ball could have gone anywhere, but it flew straight to Hercules full back Cesar, standing about 30 yards out. Malaga’s defence was all over the place and Goitia was off his line. CESAR sent a strong drive back into the area where it eluded everybody, including two defenders on the goal line and Hercules had taken the lead.

Hercules 1 Malaga 0

It was no more than both sides deserved, as playing for a draw is almost always going to lead to tears.

Muniz responded immediately with another panic stricken pair of substitutions. Off (at last) came Paulo Jorge and also full back Rossato. On came striker Ivan Rosado and wunderkid Gerardo, for Malaga to go into an attacking 3-4-3 formation to try and claim back the draw.

The fourth official was showing the 3’ added minute board when Malaga were awarded a free kick on the left wing, about 30 yards out. As you can imagine, into time added on, Hercules had brought everybody back and Malaga had thrown everybody forward. I looked very closely and saw that the kitchen sink was lingering around the penalty spot.

Young Gerardo, who recently signed a two year extension to his contract, lined up to take the kick. Salva whispered in his ear to go for goal. Gerardo indeed sent a delicious ball deep into the box, behind the mass of players but temptingly just out of reach for the goalkeeper. Centre back Sergio, under pressure from Weligton and Salva got to the ball first, but all he could do was direct the ball past his own keeper and into the net!

Hercules 1 Malaga 1

Well, Muniz got his draw after all and amazingly, the results elsewhere did not adversely affect Malaga’s 2nd position as both top team Numancia and third placed team Sporting also both drew.

Next week, Malaga return home for the final match of 2007, against fourth placed Sevilla Atletico, before the three week Christmas break, when they resume away to Cadiz on January 6th. Here’s hoping Muniz will be looking for a more positive result next Saturday night. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 1:52 PM | Permalink

Malaga travelled to Tarragona, the Catalan town just south of Barcelona, to face the third of the relegated teams in a three game sequence. After losing to Real Sociedad and drawing last week against Celta Vigo, Malaga’s form against the better teams in this division has been found a little wanting.
There were just a few Malaga stalwarts in the 8,000 crowd to watch this game, again shown live on Spanish television. With Hidalgo suspended and Apoño picking up an injury in midweek training, Muñiz was forced to make changes to his regular midfield line-up. But Muñiz surprised many of us when the line-up was revealed as a 4-4-2 set-up with Silva (a centre back) lining up beside Carpintero (a very deep playing defensive midfielder) in the heart of the midfield. Although Eliseu was available after returning from his suspension, Calleja kept his place on the left wing, after his goal last week. Up front, Salva was surprisingly kept on the bench to allow the return of Baha, only recently returned from France after receiving treatment for a shoulder injury, which had kept him out of the squad for several weeks.

Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia, Jesus Gamez, Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Paulo Jorge, Carpintero, Silva and Calleja; Baha and Peragon.

Malaga’s line-up, being so defensive, with in effect four centre backs on the field, none of whom can be trusted to accurately find one of their own players outside a five yard pass, inevitably found themselves under pressure from the kick-off. The wingers kept dropping back to try and gain some possession but the gap between them and the strikers was too great which again gave possession back to the home team. As a result, the game was littered with a number of petty fouls, born mainly from frustration from the midfield and also a number of offsides, with Malaga’s strikers caught trying to chase hopeful long balls.
Despite this, the best chance of a dreary first half fell to Baha. Carpentero’s lob over the top allowed the striker to run on behind the Nastic defence and try a shot at home keeper Roberto. His shot was on target, but weak and straight into Roberto’s arms.
Muniz’s plans were further disrupted just before half time, when the diminutive Peragon jumped for a high ball on the edge of the penalty area with Roberto. The goalkeeper got there first but also clattered poor Peragon, who lay still on the ground for too long before being stretchered off. He was replaced by striker Salva.

Half-time Gimnastic 0 Malaga 0

There were no further Malaga changes on at the resumption, so Muñiz continued with his negative spoiling tactics, despite the fact that the home team seemed incapable of getting a shot anywhere near on target.
In the 54’ the ineffective Paulo Jorge was replaced by Cheli, another like for like replacement. With no creative supply from the centre of midfield, changing wingers seemed another strange decision.
Both teams seemed content with the 0-0 draw as the game became a tedious continuum of stoppages for petty fouls and offsides.
But it was Cheli who broke from the right hand touchline to intercept a midfield pass in the centre circle in 77’. His momentum carried him onto the left wing where he turned and passed inside to Calleja. Maybe the left winger was embarrassed by Cheli appearing on his wing, we shall never know, but Calleja ran ten yards down the wing before sending over a peach of cross for SALVA. The big striker was surrounded by three defenders but somehow managed to rise above them, whilst simultaneously noticing that Roberto was standing on his six yard line. His powerful header looped over Roberto’s head and into the net. GOOOOAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!
Out of the blue. Totally undeserved. A bit of magic. Sheer class. What a great goal!
Gimnastic 0 Malaga 1
Would this awaken the game? Would we see more open play and more creative moves? Nope!
The pattern remained unchanged, except of course that Malaga were ahead and seemed to have miraculously stolen the three points. Even if they weren’t capable of another piece of magic, then surely their six defenders could hold on for the remaining fifteen minutes or so.
Well, they almost did. In 88’, Rossato conceded a free kick some 30 yards out near the touchline on Malaga’s left side. The free kick was taken with Malaga pulling all eleven players back into the box to defend and the ball was cleared from the area. It was picked up by Arpon, fully 30 yards out on Malaga’s right side touchline. The Gimnastic substitute hit the ball back into the crowded area. It bounced once and Weligton took a swing at it to try and put the ball behind. Unfortunately, he successfully directed the ball away from Goitia and into his own net!
It was no more than Gimnastic deserved from the game after all their possession and pressure.
Gimnastic 1 Malaga 1
Immediately Muñiz withdrew Calleja and brought on Eliseu. The speedy and tricky winger soon had the home defence in knots and with his first foray down the wing, sent in a glorious cross across the six yard line. Baha was waiting but the ball was intercepted for a corner before it reached him. But it was all too late and the referee blew on his whistle to end a dreary game in which Muñiz seemed to achieve what he was looking for – a draw.
Full time Gimnastic 1 Malaga 1

Next week Malaga are again on their travels, this time to the Costa Blanca to play Hercules in Alicante. They are one the sides gaining momentum in the table, sitting in seventh position. Another interesting match in prospect, but Muñiz may have all his players available next week to give him more options. I hope he will pick a side capable of winning next week, which was never really the case against Gimnastic. It’s again live on Spanish TV, so never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be watching for you!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 2:13 PM | Permalink

December 2 at 12:00 noon and with the temperatures in the high 20's, 14,474 people turned up to watch the match of the day in La Segunda which is being televised live on Canal+.
Celta were relegated last season and were one of the favourites before the season started to make a quick return to the top flight, just as they did three seasons ago. They have retained much of last season's team but after a difficult start, when they sacked their manager, former Bulgaria manager, Hristo Stoitchkov, and appointed Juan Ramon Lopez Caro, they have climbed up the table to sixth and have become a difficult team to beat.
Malaga see the return of Rosario in defence after his suspension and Muniz chooses Peragon ahead of Salva for the lone striker role in his 4-1-4-1 formation. Calleja returns on the left wing in the absence of Eliseu who was sent off last week and is suspended.

Malaga (4-1-4-1): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Carpintero; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo, Apono and Calleja; Peragon.

Malaga are in their normal blue and white stripes home strip whilst Celta are in their away colours of tangerine tops with black shorts (or Dundee United, for those who know).
In an unusual circumstance, both goalkeepers are wearing 13 and are respective captains of their teams.
Right from the kick off, Celta show their organisation across the field. They play in little triangles which meant that any time a Malaga player has the ball, he has three Celta players around him. This meant it was difficult to pass and difficult to run with no space to move into, so the home players resorted to looking for free kicks as they tried to free themselves from the shackles of the close marking. These triangles also worked for Celta in attack as the player in possession always had two other team-mates around him in support.
In addition, the Celta players all seemed to be over 6' tall, which meant that Malaga's frustration with Celta's close marking meant that they were reduced to trying long balls down the wings or to the 5'3" lone striker, Peragon. Thus Malaga were stifled at every turn and it became clear very early in the first half that Muniz's usual tactics and line-up were not going to be the answer against this opposition.
Malaga's only way through would possibly be through set plays or by use of their two wingers to stretch the Celta defence. Unfortunately, after his excellent performance in the last home match, Paulo Jorge had resorted to wandering all over the pitch in a free role, instead of providing the wide right option. On the left wing, Calleja did at least provide that option, but he seems unprepared to take on the full back any more and has lost all of his pace.
So Malaga's first effort on goal came in 8' when Hidalgo won a free kick at half way. Celta pulled all eleven into their own penalty box and when the ball arrived it was headed clear. Jesus Gamez, standing 35 yards out, did take a swing at it but the "shot" was several yards wide.
In 11' there seemed to be reasonable claims for a Malaga penalty when Hidalgo was sent crashing in the box chasing a through ball. The referee instead booked him for diving and he will miss next week's game through suspension after collecting five bookings.
In 15' Quincy, on loan from Spartak Moscow, showed what a winger should do when he completely outpaced the usually unbeatable Jesus Gamez and ran down the entire half before sending over a tempting cross into Malaga's goalmouth. Fortunately for the home side, there were no takers.
In 22' another close shave for Malaga when big striker Costa went up for a high ball with Weligton on the edge of the penalty area. For some reason Goitia raced out of his box and all three fell in a heap. The ball broke free and went just past Goitia's left hand post. It could have so easily gone in. Weligton came off worst and had to leave the field for treatment.
Malaga's next opportunity came in 26' when Peragon's header from a Rossato free kick was cleared to Paulo Jorge, but the Portuguese winger's shot was well off target.
In 29' the ongoing tussle between Weligton and Costa ended this time with a booking for the Celta striker for elbowing the Malaga centre back in the face. Weligton was again required to go off field to receive some further treatment.
In 35' Malaga get yet another fright when Weligton fails to hit his pass along the 18 yard line with sufficient power and Nunez intercepts and sends in a crashing shot which goes high and wide.
In 36' Celta's manager Caro attracts the attention of the referee who goes to the touchline and appears to give him a yellow card.
Celta's tactics have stifled out Malaga, who are showing signs of frustration. The usually noisy home crowd find they have very little to shout about.
In 44' Paulo Jorge is brutally brought down near the corner flag, for which Contreras receives a booking. Then Canobbio is booked for not retreating ten yards to allow the kick to be taken. Rossato takes the kick short to Paulo Jorge and the chance is wasted.

Half time Malaga 0 Celta 0
Malaga have not been able to make any passes and have been frustrated by Celta's superior organisation and strong aggressive play. On balance, Celta should probably have been ahead as they had the most clear cut chances.
What would Muniz do to try and turn the game around? Well he made one change at half time, bringing on Salva in a straight swap for Peragon.
In 47' Carpintero becomes the next booking for a dangerous tackle. He is Malaga's second booking and the sixth so far in the game and we're only halfway through!
From the freekick Costa gets a free header. He heads down powerfully from 6 yards but we all watch as the ball rises quickly and over the bar. Another let-off.
In 53' the first movement of the game from Malaga to show any promise. Some great interpassing from their own half to the opponent's bye-line between Jesus Gamez and Paulo Jorge sees a cross into the box for Hidalgo. He is upended as he makes to shoot - no penalty. But also no booking, which would mean a sending off for the midfielder.
In 54' Quincy again shows his pace. He intercepts a poor pass on the halfway line and hares towards the Malaga goal. Weligton tries to keep up with him but the winger easily leaves him in his wake. Costa chases down the right wing in support and when Goitia closes the angle on Quincy inside the six yard box, the Celta player passes to Costa to poke home. But no, the stand side linesman's flag is up for offside. Phew!!!
In 55' CANOBBIO takes a free kick from 35 yards. It seems to bypass everybody in the crowded box and somehow ends up in the net. It's a freak goal, but Celta deserve to be ahead.
Malaga 0 Celta Vigo 1
Muniz immediately makes his second change, bringing on Sandro for Carpintero. Malaga are going to flood the midfield in an attempt to get back in the game and change to a 4-5-1 formation with the three central midfielders in a line across the centre of the park. Will this work?
From the kick-off, CALLEJA receives the ball on the left wing. He runs unchallenged into the box and unleashes a shot which beats Celta keeper Pinto at his near post. GOOAAALLLLLL!!!!!! What a response! Out of nothing! And from a player you just wouldn't expect it from!
Malaga 1 Celta Vigo 1
Will the game open up or will both sides be content with a draw?
The pattern of play didn't really change, with continued strong tackling and misplaced passing from the home side.
In 65' Apono is the third Malaga booking of the day for body checking Costa.
In 68' Salva becomes Malaga's fourth booking as their frustration at not being able to play continues.
In 69' Paulo Jorge is replaced by Gerardo.
In 73' Canobbio is replaced by Jorge for Celta's first substitution.
In 76' flying winger Quincy is booked for fouling Jesus Gamez.
In 78' Goitia has to make a save down low from a fine shot from Costa.
In 80' Weligton has to leave the field yet again for more treatment. This time he reappears with a head bandage.
In 84' Costa goes off to be replaced by Guayre in a like for like substitution.
In 86' the final substitution when Quincy is replaced by Manchev.
With all these changes the game becomes even scrappier than before.
In 87' Gerardo almost connects cleanly with a Calleja pass, but he miss-hits and the ball goes wide.
In 88' Goitia is beaten but Weligton manages to get back to clear.
In 90' Vitolo becomes the fifth Celta Vigo player booked for a foul on Salva. In the furore over the booking the referee brings out his book again for Contreras. It's the Chilean's second booking and he's sent off.
Full time Málaga 1 Celta Vigo 1

It's not been a pretty game, but a draw (Malaga's first of the season) seems to be a good result for Malaga who were outplayed for long periods of the game. Celta keeper Pinto did not have one save to make in the whole match which sums up Malaga's attacking performance. The draw means that Malaga still stay top but second placed Numancia are now just one point behind them.
Next week, Malaga travel to Tarragona for their third game in a row against the newly relegated sides from La Primera, when they play Gimnastic in another live TV match on Saturday night. They will have to play without Hidalgo and perhaps Muniz will have learned that one set of tactics will not get him through the season as he faces the different challenges the different sides present him. The following week sees a second away game on the trot when Malaga travel to the Costa Blanca to play Hercules in Alicante.
So it's a wait of three weeks before Malaga's final home game of the year and before the winter break against Sevilla Atletico. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 1:02 PM | Permalink

Malaga made the trip north to the beautiful city of San Sebastian, the jewel of the Basque Country, to play the first of three games in a row against the three teams relegated from the First Division at the end of last season, Real Sociedad, with Celta Vigo and Gimnastic to follow.
Real Sociedad have not had their troubles to seek, finding adapting to La Segunda equally as difficult as Malaga did last year. Indeed, many of the senior players are threatening strike action over a heavily in-debt club trying to restructure its finances by suggesting that the players take a drop in wages and that part of their wages be consequent on the team gaining promotion this year. Trainer, Welshman Chris Coleman, the former Fulham boss and ex-Crystal Palace defender, has found his first season in Spanish football a tough baptism and his job hangs in the balance after some poor results that have found the promotion favourites languishing in 14th place, some 13 points behind the leaders, Malaga.
So Malaga enter the fray against a club who have not won in the last five games, still buoyant after their 4-2 home defeat of Racing Ferrol last week.
Manager Muniz is forced to make a couple of changes to the starting eleven as centre back Rosario is suspended (replaced by Jesule, making his first appearance in the league this season) and Salva, replaced by Peragon, is recovering from an injury sustained in a charity match held during the week between Friends of Ronaldo and Friends of Zidane,. On the plus side is the return of Jesus Gamez at right back after completing his suspension. Wunder-kid Gerardo, who turned the game last week when he came on at half time, has to be content with a place on the bench.

Malaga (4-1-4-1): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Weligton, Jesule and Rossato; Carpintero; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo, Apoño, and Eliseu, Hidalgo; Peragón.

In driving rain, in front of 16,714 spectators in Anoeta, the home side suffered a blow to their hopes when ex-Malaga right back Gerardo had to leave the field in 4’ with a pulled muscle to be replaced by the youngster Castillo.
However, this setback did not seem to upset their rhythm and they set about forcing the game in and around the Malaga penalty area. The early pressure paid off when they went ahead in 9’ when from a corner from Xabi, the Malaga defence cleared only as far as Mikel Aranburu, lurking just outside the box and he scored left footed past the outstretched and despairing figure of Goitia in the Malaga goal.
Real Sociedad 1 Malaga 0
Although Sociedad continued to dominate the first half, Malaga did have chances, especially through the wing play of Eliseu on the left. He had a chance to equalise on the counter attack with his pace, but instead of running in on goal, he opted instead for a 40 yard pass to Mr Nobody.
Rossato came close in 22’ with a free kick with keeper Riesgo beaten, but defender Mikel Gonzalez managed to turn the ball round the post.
Eliseu came close when he tried a long range effort just before halftime but Riesgo made a brilliant save to deny the left winger.
Half time Real Sociedad 1 Malaga 0
Muniz changed things at the start of the second half, taking off Carpintero and replacing him with Gerardo. Pushing Hidalgo forward to support Peragon, Malaga went to a 4-4-1-1 formation.
The change had an immediate effect as Malaga started to take charge of the game and in the opening exchanges of the second half, Malaga had several opportunities to draw level, the best of which came from Rossato in 55’, which again produced an excellent save from Riesgo.
All the good work was undone in the 65th minute, though, when Eliseu was shown a second yellow card and sent off. Although Muniz immediately brought on striker Salva for Paulo Jorge, the 10-men were always going to be up against it.
The game was put beyond Malaga’s reach in 73’ when Carlos Martinez scored his first professional goal after a clever free kick by Xabi.
Real Sociedad 2 Malaga 0
Muniz brought on Calleja for Rossato immediately afterwards, but Real Sociedad were able to control the last fifteen minutes of the game to gain the victory which saw them jump six places up the table to 8th.
Full time Real Sociedad 2 Malaga 0

For Malaga it was an opportunity lost to extend their lead over their rivals at the top of the table, especially after Numancia lost at home 0-2 to Granada 74.
It is as well to remember that the top three teams are promoted from the Segunda and after 14 games played, Malaga still have a cushion of 8 points over the fourth placed promotion rival, Elche, as Sevilla reserve team Sevilla Atletico cannot be promoted. With another two tough games against former First Division clubs on the immediate horizon, will that cushion still be intact?
Next Sunday, Malaga are at home to Celta Vigo. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Segunda Table

1 Málaga 30
2 Sporting de Gijón 27
3 Numancia 27
4 Sevilla Atlético 24
5 Elche 22
6 Celta de Vigo 21
7 Hércules 20
8 Real Sociedad 20
9 Gimnástic Tarragona 19
10 Salamanca 19
11 Tenerife 19
12 Granada 74 19
13 Córdoba 19
14 Eibar 18
15 Castellón 17
16 Racing de Ferrol 17
17 Alavés 16
18 Cádiz 15
19 Polideportivo Ejido 15
20 Xerez 12
21 Albacete 10
22 Las Palmas 9

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:08 AM | Permalink

After last week's long trip north to Gijon, Malaga face Racing who have made possibly the longest footballing trip on mainland Spain from Ferrol, in Galicia, in the north west corner of the country to the most southerly city, Malaga, in the top leagues. Racing, promoted from last season's Segunda B for this season's competition in the Segunda, had a strong start to the season, with a particularly impressive away record, but have hit a patch of poor form recently, having not won in their last five games, stretching back to the end of September.
Malaga, on the other hand, top the table with 9 wins in 12 games and 27 points, the same number of points they accrued by the end of the first half of last season (21 games) and after last week's away win against third placed Sporting and a creditable draw in the Copa del Rey against First Division Racing Santander, they enter this game full of confidence, looking to keep the leadership of La Segunda. Malaga are forced to make a couple of changes from their habitual line-up, as right back Jesus Gamez is suspended and striker and top-scorer Baha, who was to be joining the Moroccan squad this weekend for two international matches, is out for four weeks with a shoulder injury after it was dislocated during the midweek cup match. Raul Gaitan, who has just recovered from a lengthy injury himself, makes his first appearance in the team in the league as a direct replacement for Jesus Gamez and Salva, also returning from injury, takes over from Baha up front.

Malaga (4-1-4-1): Goitia; Gaitan, Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Carpintero; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo, Apono and Eliseu; Salva.

It's a Saturday 18:30h kick off at La Rosaleda, the temperature is 16C and the crowd just under 12,000 (11,907) as Malaga win the toss and elect to defend the Fondo end (i.e. the goal behind which we sit) in the first half. Malaga are in their normal home strip of blue and white stripes, whilst Racing are playing in all-green.

Racing are known for their strong defensive play and counterattacking style, but it is they who start the brighter and come very close in 4' when left winger Lamatina runs past Gaitan and sends in a curling drive that just skids past the far post with the Malaga defence including Goitia static. It's all Racing in the opening exchanges as Malaga can't string any passes together and Weligton has to concede the first corner of the game in 8'. Salva, back defending, heads the resultant cross clear. Malaga almost score a spectacular goal in 13' when Racing keeper Queco, clearing a loose ball from outside his penalty area, hits the ball straight to Paulo Jorge in the centre circle. The Portuguese winger reacts quickly to send a high shot towards the goal. The ball is dipping nicely under the bar but Queco somehow manages to race back and tip the ball over to save his blushes. In 14' Gaitan, who has been having a torrid time dealing with Lamatina, is the first to be booked in the match for body-checking the winger. In 15' Racing go close again when Jaime tries an overhead kick from 12 yards which just goes wide. In 16' we have Malaga's second attempt of the game when Paulo Jorge, who seems to be sticking to the right wing channel more this game, whips in a cross which carries over to left winger Eliseu. Instead of heading home, the winger sticks out a leg and the shot goes wide. In 18' there is a bit of a stooshie after Carpintero sticks out a leg on the centre line to try and intercept a Racing pass. The ball carries all the way back to Goitia who picks it up under pressure from Racing striker Pereira. The referee immediately blows for a free kick for the goalkeeper picking up a pass-back! You can imagine the referee being surrounded by Malaga players protesting but an indirect free kick inside the penalty area is still the result. All Malaga's eleven players line up in their penalty box in front of an anxious Goitia, but amid a cacophony of whistles and jeers from the crowd, Racing waste the chance by blasting the ball well over the bar. After 25' we see Malaga's best move of the game so far. Weligton, the Brazilian centre back, sends a 40 yard pass wide right, as only Brazilians seem able to do and it's met perfectly by the strong running Paulo Jorge. The winger whips in a delicious cross for Hidalgo, who lets fly from 30 yards. It looks goal-bound but just at the last moment curls wide of the post.
In 30', a disaster for Gaitan and Malaga. The right back is at the left post all alone when he meets a hard drive across the goal from the right wing and puts it past Goitia for an own-goal, a goal which Racing probably deserve for their pressure to date. Malaga 0 Racing 1 From the kick off, the ball is easily gathered by Queco, who seems to dither with the ball. When Salva protests to the referee about the time wasting, he is booked. In 32', Jaime is booked for a studs-up tackle on Eliseu. In 40' Gaitan is again beaten easily on Racing's left wing by wily striker Pereira who curls in his shot which slips into the goal at the far post. Malaga 0 Racing 2 It's not in the script but Racing thoroughly deserve their two-goal lead as they have kept their composure and their passing has been along the ground and accurate, whereas Malaga's balls have mostly been up-and-under, hit-and-hope efforts. In 42' Malaga almost make an immediate reply when Paulo Jorge, who's had his best game in a Malaga shirt this season, again finds Hidalgo with a fine cross from the right. The midfielder does everything right, heading down, but the ball bounces over the bar. Malaga go all out for the first time this half to try and peg one back before half time.
In 44' Eliseu finds Salva near the penalty spot from the left wing and the striker's header is headed off the line by Jaime. As Queco and Paulo Jorge challenge for the loose ball, it's Malaga's winger who gets there first and turns the ball back into the danger zone to Carpintero. The defensive midfielder sends in a powerful drive at the empty goal but the ball comes off Hidalgo's head and goes over. In 45' Salva sends Paulo Jorge away again down the right wing. Again the winger finds Hidalgo up in support. The attacking midfielder shoots sending Queco the wrong way but the ball comes of the keeper's feet and goes clear!

Half-time Malaga 0 Racing 2

Malaga are 2-0 down at half-time and some radical changes are needed to get themselves back in the game. Gaitan looks lost at right back and somebody is needed to calm things down and spread the ball around on the ground in midfield if Malaga are to get back into the game.
Muniz must have read my thoughts, because he made two changes at the start of the second half. They were much more radical than the changes I would have made though! Right enough, off was Gaitan after a miserable first half performance where he had responsibility for both Racing's goals, but also off was the other full back Rossato!
On came Sandro, the little creative midfielder and Gerardo, the boy wonder winger from the Malaga B team, who had shone in preseason and in the Copa games with his pace and direct running. The only offputting thing about Gerardo is his striking resemblance to Ferg, a "striker" from a past Brechin City under-16's side and now married to Alison Dean! So Muniz reshuffled his team with three at the back, with Carpintero dropping back to join Rosario and Weligton. The midfield area looked a bit crowded with Apono slightly behind Paulo Jorge, Gerardo, Sandro and Eliseu and Hidalgo slightly advanced to support Salva in a 3-6-1 formation!
Well, with seven midfielders on, including Carpintero, there should be some improvement in this area of the park! It's a radical and bold move from Muniz, but at 0-2 down at home, needs must. Right from the restart, Malaga take control of game and occupy Racing's half. The crowd sense the change in attitude and style i.e. all-out attack and the noise levels in the ground rise to eleven! In 47' Hidalgo, who seems to relish his new-found freedom, is completely on his own when he receives a pass from Paulo Jorge, but he snatches at it and blasts over. Malaga keep up the pressure egged on by the crowd. In 48' Paulo Jorge sends in another excellent cross which Queco can only tip over for a corner. PJ's corner finds Weligton but the Brazilian's header is deflected over. The resultant corner is cleared into the stands. In 58' Eliseu wins a corner. Rosario blasts in a shot but it's deflected for a corner. PJ finds Salva with the kick but the striker's header drops wide of the post.
It seems a tale of woe, but at this point we did not think that the game was lost despite the number of missed opportunities. The enthusiasm of the crowd and the noise seemed to lift the players and keep them focussed. Then the breakthrough in 61'. Gerardo goes down in the box, just inside the "D". We are watching the ball, thinking no more of it, but no, the referee has stopped the game and is pointing to the spot. He's given a penalty! Well, Malaga have had more obvious penalty appeals this season and probably every other season, but no matter. There seems to be a debate about who should take the kick with both Salva and Hidalgo standing over the ball. But it's HIDALGO who takes the kick and sends it expertly just inside the left post. GOOOOAAALLL!!!! Malaga 1 Racing 2 It's no more than Malaga have deserved since the restart, with their unstinting pressure on the Racing defence and despite it's origins, the goal gives everybody heart. Racing immediately bring on a substitute to strengthen their midfield area, which has been totally dominated by Malaga's six midfielders. In 66' the best move of the match and many matches. Eliseu is running with the ball down the left wing. His way is blocked by several defenders, so he sends the ball way across the park to Paulo Jorge on the right wing. The Portuguese gets to the by-line and sends in a powerful cross, which HIDALGO heads brilliantly past Queco into the net for the equaliser. GOOOOAAAALLLLL!!! And what a goal! The crowd are going tojo at this point. Malaga 2 Racing 2 Racing have no answer to Malaga's new formation and the power and drive of the home team is inspiring the crowd to near hysteria. Racing's bench are not happy with the referee and after an altercation on the touchline, the visiting manager is sent to the stand. In 67' further remonstrations from the Racing bench sees one of the substitutes receive a red card and he is also sent to the dressing room! Malaga keep up the pressure, looking for the winner.
In 70' Gerardo, who is proving a thorn to the Racing defence with his direct running, is brought down near the by-line just outside the box. Paulo Jorge's free kick finds Rosario but the centre back's drive is deflected for another corner which Queco gathers on his line. In 73', another booking for Racing when Ceballos blocks Paulo Jorge on another run down the wing. The winger is injured and needs some attention. In 76' another substitution for Racing with brick shithouse Keita coming on for Jaime to further bolster Racing's midfield. Keita almost makes his mark immediately with a dipping long range effort which Goitia just tips over. In 78' another fright for Malaga when Weligton passes straight to the dangerous Pereira. The little number 10 runs at goal and his shot is just stopped by Goitia. In 79' Gerardo sends in another superb cross across the six yard line, just needing the slightest touch, but there are no takers. In 81' Rosario is booked for a feet-up tackle and a corner is conceded as a result of the free kick. For the first time this half the crowd is strangely silent but the danger is cleared. In 83' Paulo Jorge, who has not recovered fully from that earlier tackle, is replaced by Peragon. The Portuguese winger is given a standing ovation for his contribution. With Peragon on, Gerardo moves to the right wing, Hidalgo drops back into midfield and the little substitute striker moves up front alongside Salva. The next minute Salva collects a pass from Hidalgo in the centre of Racing's half. He could run at goal (if he had any pace) but instead elects to pass left to Eliseu, who is running down the wing in support. The winger seems to have a shooting opportunity himself, but instead elects to send in a hard drive across the 6 yard line. Hidalgo and GERARDO are both chasing in but it's the youngster who gets there first to stab the ball home. GOOOAAALLLL - the young winger has certainly made his mark on the game and is shouldered high by his team-mates as they celebrate the goal. Queco rushes out to the centre circle to protest to the referee, claiming that the goal was offside and was lucky not to be booked. Malaga 3 Racing 2 In past games, Malaga would have shut up shop and played the remaining minutes out, but the noise of the crowd seemed to carry them on a surf of pressure and in 88' Peragon and Eliseu's slick interpassing provides a chance for Salva, but Queco just gets there first. 4' are added on and Racing look for the equaliser.
A free kick given away by Eliseu on the centre line provides Pereira with another chance and forces a good save from Goitia. In 94' Sandro finds Gerardo wide on the right. He takes it to the by-line and passes to PERAGON. The little striker coolly controls the ball before swivelling round to prod the ball home from six yards to put the icing on the cake and end a sensational comeback for Malaga.

Full time: Malaga 4 Racing 2

A pulsating game full of incident and all 6 goals scored in front of us in the Fondo goal. An amazing recovery with a bold change of tactics and team from Muniz at half time when Malaga were struggling 0-2 behind. A fantastic result which keeps them top of the league for another week. Brilliant. Next week, the long journeys continue with another trip north to the Bay of Biscay and San Sebastian, when Malaga travel to play former Fulham manager Chris Coleman's Real Sociedad. The Basques were expected to bounce back and dominate the table after their relegation last season from the First Division and will provide another stern test for the malaguistas. Unfortunately, although to me a glamour game, this will be the first occasion this season when a Malaga match is not shown live on Spanish TV. However, never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will deliver a report on the match to keep you informed of their progress through what has so far been a very entertaining season.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 7:59 PM | Permalink

Today's visitors are Numancia, sitting one point behind Malaga in second place in the Segunda. They boast the most goals scored in the league with the league's top scorer, Brit, with 6 goals in the first 10 games. And they are in little run of form having won three and drawn one in the past month, whereas Malaga have stuttered with two wins and two defeats. After the last three disappointing performances from his team, Muniz decides to introduce an additional midfielder, Apono, at the expense of a striker, Salva, who sits on the bench. Also left winger Eliseu gets a start at the expense of Calleja and Paulo Jorge returns on the right wing. These changes are encouraging because with a beefed up midfield, the forwards should have better service compared to previous weeks (i.e. none). We are in particular looking for a better performance from Hidalgo, who has been swamped in midfield. With Apono beside him, there should be more space for him to be more creative and support the lone striker, Baha.

Malaga (4-1-4-1): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Carpintero; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo, Apono and Eliseu; Baha.

It's a 12:00 noon kick with the game being shown live on Canal+. Some 14,750 spectators turned up to see the top of the table clash, in 25C November sunshine. Malaga lose the toss and defend the Gol end.
But in the first minute, Jesus Gamez and Paulo Jorge combine well down the right to release Hidalgo running into the box. Visiting goalkeeper Jacobo has to react quickly to take the ball from Hidalgo's feet. In 3' Hidalgo finds Paulo Jorge wide on the right. The Portuguese winger puts in a dangerous cross into the box, which the Numancia defence can only clear to Eliseu, waiting 30 yards out, but the left winger pulls his shot well wide. It's an impressive start from Malaga - they are fit, strong and maintaining a quick tempo. Their passing is quick and slick and Numancia are being pinned back in their own half. In 14' Paulo Jorge beats his own previous record for collecting a booking (18') when he is booked for a feet-up sliding tackle. The free kick curves in towards Goitia who punches clear. In 16' Hidalgo puts Baha clean through into the box. The Moroccan is about to pull the trigger when he is upended from behind. A clear penalty!? No says the referee!! In 17' Weligton attacks a Paulo Jorge free kick but his effort flies over the bar. In 19' Eliseu is fouled wide left on the touchline. Paulo Jorge takes it short to Rossato but the Brazilian miskicks his shot and it is easily cleared. It's been all Malaga, with poor finishing denying them the lead their play deserves. In 23' Paulo Jorge takes yet another corner, which falls at Weligton's feet. The Brazilian centre back shoots - straight at Jacobo, who gathers easily. In 25' Malaga come closest yet. Hidalgo creates space around his feet for a shot. It's heading for the top corner and is only inches over with Jacobo beaten. In 27' Hidalgo, who has been more like his old self, tries an overhead kick from 6 yards but his shot is blocked. In 29' Eliseu shows some ball skills to get past his marker and gives Apono a great chance from 30 yards, but the midfielder's attempt is well wide. Malaga continue to dominate and Numancia's defenders are reduced to clearing anywhere, mostly into the stands. In 34' Jesus Gamez pushes the ball to Baha. The striker shoots powerfully and Jacobo has to make a great save to keep the scores level. In 35' Apono is hacked down 30 yards out by the overworked Numancia defence, who are showing some signs of frustration. Rossato takes the kick, but his shot is well over the bar. In 43' a Numancia free kick into Malaga's box results in Rosario going down in a heap. There is some confusion as the referee refuses to stop play to allow Rosario's head wound to be treated. Hidalgo eventually kicks the ball away. Jesus Gamez and Beranger are both booked after the melee.

Half-time Malaga 0 Numancia 0
Reflections: It's been all Malaga who have played some of their best football so far this season. They have been a joy to watch, but have failed to put Jacobo under too much pressure with some pretty woeful shooting.

After the restart, Malaga start where they left off. Paulo Jorge, who is also having his best game in a Malaga shirt, is upended. The free kick is taken quickly and wasted. In 49' Rosario, who is now sporting a head bandage after his clash at the end of the first half, has to be sharp to clear the ball from Alverez's feet. The Numancia number 5 has been strong and the pick of Numnacia's players going forward. In 51' Numancia tie Malaga up in knots with a series of passing moves which started down Malaga's right flank and ended up across the field on Malaga's left. As a result, a quick cross from the left to the near post is met by ALVEREZ who heads powerfully home from 6 yards with the ball entering the net in the top corner off the crossbar. Malaga 0 Numancia 1 It's a sensational goal and totally against the run of play. With Malaga dominating the game so far, the supporters have no doubt that the score is only a temporary aberration. After Carpintero passes straight to a Numancia midfielder, Muniz replaces him in 53' with Sandro, such that Malaga now have three creative midfielders on the pitch. In 58' Muniz makes his second change as he tries to reshuffle his side to try and get back on level terms. Winger Paulo Jorge is removed and striker Salva takes his place. Malaga change to a 4-1-3-2 formation with Apono playing slightly deeper than Sandro and Hidalgo. In 63' Eliseu gets to the by-line and crosses to Salva at the near post. The striker hits his shot on the turn but it's just wide and hits the side net. In 65' the best pass of the match. Sandro is in the centre circle and sends a delightful ball down the right wing where Hidalgo is running clear. Hidalgo, however, snatches at his shot/cross (?!?) which is woeful. In 68' Bolo goes down in the box after a Numancia corner. The referee waves play on as Bolo continues to lie in the box. Weligton brings this to the attention of the referee who stops play then promptly books Weligton! When Jesus Gamez complains about the booking, he too is booked. In 69' Eliseu's corner finds Salva in the box but the big striker heads just over. Things are not going Malaga's way despite all their continued pressure and Muniz makes his final change in 75' bringing on right winger Cheli for left back Rossato. In 76' Cheli makes an immediate impact and flies down the right wing and delivers a cross into the box to Baha. The striker's shot is blocked and the ball falls to Salva. The striker hits the ball first time but his shot cannons off the goalkeeper's legs and out. It is not Malaga's day! In 79' Bolo is replaced and top scorer Brit comes on. In 83' Brit easily beats Jesus Gamez all ends up but his shot is just wide of the post. In 85' Cheli again gets his cross in and finds Hidalgo. The midfielder is beaten to the ball by Jacobo who knocks it over the bar. From the resultant corner, Baha's shot is so wide it almost hits the corner flag. In 86' Baha has another chance from a cross from Jesus Gamez. Again Jacobo is equal to it and tips round the post. Only desperate defending by Numancia is keeping Malaga out. A draw is no more than they deserve. 89' Baha and then Salva both have shots saved by Jacobo from close range. 90' Rosario booked for pushing. 93' Hidalgo booked for dissent.

Full time Malaga 0 Numancia 1

It's Malaga's first home defeat of the season, but after their best performance so far. The goal which undid them was from the top drawer and hats off to Numancia who managed to survive against everything that Malaga threw at them. Another side would have been well beaten by Malaga on this performance. Numancia go top with Malaga second two points behind.

Next week another toughie as Malaga travel north to face third placed Sporting. It's again live at 12:00 on Canal+. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be watching.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:11 PM | Permalink

Malaga make the trip north to Albacete where the local side have had a poor start to the league and are languishing in fourth bottom and a relegation slot. Again the match is televised live on Spanish television, which may account for the sparse crowd in the Estadia Carlos Belmonte. Muniz makes only one change from the side who narrowly won against Xerez last week, with Salva getting a start ahead of Peragon. Malaga (4-1-3-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Carpintero; Cheli, Hidalgo and Calleja; Baha and Salva. Malaga win the toss and start brightly against Albacete in their all white with gold trim strips. Malaga are in their familiar purple and green half panelled away strips.
In 3' Calleja almost put the visitors ahead when he charged down goalkeeper Javi, but the ball spun into the side net. With Malaga pushing forward, Hidalgo accepts a pass from Salva 20 yards out but his shot is woeful, narrowly missing the corner flag. But after this fine start, Malaga resume their tendencies of previous matches, giving up the midfield to the opposition, seemingly quite content that they have a strong defence and sharp forwards. Carpintero was not able to control or pass the ball and Hidalgo again looked lost all alone in midfield.
For the system to work, Carpintero and Hidalgo should be feeding the wingers at every opportunity. Cheli and Calleja should then be running down the wings and sending in crosses for Baha and Salva to convert. Both strikers (and Peragon) this season have shown that all they need is a half chance. Unfortunately, neither Carpintero nor Hidalgo were capable of this and indeed, Calleja now looks so short of pace that he is not prepared to run with the ball and looks to pass it on as soon as he gets it. The result is that Malaga are reduced to hopeful long balls coming from defence and hopefully finding their forwards. As a result, Albacete were allowed to get into the game and soon began to dominate proceedings. In 25' Rossato was booked for a clumsy foul on Albacete's ring wing. From the resultant free kick the ball ended up in the net, but the referee blew for a dubious offside. In 36' a rare advance upfield by Malaga saw Cheli putting the ball right onto Baha's feet, but the striker's shot was pulled wide. But it's all Albacete and Goitia was forced to make two excellent saves just before halftime. Hidalgo had the best chance of the game so far though on 45'. A Calleja cross into the box from the left had Salva challenging Javi for the ball on the six yard line. Both striker and goalkeeper went down in a heap and the ball broke to Cheli who quickly passed square to the unmarked Hidalgo, standing in front of an open goal. He snatched at his shot and watched it go unbelievably wide.

Half time Albacete 0 Malaga 0

Muniz made a change at half time with Eliseu coming on for Calleja. But the substitution made no change as the central midfielders struggled to keep possession or make positive passes. In fact in 51' Carpintero, who was having a nightmare of a game, passed straight to an Albacete midfielder who promptly crossed the ball into the box. The unmarked CALAHANDRIA ran in and headed easily past Goitia to put the home side ahead, which they thoroughly deserved. Albacete 1 Malaga 0 Directly after the restart, Albacete almost go 2-0 up with another header, which was just wide. Muniz immediately made his second change, replacing Carpintero with Sandro, who had transformed Malaga the previous week after coming on. In a desperate measure, Muniz made his third change in 64', bringing on Peragon for Cheli. This seemed a peculiar change to me. Malaga were struggling in midfield and should have brought on another midfielder, rather than a third striker. The two existing strikers had seen little enough of the ball to suggest that a third would make any impact. In 67' Rosario was booked for a feet-up tackle as Malaga's defence was tiring after the continuous pressure. It looked to all that Albacete were going to take the three points at 1-0 as Malaga were not providing any threat to Javi's goal. Then in 84' Alegre was given a straight red card for an elbow on Eliseu. Was this the breakthrough that Malaga needed to spur them on? Was Lady Luck about to smile on them again and rescue them from a very poor performance? Well, the answer came in 90'. A ball hooked into the box by Sandro for Peragon resulted in the little striker being pushed to the ground in the penalty box. The referee pointed to the spot. Penalty! Salva strode up and put the ball past Javi. But wait, no. The referee hadn't been ready and ordered a retake. Again SALVA finished the job expertly. Albacete 1 Malaga 1 Albacete did not deserve this reverse and to their credit pushed forward looking for a late winner. Unbelievably, the referee gave a second penalty inside five minutes when Weligton was adjudged to have pushed substitute striker Cesar in the box. BARKERO made no mistake from the spot kick and Albacete got their win. Full time Albacete 2 Malaga 1

Malaga have been living on their reputations for a few weeks now, but their dubious tactics of strong defence, no midfield and long balls to opportunistic strikers finally seems to be catching up on them. They remain on top of the table even after this defeat, but now by only one point over Numancia, whom they face next week in La Rosaleda. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 12:27 AM | Permalink

Malaga returned to La Rosaleda on Sunday 21st October 2007 after their first defeat of the season away to Elche, hoping to return to winning ways against local Andalucian rivals, Xerez, who have been struggling in the lower reaches of the league since the start of the season. In front of a 14,426 crowd, Muniz at last made a change to his "normal" first eleven, by dropping the out of form Paulo Jorge and giving Cheli his first start of the season on the right wing. Salva had again to be content with a place on the bench.

Malaga (4-1-3-2): Goitia; Jesús Gámez, Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Carpintero; Cheli, Hidalgo and Calleja; Peragón and Baha.

Xerez started the game strongly, no doubt having watched the tapes of Malaga's defeat the previous weekend. And so it seemed that the pattern established at Elche was to be followed, as Malaga were pinned back in their own half and the midfield bypassed by long high clearances hoping to reach the forwards - sound familiar? Only after the visitors had come close by striking the woodwork three times in the first twenty minutes, did Muniz realise that he had to make a tactical change or his team would be overrun again. Indeed as early as the 15th minute, he had Sandro warming up on the touchline and sure enough the little playmaker made his entrance in 27' at the expense of Peragon. So Malaga changed to a 4-1-4-1 formation with a beefed up midfield and Baha alone up front. The transformation was immediate with the ball now played along the ground and Malaga started to show more in the game. And within four minutes, Malaga were ahead. Baha ran onto to a through ball and crashed in a shot from twelve yards which the goalkeeper could only parry. ROSSATO was first to pounce and the Brazilian full back made no mistake from 6 yards.

Malaga 1 Xerez 0

In truth the game was completely transformed and whereas before Xerez were dominating the game, now Malaga seemed to be in complete control. Having said that, Muniz seemed to wish to just defend his lead instead of finishing off a very poor Xerez side and so there was to be some nail-biting moments before the final whistle.

Still 1-0 was the final score and Malaga return to their winning ways and remain three points clear at the top of the table.

Next week Malaga are away to another struggling team, Albacete, in yet another live televised match. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be watching!

Goal: http://www.canalsur.es/resources_inf/archivos/2007/10/21/1192995285144malaga-zerez.rm

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 12:25 AM | Permalink

Sunday 14 October 2007 and yet another live televised match for Malaga. The game gets top billing in the absence of La Liga teams because it is an international weekend.

In the Martínez Valero Stadium in Elche, 6,829 spectators showed up to see if the home team could stop Malaga's record-breaking unbeaten run of seven games since the start of the season. During the week, the newspapers had been full of the fact that Malaga's strength this season - the solid back four and in particular, the centre backs, Weligton and Rosario, were to be given their stiffest test yet against two strikers who are the tallest in Spain, with the giant Miguel a mere 6'8" and the Englishman, Noel Williams. Nevertheless, Malaga manager Muniz stuck with the formation that had done so well for him, which meant fit again Salva had to be content with a seat on the sub's bench.

Málaga (4-1-3-2): Goitia; J. Gámez, Rosario, Welington and Rossato; Carpintero; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo and Calleja; Peragón and Baha.

The game started briskly, with goalkeepers having to be alert in the opening minutes, although it was Elche who began to take the initiative, so that Malaga was pushed back with all eleven players in their own half. Indeed the two powerful front men were proving difficult for Malaga's centre backs and as a result, the midfield was again missed out with Malaga reduced to trying to clear their lines and find the front men with high long balls. Elche could have gone ahead in 14 minutes. Pere Martí hurled a throw-in to the near post and Williams back-headed across the goal and just wide of the far post with Goitia watching hopelessly.
With Elche pushing up, the strong running of their forwards and the ineptitude of Malaga's midfield to make any impression on the game, it was no surprise when Elche took the lead in 34 minutes. Víctor Gómis put it a swilrling cross from the right wing and the giant Miguel got in front of Carpentero and chested the ball down to the unmarked FAJARDO running into the box and the Uruguayan shot low past Goitia.

Elche 1 Malaga 0

If Muniz was analysing how his team could back into the game he made the wrong decision at half time. He withdrew the hopeless and completely ineffective Paulo Jorge and brought on another striker, Salva, with the side changing to a 4-3-3 formation. However, the problem lay in the fact that Hidalgo and co in the midfield had been posted missing, so that a third striker just meant that the hopeful clearances from defence had one more opportunity to find somebody. I suppose the strikers have been on form and have been scoring goals from less than half chances, but this was a very poor tactical decision. And before Malaga could even adjust to their new formation, they went behind further. Calleja lost possession at the half way line and the ball was picked up by Noel Williams, who then hared down the vacant right wing. Looking up, he saw his strike partner Miguel loping through the centre of the park and sent in a curving cross to him. The long legged MIGUEL stuck out his leg beyond Weligton to prod the ball home past Goitia.

Elche 2 Malaga 0

The home crowd went into some sort of delirium as they were in total control of the game against a clueless Malaga side and were fulfilling the promise made by the Elche manager David Vidal that they would be the first team to beat the league leaders. His tactics were spot on and Muniz had no answer.

Full time

Elche 2 Malaga 0

See the goals on:

http://www.canalsur.es/resources_inf/archivos/2007/10/15/11924343948571malaga.rm

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 12:24 AM | Permalink

As has become the custom for cup games, the first team regulars are rested and a chance given to the squad members who don't feature in the starting eleven and also an opportunity given to some of the players from the Malaga B team. So the team which faced Tenerife was very different from the normal Malaga line-up. Malaga B centre back Lobato is given a chance at right back and Portuguese misfit is moved from his habitual right wing berth to support Ivan Rosado up front.

Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Lobato, Silva, Jesule and Valcarce; Cheli, Apoño, Sandro, and Eliseu; Paulo Jorge and Iván Rosado.

Just under 9000 spectators were in the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium for the 22:00h kick off in an agreeable temperature of 20C.

Malaga unsurprisingly took time to settle with so many players playing together for the first time. They played high up the field which meant the midfield area became very crowded and unsurprisingly, Tenerife took the lead after 23 minuntes, although through a fortuitous route. First Iriome benefitted from a clearance from Jesule which struck the body of his captain, Valcarce. SILVA went to clear but the ball came off the heel of his boot and went past Arnau for a comical own goal. Tenerife 1 Malaga 0 The goal seemed to wake Malaga up from their lethargic start and they began to have more of the ball. Tenerife were pressed back into defence and Silva almost scored at the Tenerife end when his header off a cross from the left came off the right hand post. Half-time Tenerife 1 Malaga 0 At the interval, Muñiz took the opportunity to recontruct the team. Malaga B centre back Lobato was substituted by Malaga B winger Gerardo, who had shone in the preseason matches. Winger Paulo Jorge, who had been playing behind Ivan Rosado as a second striker, moved to the right back position and Geraldo replaced him up front.
This change seemed to reactivate Malaga in attack, because Gerardo knew how to take advantage of the extraordinary work rate of Iván Rosado. At the same time, Apoño and Sandro entered game and started to impose themselves on midfield. Thus they were able to bring the wingers, Eliseu and Cheli, more into the game. A goal to tie the game was now just a matter of time. And it came in 61' after an excellent combination of passes following a run down the left wing by Eliseu, who passed to Sandro. The movement and intelligence of Rosado and Geraldo created space for ELISEU to take the final pass to score. Tenerife 1 Malaga 1 From that moment the Tenerife did not exist. Not even the successive changes of Oltra to give an offensive breath to the Canary Island side had any repercussion in the game. Definitively the Malaga had everything in its favour. They were superior to their opponents in all the zones of the field and played with tempo. Tenerife, affected psychologically, could not resist the gale. Malaga B right back Javi Ramos came on for Cheli in 72' and Malaga restructured again. Gerardo moved to the right wing and Paulo Jorge moved back upfield. But after a superb cross from the right wing by Gerardo eluded the Tenerife goalkeeper in 76' it was the substitute JAVI RAMOS who got onto the end of the cross to put the tie beyond the home side from five yards at the far post.

Full time: Tenerife 1 Malaga 2

Another victory for Malaga, which means nine played and nine won - a remarkable record. In the fourth round of the Copa, we see the First Division teams enter, so Malaga will be hoping for a glory tie against one of the big guns just to see how close to being ready to competing in La Liga they are.

On Sunday, it's back to league business when Malaga must travel to Elche in another live televised match. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be watching!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 11:14 AM | Permalink

Malaga surpassed their own best start record established in season 1948-49 last week when they went six wins out of six against Poli Ejido. This week they attempt to break the all-time Second Division best start by beating visitors Las Palmas to make it seven wins out of seven games.

It's a still warm 28C at La Rosaleda for the 18:30h Saturday night kick off. Some 15, 832 (official attendance), the biggest crowd of the season so far, have turned up to see the runaway league leaders and most in-form side in Spanish football.

Las Palmas are a team already in the relegation zone, but in Marquez, their main striker and captain, they have the top scorer from last season's campaign and come to this game after a credible 1-0 victory over last season's relegated First Division side Gimnastic. They are big muscular side and play aggressive football, so today's match will represent another challenge to the league leaders.

Malaga have to do again without the injured Salva and Carpintero and retain the same side that defeated Poli last week.

Malaga (4-1-3-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Helder Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Apono; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo and Calleja; Baha and Peragon.

Malaga win the toss and elect to defend the Fondo goal. It's a very bright start and Malaga almost go ahead in the first minute when Baha runs through onto a Jesus Gamez pass, brushes past two defenders and shoots wide from 12 yards. In 3' Malaga keep up the offensive and Hidalgo, who celebrated the birth of his first baby, a son, during the week, is given space to try a shot from 20 yards but he sends the ball well wide. In 4' the Argentine goalkeeper for Las Palmas, Gonzalez, has to boot the ball high into the upper tier with Baha chasing in very quickly.
Las Palmas are set up in a very attacking 4-3-3 line-up and their defending so far has been uncompromising. An indication of this occurs when Malaga win the first corner of the game after 5'. Las Palmas keep their three strikers on the centre line, necessitating Malaga to keep three defenders back to cover them. In 9' Goitia makes his first save when Merino tries a snap shot from 25 yards. The shot is on target and moving and swerving in the air, but the Malaga number 13 holds on to the ball safely. In 11' Jesus Gamez sends in a spectacular long throw from the right touchline and finds Hidalgo all alone in the "D", but the new dad snatches his shot and it flies over the bar. In 14' Paulo Jorge keeps up his record of early bookings when he is cautioned for taking a free kick before the referee has blown his whistle. Eventually the kick is taken, this time by Rossato, but the Brazilian skies the ball well over. In 16', the three front men from the Canary Islands combine well and Marquez beats the offside trap to get through to Goitia. The goalkeeper is grateful to see the shot from the marksman come off his chest and to safety. Whew! It was against the run of play but serves as a reminder of how dangerous a counter-attack can be. In 17' Calleja is chopped down at halfway by full back Lopez Ramos, who is booked. Calleja takes the kick and finds Baha at the far post but the striker puts his shot wide. In 22' Weligton, who is having his toughest afternoon of the season marking Marquez, fouls the striker 20 yards out, conceding a free kick. Trashorras gets his head to the free kick and Goitia has to make another fine save. After such a frenetic start the game slows down and there now follows a midfield battle with many petty free kicks awarded by a fussy referee. In 30' Peragon becomes the second Malaga booking for wrestling down centre back Ione near the centre line. In 32' Las Palmas win their first corner. It comes to Trashorras at the near post but his shot hits the side netting. Trashorras, one of the front three in the 4-3-3 set up pushes through again in 34', but Weligton mops up after Rosario is beaten. In 35' Baha breaks through and is upended in the penalty box - nothing given. In 37' there is a major stooshie when Hidalgo fouls Juanma. Juanma, playing left midfield, has been wearing a rather unattractive face mask and Hidalgo's challenge appeared to have caused it to move slightly. However, the Las Palmas players were soon gathering around the new dad and much pushing and shouting ensued, whilst Juanma lay in a crumpled heap, with rigor mortis setting in, on the ground, unattended by anybody, including his fellow players, the medics or the referee. After the skirmishing had concluded, the referee booked both Hidalgo and Nauzet for their parts in the incident. The very still Juanma was carried off to the sideline for more treatment, but miraculously jumped to his feet and ran onto the pitch chasing a pass down the wing only minutes later. Thus every time he went near the ball afterwards, he was treated to a whistle symphony from the crowd. In 40' Darino becomes the sixth booking of the half so far, for unnecessarily following through on Goitia, with the referee struggling to keep players' tempers under control. In 44' Las Palmas almost snatch the lead after Marquez, who has the beating of Weligton, beats the Brazilian centre back again and passes to Trashorras, whose shot goes straight to Goitia's arms.

Half-time Málaga 0 Las Palmas 0

Unfortunately, there were no changes at half-time, with PJ and Calleja both still on the field despite contributing almost nothing to the proceedings so far. However, just as at the start of the first half, Jesus Gamez sends a long pass forward from his own half for BAHA to sensationally run onto and blast past Gonzalez, for the striker, recently called up to play for Morocco against Namibia later this month, to notch his fourth goal of the season. GGGOOOOAAAALLLLLL!!!!!! What a start to the half and suddenly, every worry is dispelled. Malaga can win this game and maintain their unbeaten record! Only 10 seconds have elapsed in the second half and we are ahead. Yippee!!! Malaga 1 Las Palmas 0 In 49' Jesus Gamez almost becomes provider again with a lung bursting run to the by-line; he crosses to Calleja at the far post, but the winger's header comes off the full back and over for a corner. In 51' Paulo Jorge gets in his first cross of the game to find Peragon. The little striker somehow out jumps the centre back to head powerfully towards goal and Gonzalez does well to tip the ball just over the bar. But Peragon is penalised for an infringement anyway, In 52' Nauzet is replaced by Adrian in the first of the game's substitutions. In 56' Baha, who has been a handful for the Las Palmas defence, gets a cross to Calleja, whose effort is booted out of play by Gonzalez. In 60' Las Palmas make another change, bringing on Pitu for Lopez Ramos. In 62' Gonzalez is booked for trying to take an offside free kick some 20 yards from the position of the crime. The crowd jeers "loco, loco!" In 64' the hobbling Peragon, who has suffered some treatment at the hands of the central defenders, particularly Ione, is replaced by Ivan Rosado, making his first appearance for Malaga in the league this season. In 66' Baha gives away a free kick 30 yards out. Las Palmas show that they are still a threat when Trashorras' kick is just tipped over by Goitia. In 69' Calleja is replaced by Eliseu. Merino is replaced by giant striker Casanova for Las Palmas' last substitution of the game. In 72' Weligton concedes another free kick after harassment from Marquez, but is the defender who powerfully heads the danger clear from the resultant free kick. The ball falls to Eliseu who tries to sprint forward with the ball, but he's tripped. However, the ball falls to Paulo Jorge, so the referee waves "play on", but Juanpa trips the Portuguese winger and they both crash to the ground. In 76' the ineffective Hidalgo, who is playing on past glories for his place in the team just now, is unbelievably given offside in his own half. The free kick is taken on the centre line! In 77' the masked one, Juanma, is booked for bringing down Paulo Jorge. His booking brings much delight to the home crowd. In 80' Ivan Rosado breaks through on goal, with the goal gaping in front of him. Showing a lack of confidence, he tries to square the ball to Baha and the chance to put the game well beyond Las Palmas is deflected for a corner. Eliseu takes the corner on the left and sends in a high looping swerving ball, which Gonzalez does well to prevent going in just under the bar at the far post. What a goal that would have been! In 84' Cheli is at last brought on for Paulo Jorge. Pitu is booked for a foul on Ivan Rosado. In 86' Baha keeps up the pressure by winning another corner. The ball breaks to Rossato, famed for his Roberto Carlos like shooting power. His daisy cutter is saved down low by Gonzalez. In 89' another excellent overlap by Jesus Gamez and the full back's cross finds Ivan Rosado alone 2 yards out in front of goal. Inexplicably, the striker manages to put his shot over the bar! In 90' Las Palmas win a corner on their left. For a few anxious moments we wait for the kick to be taken as Malaga pull everybody back to defend. When the cross comes over though, Goitia rises to catch and hold the ball. The fourth official says there are four added minutes to what has been an excellent football match to watch. In 92' Cheli breaks through the middle and passes square to Ivan Rosado. Surely the little striker will score this time, but no, his shot comes off the advancing Gonzalez. However IVAN ROSADO gets to the rebound first and crashes the ball into the back of the net to seal the game. Full time Málaga 2 Las Palmas 0

Malaga's record breaking run continues, but the news from Alicante is that Hercules have been beaten by Sporting, who remain second, still four points adrift. This performance has been one of Malaga's better one's against a tough team to break down and who will cause problems for many of the other teams in this league. Next week, we shall have to see if Malaga can keep their run going in another tough game away to Elche. It is being shown live on Canal+ in Spain next Sunday, so, never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there in front of a TV in Bar La Veradera watching!

Crime Count:
Yellow cards = 9: Malaga 3 (Paulo Jorge, Peragon and Hidalgo). Las Palmas 6 (Lopez Ramos, Nauzet, Darino, Gonzalez, Juanma and Pitu) Red cards = 0

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 7:02 PM | Permalink

We made the two hour trip up the Mediterranean coast to El Ejido, along with a 1000 other Malaga supporters, to see if Malaga could make history by beating the previous best start in the Second Division of five wins and a draw by beating Poli Ejido to make it six out of six.

Salva was again out injured and so too was Carpintero, both injured during the week's training sessions , so Muniz was forced to changed his winning side. His changes were minimal, bringing in Apono to replace Carpintero as defensive midfielder and drafting in Ivan Rosado to replace Salva on the bench.

Teams:

Poli Ejido (4-2-3-1): Bello Serans; De Muner, Rodri, Tena, Almirón; Usero and Juan; Gerardo, Moreno and Mario Bermejo; Jorge Molina.

Málaga: (4-1-3-2): Goitia ; Jesús Gámez, Hélder Rosário, Weligton and Rossato; Apoño; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo and Calleja: Peragón and Baha.

Malaga got off to the best of starts by going ahead after only 12 minutes. The ineffectual Paulo Jorge sliced his cross into the box, where Baha and Peragon were waiting. It didn't reach either of them, but instead went straight to a defender, who in turn sliced his clearance. Baha was first to pounce and slide the ball in front of the unmarked PERAGON, standing alone at the far post and the little striker stroked the ball home from 6 yards.

Poli Ejido 0 Malaga 1

Although Malaga were in their usual first half formation i.e. strong defence, no midfield and two hardworking strikers, Poli Ejido could not take advantage and the game became a scrappy affair with the ball spending long periods in outer space high above the playing surface.
The only shots on goal were from Baha in 17 minutes which was weakly struck and went straight to Bello Serans in the Poli goal and Molina and Bermejos for Polideportivo with shots on the half hour that Goitia was able to gather with ease.

Half time Poli Ejido 0 Malaga 1

It was no surprise that the continually underperforming Paulo Jorge was taken off at half time, with the direct substitution of Cheli on the right wing. The new player made an immediate impact with strong runs down the right wing which surprised the local left back with his pace and skill.
But it was Poli Ejido who started the brighter and started to impose themselves on the Malaga defence. The two central defenders, Rosario and Weligton, did not look so commanding in this match as in previous games and the local team seemed to grow in confidence. They got their reward in 53' when a corner swung across from their right met their centre forward's head for a free header (Rosario was nowhere near him) but the striker's effort went high over the bar. But, what's this, the referee is pointing to the spot! Weligton had wrestled another player off the ball onto the ground and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty. BERMERJO made no mistake with a well taken spot kick.

Poli Ejido 1 Malaga 1

As has happened in previous games when Malaga have suffered such a set back, they went up the field and scored again! Hidalgo, who had hitherto been anonymous, appeared on the left wing and was pressed by the right back into the corner. He somehow managed to get free and run along the by-line and the goalkeeper Bello Serans came out of his goal to try and stop him. Hidalgo however managed to get the ball into the box where Calleja was waiting but the ball was deflected into his own net by TENA.

Poli Ejido 1 Malaga 2

The game was still evenly balanced although Malaga had the one goal advantage and were determined to hold onto it.
In 78' Eliseu came on for the tiring Calleja. Again his impact was palpable as he has genuine pace and is very willing to run the length of the park with the ball, which he did on a number of occasions, easing the burden of his defence and creating a counterattacking move.

Rossato, the Brazilian left back with the shot of Roberto Carlos, took a free kick from 30 yards, after Eliseu had been hacked down in 81' after one such mazy run. His shot whizzed past the wall and everybody in the box and Bello Serans did well to stop the shot, but was unable to hold onto the ball. He spilled it and PERAGON nipped in first to tap home his second of the match from close range.

Poli Ejido 1 Malaga 3

The game was won, wasn't it? Poli Ejido didn't think so and in 85' substitute Juli scored an excellent goal from 25 yards after some neat passing moves in midfield to make the final minutes a bit nervy for the visitors.

Poli Ejido 2 Malaga 3

With the small crowd of local fans driving them, the home team went all out for the equaliser and in the final minutes struck the woodwork twice as Malaga were reduced to some desperate defending.

Nonetheless, they could have extended their lead in the final minute of stoppage time when Eliseu took the ball from his own half and ran the full length of the pitch with Hidalgo and Baha running along with him in support down the centre of the field. However, instead of passing square to either of his team-mates the winger went for glory and shot well wide.

Full time Poli Ejido 2 Malaga 3

An excellent result for Malaga, if not an excellent performance, but their 100% record remains intact and, with Numancia being beaten 0-2 by Sporting, extending their lead at the top of the table to four points.

Next week they have a chance to make it seven wins in a row against Canary Island strugglers Las Palmas at La Rosaleda. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Clasificación

1 Málaga 18
2 Sporting 14
3 Numancia 13
---------------------------
4 R. Ferrol 13
5 Hércules 11
6 Sevilla At 11
7 Castellón 10
8 Gimnástic 10
9 R.Sociedad 10
10 Córdoba 9
11 Elche 8
12 Tenerife 8
13 Eibar 7
14 Celta 7
15 Cádiz 7
16 Xerez 6
17 Granada74 5
18 Salamanca 4
----------------------------
19 Las Palmas 4
20 Alavés 3
21 Poli Ejido 3
22 Albacete 1

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:50 AM | Permalink

Sunday 23 September 2008 and Malaga have an 18:00h kick off in 28C temperatures in the live televised match against newly promoted Eibar.

Eibar have done comparatively well so far in this division, beating relegated teams Celta Vigo and Nástic and conceding only two goals (one a penalty) in the opening four games. They play a deep defensive game, relying on swift counterattacks and will be a difficult nut for Malaga to crack.

Malaga welcome the return of talisman striker Salva after he recovered from his knee injury but he has to be content with a seat on the bench as Muniz continues to play an unchanged starting line-up to the two previous games in which his team has netted seven times.

Malaga (4-1-3-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Carpintero; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo and Calleja; Baha and Peragon.

Eibar, who normally play in red and blue stripes, similar to Barcelona, confuse me with their change strip of the green and white hoops of Celtic! They even have a right winger with ginger hair (Txiki) who reminds me of Jimmy Johnstone!

It's Eibar who start off the brightest, perhaps looking for an early goal to quieten the 15, 205 crowd (Malaga's biggest home game so far this season). In the first minute, Weligton concedes a free kick in a dangerous position, 30 yards out. Baha is back defending and heads clear.

But Eibar keep pressing and win the first corner of the game in 3', conceded by Weligton. Hidalgo is first to the ball to clear.

In the 4' Baha goes close when he picks up a loose ball in midfield and runs towards the goal. His strong shot is well saved by ex-Atletico Madrid keeper Cuellar, low at the post.

In 12' Jesus Gamez is the first booking for tugging the shirt of Lombrana when the winger was free on the centre line with only Goitia between him and the goal.

It's end to end stuff in these opening minutes and Calleja overhits his pass to Baha in 15' which allows Cuellar to rush out and gather first.

In 20' Txiki (Jimmy Johnstone) is proving a handful for Rossato down Eibar's right. He is strong and powerful but after getting in a good position, his shot sails over the bar.

In 22' Jesus Gamez gets to the bye-line to cross to the leaping Peragon, but Cuellar is again first to the ball.

In 23' Baha tries a diving header from a pass from Paulo Jorge but can't reach the ball and the half chance is gone.

In 25' Eibar almost score when Txiki's header beats Goitia but Weligton manages to scramble the ball clear. Paulo Jorge is fouled by Insa as he collects the ball and the Eibar midfielder is booked.

In 26' Malaga win their first corner. Paulo Jorge, who seems to have a roving commission again, takes the kick but he doesn't pass the first defender.

In 30' an excellent long throw from Jesus Gamez reaches the centre of the six yard box, but there are no takers.

In 32' Rosario, who is commanding in defence, again heads clear in a crowded box after another excellent run down the wing by Txiki.

Malaga are living dangerously, defending quite deep and without any recognisable midfield play. Hidalgo has been very quiet and the two wingers, Paulo Jorge and Calleja ineffective. This means that the defence is being overworked and their tendency is to boot the ball long up to the forwards, missing out midfield. The result is that possession is invariably given away and the defence put back under pressure again. This has been a consistent factor in each of Malaga's first half performances so far this season.

In 37' the dangerous Txiki sends in a glorious cross across the six yard line. The ball passes five Malaga players, including Goitia, all despairingly trying to get a touch.

Fortunately, no Eibar forward was able to get the touch which would almost certainly have produced a goal.

In 40' Brazilian full back Rossato gets forward for the first time, after being pegged back by Txiki up till this point. Rossato drives the ball hard low across the penalty area. Baha gets to it but lifts the ball over the bar.

In 44' Del Olmo is booked for barging into Peragon.

Half time Malaga 0 Eibar 0
A poor first half from Malaga, with the midfield posted missing, but they have managed to keep the score at 0-0 against an Eibar side who look very sound in defence and showing no respect for their hosts.

Muniz unsurprisingly makes two changes at the start of the second half. Salva and Cheli come on for Peragon and Paulo Jorge respectively. Paulo Jorge, on loan from Benfica, has been very disappointing and the more experienced Cheli will at least stay on the right touchline and provide some service to the strikers.

Eibar almost take the lead in the first minute of the second half, with Malaga players pausing expecting a free kick to be awarded after Carpintero goes down like a sack o' tatties. There is no whistle and burly striker Goiria runs through to strike a shot which beats Goitia but comes off the crossbar.

In 48' Cheli shows what good wing play can do with good running down the right, but twice in succession his crosses are too near the keeper.

The substitutions have galvanised Malaga, who have upped the tempo and are taking the game to Eibar.

In 50' Calleja's cross from the left wing is headed behind for a corner, which is then punched clear under pressure from Salva by Cuellar.

Then in 51' Jesus Gamez and Cheli combine down the right, allowing the full back to reach the bye-line to cross for Salva to head just over.

In 52' Salva, who has made an impact since he came on, slips a sweet pass between the two centre backs for Calleja to run onto, but the wing man is offside.

Aware of the impact of Salva, Eibar replace midfielder Insa for giant centre back Medina, to try and stifle the striker. Eibar are now playing with three centre backs and two full backs across the back, almost declaring that 0-0 would do them.

In 57' Calleja runs down the left wing. He has three men around him, so it's not looking good, but somehow he manages to get his cross into BAHA who is waiting at the near post. With a tight angle and under pressure from Medina, the Moroccan nevertheless manages to blast the ball past Cuellar at his near post for a wonder goal! GOAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!!! What a goal! It was no more than a half chance, but Baha has shown that he is very capable to scoring goals out of nothing.

Malaga 1 Eibar 0

In 67' centre back and captain Martino is substituted by Eibar for striker Yague as Eibar try to retrieve something from the game.

In 70' Salva and Calleja combine well down the left, but the winger runs out of puff and Cuellar can rush out to clear the danger.

The game gets bogged down in midfield as Malaga ease their foot off the gas, seemingly happy to defend their one goal lead, although in truth, Eibar have not really shown themselves as capable of finishing off their counterattacks.

In 75' Eliseu comes on for the tired Calleja on the left wing.

In 78' Eibar take off defender Alana for another attacker in Medina and go 3-4-3.

In 80' Cheli is booked for a tackle from behind.

In 81' after a confrontation with the fourth official on the touchline, Eibar's manager, Javier "Manix" Mandiola, is sent to the stands by the referee.

In 82' Cheli puts Salva through, but the big striker miss kicks.

In 85' Salva returns the favour, but Cheli loses the angle and his shot goes wide.

In 86' Eibar almost equalise when Weligton slips allowing Goiria through. The big No.9's shot goes just over.

In 89' Hidalgo caps a poor display by his standards with a booking for barging Goiria.

In 90' striker Medina is booked for a foul on Rossato.

In 91' Salva does well to get the ball across goal after beating two men tight at the corner flag. His cross is met by Baha who shoots just over.

Full time Malaga 1 Eibar 0

So Malaga maintain their 100% record after five games and remain on top of the table. It was a far from convincing display, but they still managed to overcome a difficult team to break down with another wonder goal.

Next week, Malaga are away to Andalucian rivals and bogey team, Poli Ejido, who were thrashed 4-1 this weekend. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

2ª DIVISIÓN

Málaga 15
Numancia 13
Sporting de Gijón 11
------------------------------
Gimnástic 10
R. Ferrol 10
Hércules 10
R. Sociedad 9
Córdoba 8
Sevilla At. 8
Castellón 7
Tenerife 7
Celta 7
Cádiz 7
Eibar 7
Xerez 5
Elche 5
Granada74 4
Salamanca 3
---------------------------------
Poli Ejido 3
Alavés 2
Las Palmas 1
Albacete 1

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:50 AM | Permalink

An 11,000 crowd turned up to match this live televised match between the early co-leaders of La Segunda this season.

Muniz had yet again to select a team without striker Salva, still injured after some close scrutiny by the Alaves defenders three weeks ago. But the front two pairing of Baha and Peragón has looked solid in the past two games and Salva may have trouble getting his place back. Also, despite the inadequacies of his first half selections in the previous three games in the centre of midfield, Muniz refused to change a winning team.

Málaga (4-1-3-2): Goitia; Jesús Gámez, Wellington, Hélder, Rossato; Carpintero; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo and Calleja; Baha and Roberto Peragón.

Malaga got off to a dream start in the first minute, when PERAGON ran onto a through ball down the right wing behind the defence and crashed his shot home from 8 yards. Castellon 0 Malaga 1 Although Malaga seemed to give up the midfield (as has happened in the three previos games) Castellon's passing was not good enough to trouble Malaga's defence. Paulo Jorge and Calleja repeatly swapped wings durin the half in a effort to see more of the ball, but this more often than not left the wings completely open and unguarded. Half-time Castellon 0 Malaga 1 Castellon came out after the break looking more composed and Malaga were living dangerously defending their slender lead. The ineffective Calleja was replaced by the more direct Elliseu in 54'. Then in the 64' Hidalgo slotted a ball for BAHA to run onto and he cheekily shot through the advancing goalkeeper's legs to make it 2-0. Castellon 0 Malaga 2 Malaga were ahead through two opportunist goals and looked as though they were more than capable of scoring more. With Elliseu providing width, which had been missing hitherto, the malagueños dominated the centre of the field for a spell, thanks to the great work of Santi Carpintero and Antonio Hidalgo.
But when a striker, Peragon, was replaced by a third centre half, Silva, in 73', we knew that Muniz was ready to settle for the 2-0 scoreline for the final fifteen minutes or so. Of course the inevitable happened and Castellon pulled one back in 80' after a mix-up between Weligton and Goitia allowed Nakor to hook the ball home and give the home team some hope. Castellon 1 Malaga 2 Malaga, though, again impressed their superiority over Castellon with a third goal in 84' after a good passing movement down the left eventually found HIDALGO on his own in the box. He was at an impossible angle for a shot (we all thought) and whilst everyone was waiting for the cross back across the six yard line, the midfielder crashed the ball home just under the crossbar. Castellon 1 Malaga 3 Surely now the game was won. But there was one more final twist in 89' when Rossato allowed the Castellon right winger to retrieve the ball near the corner flag and send a cross over the defence to the waiting Reggi, who scored from two yards, to cause much anxiety in the Malaga ranks. Full time Castellon 2 Malaga 3

This result means that Malaga remain undefeated in their opening four games and remain in pole position in the Second Division table.
Next Sunday, they are home to newly promoted Eibar. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

P W D. L F. A. P.
1 Málaga 4 4 0 0 11 3 12
2 Numancia 4 3 1 0 10 3 10
3 R. Ferrol 4 3 1 0 8 3 10
4 Sporting 4 2 2 0 9 3 8
5 Hércules 4 2 2 0 7 4 8
6 Gimnástic 4 2 1 1 5 3 7
7 Cádiz 4 2 1 1 4 3 7
8 Eibar 4 2 1 1 3 2 7
9 Sevilla At 4 2 1 1 3 2 7
10 Castellón 4 2 0 2 6 5 6
11 R.Sociedad 4 2 0 2 4 5 6
12 Elche 4 1 2 1 3 3 5
13 Tenerife 4 1 2 1 4 5 5
14 Córdoba 4 1 2 1 5 7 5
15 Celta 4 1 1 2 3 4 4
16 Granada74* 3 1 0 2 6 6 3
17 Poli Ejido 4 1 0 3 2 8 3
18 Xerez 4 0 2 2 4 7 2
19 Alavés 4 0 1 3 1 5 1
20 Las Palmas 4 0 1 3 5 11 1
21 Albacete 4 0 1 3 2 8 1
22 Salamanca* 3 0 0 3 0 5 0

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 6:58 PM | Permalink

Malaga went into their third league game of the season against newly promoted local rivals Cordoba without their talisman striker, Salva, out with a knee injury. Otherwise manager Muniz kept the same squad and team with Peragon replacing Salva and forward Ivan Rosado replacing Peragon on the bench.

Malaga (4-1-3-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Helder Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Carpintero; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo and Calleja; Baha and Peragon.

The opening minutes revealed Cordoba's game plan. Press for every ball and win every loose ball in midfield. Then use pace to mount a counter attack. Once again, with Hidalgo alone in the centre of midfield, Malaga seemed to give up the midfield area as Carpintero is very much a defensive midfielder and works very close to the back four. So the 13,644 crowd (and a live television audience) were treated to some backs to the wall defending and Cordoba produced the first goal attempt with centre back Pablo Ruiz beating Rosario to a cross and heading just over after 8'. Malaga were up against it in midfield and gave away a number of silly free kicks as they desperately tried to get hold of the ball. Cordoba's quick style was unsettling the more steadied build up preferred by Malaga. In 10' Goitia had to be first to a free kick hit hard into his crowded penalty area to punch clear. Goitia was seeing rather a lot of the ball in these early stages and tried kicking to wings or throwing to his defenders, but always the same effect - the ball came back to him. So, in 14', he tries a route one approach and launches a kick into the heavens and way upfield for Baha to chase. The striker does well to control the ball and slip the ball to Peragon to shoot. The little striker gets his shot in but is fouled in the attempt and ROSSATO steps up to hit a powerful direct free kick away from the Cordoba keeper Julio Iglesias's out-stretched arms. What a goal! What a GOOOOOAAALLLL!!!! It's the full back's first goal for his new club.

Malaga 1 Cordoba 0

The goal is against the run of play but seems to waken Malaga up a little and the game opens up.
In 18' Paulo Jorge becomes the first player booked for a studs-up tackle near the centre line. In 20' Juanlu breaks through dangerously, going past Weligton but Goitia manages to block the shot. But in 22' Cordoba get their just desserts and draw level. Pineda runs onto a through ball in the "D". Rosario slips and left back Rossato, leaving Alavez unmarked, has to run across the penalty area to provide cover. Pineda is forced to his left but manages to cross back across the goalmouth to ALAVEZ who scores from a free header at the left hand post.

Malaga 1 Cordoba 1

In 27' Calleja is booked not retiring 10 yards at a free kick. In the next two minutes Cordoba mount attacks on the Malaga goal and on both occasions make penalty appeals, which are ignored by the referee. In 30' the referee runs across to the visitor's bench and sends the Cordoba manager to the stands for protesting too much. In 32' Cordoba take a quick free kick from halfway, trying to lob Goitia - but the ball sails over the bar. In 33' Rossato sends a long cross field diagonal for Paulo Jorge to run onto down the right wing but the winger hits his shot wide. Taking a breather, we can see that Paulo Jorge seems to have a free role, more often than not finding himself on the left wing, looking for the ball. This means the right wing is left to Jesus Gamez to defend/manage on his own. Also Hidalgo, Malaga's most influential midfielder last season, has yet to touch the ball. In 37' Hidalgo at last gets a despairing first touch of the ball and gives away possession. In 39' Paulo Jorge passes to Calleja from the right wing. The left winger hits a shot which is deflected for a corner. In 41' the corner is eventually taken after some delays whilst the referee sorts out some argy-bargy in the penalty box. Paulo Jorge takes the inswinger corner and is defended out only to ROSARIO to boot the ball home from 12 yards. It's the centre back's first goal for his new club. In 42' Pineda is booked for fouling Goitia.

Malaga 2 Cordoba 1

At half-time, Muniz makes his first change bringing on Eliseu for the ineffective Calleja. In truth he could also have changed Hidalgo and Paulo Jorge who have been posted mostly missing during the first half. Malaga start brightly and Baha has a chance in 47' when he receives a pass from Eliseu 30 yards out but his effort flies over. In 51' Rossato is booked for diving. In 53' Eliseu beats two men on the left wing before firing in a cross, but the danger is cleared by a defensive header. In 56' Peragon slips the ball past the two central defenders for Hidalgo to run one on one with Julio Iglesias. The keeper blocks the midfielder's first attempt, but HIDALGO keeps his balance and is able to prod the ball home from 12 yards.

Malaga 3 Cordoba 1

Malaga have been on top since the interval and well deserve their lead. Apono comes on for the tiring Peragon. Malaga go 4-1-3-1-1 with Hidalgo pushed up in support of Baha. Malaga are in full swing now and in 62' Hidalgo intercepts a poor pass and makes it to the by-line. He turns the ball across the goalmouth and BAHA is there to head home from 6 yards. It's the striker's first goal for his new club!

Malaga 4 Cordoba 1

It's game over now for Cordoba, who have been punished by some lethal finishing and their early high tempo game has taken its toll on the players. There now follows a flurry of substitutions and bookings as the players tire and the result is no longer on doubt. In 63' Juanlu is replaced by Gizana for Cordoba. Then in 66' the disappointing Paulo Jorge is replaced by Cheli. In 67' Pineda comes off for Katkorro. In 71' Hidalgo takes a free kick but Weligton heads over. In 72' Dani is booked for scything down Eliseu, who has been very lively on the left wing. In 78' Pablo Ruiz is booked for persistent fouling. In 79' Apono is booked for holding. In 81' Hidalgo has the ball in the net again with Iglesias well beaten but he is adjudged to be offside. In 84' Pablo Ruiz is booked again, this time for hacking down Cheli. It's his second booking and he's sent off. In 85' Baha is booked for barging.

Final score Malaga 4 Cordoba 1

A convincing and well deserved scoreline for Malaga which retains their unbeaten opening record and propels them three points clear at the top of the Second Division. It's a great start of the season for Malaga and the supporters are rightly euphoric after the disappointment of last season.
But it's a long road ahead with 39 matches yet to be played before we can be sure of promotion. Still, for just now, we are all very, very happy.

La Segunda Classification

Equipo P W D L G.F. G.A. Pts.
1 Málaga 3 3 0 0 8 1 9
2 R. Ferrol 3 2 1 0 7 3 7
3 Numancia 3 2 1 0 6 2 7
4 Gimnástic 3 2 1 0 5 2 7
5 Hércules 3 2 1 0 6 4 7
6 Sevilla At 3 2 1 0 3 1 7
7 Castellón 3 2 0 1 4 2 6
8 Sporting 3 1 2 0 7 3 5
9 Elche 3 1 2 0 3 2 5
10 Eibar 3 1 1 1 2 2 4
11 Tenerife 3 1 1 1 4 5 4
12 R.Sociedad 3 1 1 1 1 2 4
13 Granada74 3 1 0 2 6 6 3
14 Cádiz* 2 1 0 1 2 2 3
15 Xerez 3 0 2 1 4 5 2
16 Córdoba 3 0 2 1 4 7 2
17 Celta 3 0 1 2 2 4 1
18 Albacete 3 0 1 2 1 3 1
19 Las Palmas 3 0 1 2 3 8 1
20 Poli Ejido 3 0 1 2 1 7 1
21 Alavés 3 0 0 3 0 4 0
22 Salamanca* 2 0 0 2 0 4 0

* Cadiz-Salamanca is a late kick off on Sunday night. But the result does not affect Malaga's position at the top of the table.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:12 PM | Permalink

Wednesday 5 September 2007 and a 21:00h kick off for a second round tie of the Copa del Rey, when the big clubs join the competition for the first time and which most of the bigger clubs use as an opportunity to give the fringe players in their squad some much needed match practice.

Malaga and Celta Vigo were no different and Malaga fielded a side with no fewer than 10 players changed from the side that started against Alaves in the league at the weekend.

Málaga (4-4-1-1): Arnau; Raúl Gaitán, Silva, Jesule, Valcarce (subbed by Iván Rosado, 70'); Cheli, Apoño, Sandro (subbed by Stosic, 54'), Gerardo (subbed by Calleja, 52'; Paulo Jorge; Peragón.

After going a goal down after 5 minutes, Malaga Reserves' style of play (or should that be no play) looked very remenicent of last year.

In the second half though Muñiz made some changes and Malaga ended the better side, punishing Celta for wanting to hang onto their slender 1-0 lead. A 30 yard screamer from Gaitán turned the game on the hour, then Malaga hit the bar and Cheli missed another sitter as he did on sunday (at least he's getting in the right places, that's a start).

Calleja was brought down for a heavily disputed penalty, but the ref was right behind him and immediately pointing to the spot. Apoño made it 2-1 and Malaga progresses to the next round of the Copa del Reyserves.

11,137 official attendance.

See the goals on:
http://www.canalsur.es/resources_inf/archivos/2007/9/6/11890849097462malaga.rm

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:15 PM | Permalink

Malaga travelled to the far north of Spain, involving an overnight stay in Madrid on the journey north to Vittoria, near the French border, to play Alaves in their first away game of the season.

In front of 6,278 spectators and a live Canal+ TV audience, the game was delayed for a minute's silence in honour of Sevilla player, 22 years old Antonio Puerta, who died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack during Sevilla's opening game last weekend against Getafe.

Manager Muniz unsurprisingly chose the exact same squad and team after last week's opener at home, in the 3-0 win against Salamanca.

Teams:

Alavés (4-2-3-1): Bernardo; Edu Alonso, Pablo Casar, Mateo and Tarantino; Astudillo, Mehdi Lacen; Samuel Bayón and José María Mena, (Wellington Paulista, m. 59) and Toni Moral; David Aganzo.

Málaga (4-1-3-2): Goitia; Jesús Gámez, Helder Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Paulo Jorge, Antonio Hidalgo, Carpintero, Calleja, Salva and Baha.

The early play was a midfield battle with no team able to dominate proceedings, although Alaves seemed to be camped in Malaga's half without threatening the visitor's goal.

The first shot on target in the game came from Antonio Hidalgo, when the ball came to him after a corner in 27', but it went straight into the arms of Bernardo in the Alaves goal.

Then in 30', Alaves went close when Jose Maria Mena got his head to a corner at the other end and with Goitia beaten, watched the ball come off the far post.

Alaves intensified their territorial dominion, with very physical soccer, as Malaga's line-up, with Carpintero playing very deep just in front of the back four, meant that Hidalgo was alone in the centre of midfield.

However, in 33' Salva had a great opportunity to open the scoring, turning onto a pass at the edge of the box with just the goalkeeper to beat, but his left foot shot went just wide of the post.

Mena continued to be the home side's main threat and in 44', required Malaga keeper Goitia to make a great point blank reaction save.

Half time Alaves 0 Malaga 0

After the interval, the game continued in much the same vein with Alaves pressing and Malaga on the back foot. For Malaga, Salva remained the target for any forward pass and he received some rough treatment from the Alaves defenders.

In 50', Samuel Bayón sent in a great shot from outside the area after splendid play from Toni Moral and again Goitia kept his side in the game with a good save.

Malaga continued in second half with the same tactical scheme of the first half, depending on strong defence to try to surprise Alaves in a counterattack.

Malaga's formation relies on the two wingers to create the space and deliver crosses to the two strikers. However, both Paulo Jorge and Calleja were ineffective, even though they did try swapping wings on several occasions. So it was no surprise that both were substituted, Paulo Jorge by Cheli in 55' and Calleja by Eliseu Pereira in 69'. In fact it wasn't until Eliseu came on and starting running at the Alaves defence down the left wing that Malaga came to life, in what was looking to be a stalemate 0-0 draw.

Before he came on, Iñaki Goitia in Malaga's goal was forced to make another fine save in 68' pushing the ball over the crossbar from a header by Alaves defender Pablo.

Alaves almost scored a cheeky goal, when Bernardo booted a long ball from his penalty area for Brazilian striker Wellington Paulista to run onto in 75'. He was one on one with Goitia who rushed off his line and indeed out of his penalty area to try and deny the Brazilian. Paulista tried to lift the ball over the goalkeeper's head but his shot went wide.

The following minute, Salva limped off to be replaced by Roberto Peragon, making his debut for Malaga.

In 78' after another excellent run down the left by Eliseu Pereira, who sent in a measured cross which was met by a well placed header from Roberto Peragon, which flashed into the net with his first touch of the ball.

Alaves 0 Malaga 1

The goal seemed to inspire Malaga who should have made it 0-2 when Eliseu, completely alone, shot over the crossbar in 81'.

At the other end, Alaves forward David Aganzo had the chance to tie the score in 85', but shot past the near post, by few centimetres.

Finally, Cheli had a great chance to increase Malaga's lead in 87' when he received a cross from Eliseu, but with the goal wide open he shot over from 8 yards.

So, Malaga took three golden points in their first away game of the season, which puts the team from the Costa del Sol at the top of the league, with two games played. Only 40 more to go!

Downside: in a very physical game, the referee booked the following:

Alaves: Pablo Casar (58'), Wellington Paulista (72'), David Aganzo (74'), physio Iñaki 'Tasio' Fernández de Monje (73') and Sergio Rodríguez (80');

Málaga: Weligton (19'), Javi Calleja (42'), Cheli (72'), Antonio Hidalgo (79') and Eliseu (90+3').

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:02 PM | Permalink

The first game of the new season, always eagerly awaited, came on Sunday 26 August 2007, with a kick off time of 17:30h, in full bright sunshine and with temperatures in the high 30's, in front of an 11,750 crowd and live TV cameras.

The Segunda looks to be every bit as competitive this season with no fewer than 15 teams out of 22 who have played in La Liga and who all wish to return as quickly as possible. But there are only three promotion slots!

There are eight different clubs in the Segunda this season compared to last, with three down (Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo and Gimnastic), four up (Cordoba, Sevilla Atletico, Racing Ferrol and Eibar) and the controversial inclusion of Granada 74, a club which jumped 300 places from the minor leagues when Cuidad de Murcia was bought, renamed and relocated. It was only at 16:00h on Friday night that FIFA, UEFA and the Spanish FA (RFEF) agreed to their inclusion after meetings in Zurich and Lausanne in Switzerland by independent tribunals.

Manager Muniz has made sweeping changes to his squad, with over 25 players leaving the club during the summer and eleven new signings in his first team squad of 25. In his first eleven of the season, Muniz had no fewer than six players making their official first team debuts.

Malaga (4-1-3-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Helder Rosario, Weligton and Rossato; Carpintero; Paulo Jorge, Hidalgo and Calleja; Salva and Baha.

Salamanca appear in their change shirts of bright orange (like Blackpool), whilst Malaga were in their normal blue and white stripes. We had to wait four minutes for the first goalmouth action and it was from Salamanca, but their striker's effort went well wide. In these early periods, Salamanca are dominating the game and we had to wait until the 9th minute before Malaga's first attack. Salva received a pass from fellow striker, Baha, who has one Moroccan cap, but the big forward had to turn and shoot and the result was high and wide. Malaga went closer two minutes later when Paulo Jorge (on loan from Benfica) sent a long cross over from the right wing. Salva headed the ball back across the goal to Hidalgo, who sent his drive just over the top. Malaga are looking menacing down the wings and Calleja appears down the left and finds Baha with his cross. Baha hits it on the volley and puts it wide. Then Salamanca took over and first Sanchez then Quique Martin run onto passes sending their shots just wide of the posts. In 19' Paulo Jorge is the first man booked for an energetic tackle from behind in midfield. Salamanca force the first corner of the game in 22' which Jesus Gamez heads clear. In 23' Malaga's best move of the game so far after a run down the left wing by Calleja. The winger finds Hidalgo clear in the box, but instead of finishing, he turns, looking for Salva and passes back to him. The striker is not expecting the pass and Salamanca recover to clear the danger. In 24' Jesus Gamez takes a throw to Paulo Jorge. He takes the return and sends in an inch perfect cross to SALVA who heads home powerfully from 6 yards. GOOOAAALLLL!!! It seemed to come out of nothing and was Malaga's first shot on target, but it's the first goal of Malaga's season and they are 1-0 up! Malaga 1 Salamanca 0 As was normal last season, Malaga seemed to go to sleep after their goal and allowed Salamanca to get back into the game. With Hidalgo alone in Malaga's centre midfield, Salamanca dominated proceedings with their playmaker, Cristo, particularly taking the eye.
They came closest to scoring an equaliser in 37' when Baha concedes a free kick 30 yards out from goal. The effort flies over the defensive wall and lands at Carpintero's feet. The defensive midfielder tries to hook the ball away, but instead deflects the ball such that Goitia had to make a full length diving save at his far post to push the ball around for a corner.

Half time Malaga 1 Salamanca 0

Malaga start brightly and Paulo Jorge heads across a deep Calleja cross to Salva on the six yard line, but goalkeeper Alberto makes a fine point blank save. Salva is a good six yard box player and is thriving on the service he is receiving from both wingers. In 50' Hidalgo is brought down and Rossato (who scored 10 goals from fullback for Benfica last season) takes the kick. Alberto again denies Malaga with a fine diving save to his far post. Calleja and Paulo Jorge are creating havoc in the Salamanca defence with their crosses and Baha and Salva both are denied by last ditch defending and fine goalkeeping. In 58' Paulo Jorge again finds Baha in the box, who again is denied by Alberto. In 59' Paulo Jorge is substituted to warm appreciative applause from the crowd. He is replaced by another new signing, right winger Cheli. In 64' Baha is withdrawn to be replaced by yellow booted local Malaga boy, Apono, signed from Marbella in June. He receives a very warm reception from the crowd. Hidalgo moves forward to fill the gap left by Baha up front. The young Moroccan has worked well and looks like he will be a big player for Malaga this season. But in truth, the removal of a striker for another midfielder, is worrying as Malaga seem quite content to defend their 1-0 lead to the finish. Salamanca seem to sense this and there follows a ten minute period when no Malaga player seems to manage to touch the ball and are chasing shadows. In 77' Calleja is replaced by yet another new signing, Eliseu, to make it nine debuts so far for Malaga players during this game. Eliseu's entrance seems to mark a change in attitude for Malaga, who now go back on the offensive. However, Goitia becomes Malaga's second booking in 83' for time wasting. In 84' Hidalgo intercepts a pass in the centre circle and slips the ball square to Salva. The striker sees Hidalgo break forward and produces the perfect return pass to him. Hidalgo is one on one with the keeper who rushes out to close the midfielder down. HIDALGO deftly lobs the ball over Alberto's flailing arms and into the net! GOAL! Malaga 2 Salamanca 0 In 86' Cheli breaks down the right wing and finds support from Apono in the box. The yellow booted one tries to curl the ball into the net but cannot get enough swerve and Alberto saves. In 89' Eliseu, who looks strong and fast, takes a pass from Hidalgo, beats two defenders and crosses from the by-line. SALVA is there to meet it and makes no mistake from 6 yards. GOAL!!!

Full time Malaga 3 Salamanca 0

In the end a convincing win for Malaga, who took their chances well. Some encouraging signs for the season ahead, with strong defenders in the Portuguese Rosario and the Brazilian Weligton and classy wing play from all four wingers on display today. And of course lethal finishing from Salva, who at 32 still looks sharp and fit and strong and will again be Malaga's top scorer if he gets good service from the wings. Three points and three goals plus a clean sheet. Yes, we are well contented with that result!

Video of Malaga's goals available on :

http://www.canalsur.es/resources_inf/archivos/2007/8/26/1188162396244malaga.rm

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:37 AM | Permalink

Over 2000 people turned up in a capacity crowd in Nerja last night to watch this cup final for the Trophy of Villa de Nerja.

Muniz had promised us a team who would have more players playing 90 minutes, so we were expecting more or less his first choice eleven to start.

But there were a few surprises (aren't there always?)

1. First of all, two of the stars of the previous games, Paulo Jorge and Apono, were on the bench.

2. Arnau was in goal (I could hear quite a few murmurings around me in Spanish when he ran out at first with the gloves on. It seems it is not just me who has rechristened him "Oh no Arnau")

3. And Salva was nowhere to be seen. That meant that with Ivan Rosado still injured and Peragon being rested until the Betis game, there was only one striker in the squad of players (sound familiar?)

4. Another surprise was that right winger Cheli was given the job of supporting Baha down the middle in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Eliseu wide left and boy wonder Gerardo from Malaga B (who has also been one of Malaga's best players in preseason) wide right.

Málaga (4-2-3-1):
Arnau;
Javi Martos (Raúl Gaitán,82), Hélder Rosario, Weligton, Rossato;
Carpentero and Hidalgo (Apoño, 86);
Gerardo (Paulo Jorge, 89) Cheli (Valcarce, 77)and Eliseu;
Baha (Javi Ramos, 80).

You can see from the times of the substitutions that they were all much too late and too many to change the shape of the team and featured three players from Malaga B, but after their displays, Javi Martos and Gerardo must be pushing for first team squad slots.

The game kicked off at 9pm in the dusk and the inefficient Nerja floodlights, which maintained a strong illumination of the 8 lane running track all evening.

The back four with both Weligton and Helder starting for the first time together looked solid, but Arnau behind them still looked like an anxious bank clerk and is a constant worry. His goal kicking has not improved either, barely getting off the ground or reaching the half way line.

But it was Almeria who were pressing the more in the first 20 minutes and had at least five shots on goal, although none on target. (In truth, they only had three shots on target all night and they all went in!)

Then, after 20 minutes, there was a change of position between Cheli and Gerardo, with Cheli moving wide right and Gerardo down the middle. Whose decision was this? Muniz, or the players themselves? Whoever it was, it made all the difference. Cheli is clearly more comfortable on the right wing and almost as soon as he moved there Malaga scored against the run of play.

With no room to move in the box, he somehow found BAHA who belted the ball home from 15 yards, to keeping his scoring record up during this preseason. Baha is a strong, fast, direct striker and he will score many goals for Malaga this season on this form, because his goals have all been half chances.

Two minutes later, in 22 minutes, Malaga went 2-0 up following a superb passing move which started with Rossato at left back to Hidalgo who pushed it wide to Cheli. The winger then sent a beautiful cross into the box and it was GERARDO who finished the move off beautifully to beat the keeper all ends up.

Almeria were stunned and Malaga were on top until the break.

Almeria made three changes at half time - Malaga made none.

Then the game turned. In the 50th minute, Eliseu, who had made some promising runs down the left, went down seconds after a tackle from Almeria's right back, a shaved head 6' plus mud wrestler (all of Almeria's players seemed 6' plus, but then against Muniz's dwarves....) It looked a bad knock and Calleja started warming up on the touchline.

In truth, in a friendly, when one of your players takes a bad knock, with "unlimited" subs available, he should have been substituted there and then. But no, after a few minutes treatment and then waiting to come back on, Eliseu remained on the pitch.

He was running very gingerly when he received the ball from Hidalgo in Almeria's half. Again he was crunched by the Almeria mud wrestler, but the referee blew for offside instead. Eliseu kicked the ball high up in the dark area behind the goal in petulance and was promptly booked.

Almeria went upfield from the free kick and their Nigerian striker Ulche at last got a shot on target which meant the score went to 2-1.

Eliseu was now very angry with the referee and started pushing him - result second yellow card and he's off. It all could have been avoided so easily, but we have also learned at little about Lubyloo's temperament.

It's the 56 minute and Malaga have to play the rest of the game with 10 men. Muniz has ten subs available. No changes.

So we waited until Almeria scored again and we weren't disappointed when a good move down their right (Rossato looked out of sorts all evening) ended with Carbera scoring.

Then Negredo, who was Real Mardid Castilla's top scorer last season came on with 5 minutes to go and with his first touch of the ball headed home powerfully from another cross from the right.

Final score Malaga 2 Almeria 3

After a promising first half and 2-0 up, it all went pear-shaped with Lubyloo's bad temper killing the game. I hope Muniz fines himself at least a week's wages for not taking him off when he had the opportunity and for not using his subs better to try and save the game.

In an untidy game at the end, Malaga finished with several bookings to contend with: Eliseu (2), Hidalgo, Hélder Rosario, Baha and Apoño.

I still don't think Muniz has played his best first eleven. We may yet see them against Betis on Sunday. Suggested first eleven from the four preseason games I've seen:

(4-2-3-1) Goitia; Javi Martos, Helder, Weligton and Rossato; Apono and Hidalgo; Cheli (or possibly Gerardo), Paulo Jorge and Calleja; Baha.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:09 AM | Permalink

On Wednesday 8 August 2007, Malaga were outplayed in Nerja by the Kettle Boys who dominated the game from start to finish, with Malaga rarely entering the opposition half.

Only some fine stops from Arnau (who was undoubtably Malaga's man of the match) kept Malaga in this game, which they could easily have lost 3-0.

In fact, the game ended goalless and again went to a penalty shoot out, as the match was for a magnificent cup. Malaga won the shoot out 4-1 and again Arnau was the hero with an excellent save, whilst another Ejido penalty came off the right hand post.

Two games played and two trophies won?!?

Malaga were dire on the night, showed nothing down either wing and were completely overrun in midfield, in a game where only Arnau and Apoño started and finished the game. Muniz's opening 11 looked very much like what might be considered his first choice and was an attacking 4-4-2 formation:

Arnau;
Raúl Gaitán, Silva, Weligton, Valcarce;
Paulo Jorge, Apoño, Antonio Hidalgo, Calleja;
Baha and Salva.

But the truth was that neither Hidalgo nor Apono were seen and Paulo Jorge seemed to have a free role and appeared to get in the way of Valcarce and Calleja down the left wing. Arnau was called upon to make two point blank saves as Ejido won several corners and dangerous free kicks, which for all that, was more entertaining than the whole game at Marbella on Saturday night.

Baha looked lost without any service whatsoever, whereas at least Salva won a few balls in the air to knock down to Mr Nobody.

The big surprise in the second half was that Malaga lined up with exactly the same eleven and the pattern continued.

The second half was a poor spectacle as both sides made numerous changes: for Malaga these changes were:

Raúl Gaitán (Javi Martos 65), Silva (Hélder 62), Weligton (Jesule 65), Paulo Jorge (Gerardo 55), Antonio Hidalgo (Carpintero 62), Calleja (Rossato 65); Baha (Sandro 55).

Over 2000 souls were in the stadium, mostly Malaga fans but quite a noisy few from El Ejido.

But my spirits were low watching this and got lower during the second half, with only one shot on goal during the whole match to report, when Rossato brilliantly beat two men to cut inside from the left wing to blast in a shot, but it went straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.

The only other player to take the eye was the little right winger from Malaga B, Gerardo, who at least showed some pace and guile, but again the supply of passes, particularly from Sandro was woeful.

From a Malaga perspective, let's hope that we are getting rid of all this rubbish now before the season starts. Poli Ejido will be very disappointed that they did not win this game convincingly.

Malaga still look three or four players short of a squad, particlularly up front, where ironically Salva (perhaps he was proving a point as he continues to be the focus of transfer speculation) was one of Malaga's best players on the night.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:57 AM | Permalink

In a meaningless last game of the season, Malaga travelled over 700 kms by bus to Castellon, a seaside resort north of Valencia.
Muniz took the opportunity to "rest" their star midfielder Hidalgo whose goals in the latter part of the season almost single-handedly kept Malaga from relegation. Hidalgo has four yellow cards and a fifth would have meant him missing the start of the next season in which Malaga are determined to push for promotion from the off on August 29th. Muniz also did not take players who are likely to be leaving the club at the end of the month - most players are registered until 30 June - so there was no place for regulars like Silva and Counago.
With Chengue Morales and Ivan Rosado both injured, Malaga were effectively without any known strikers in the squad who made the journey and Edgar and Jonaton Valle were given the task up front. Other players were rested such as Calleja and Sandro, who were dropped to the bench.

Málaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesús Gámez, Armando, Kiko, Valcarce; Molinero; Gascón, Stosic, Ernesto; Jonatan Valle and Edgar.

The game was placed in front of 6500 home supporters and was also live on Spanish television, despite the fact that both clubs are secure for another season in La Segunda next year. In the first half, neither side dominated and most of the efforts at either end came from long range, including a scorcher from Jesus Gamez from 25 yards which local keeper Oliva saved brilliantly.
The game was settled early in the second half, when, in the 47th minute, JONATON VALLE broke through the Castellón defence to beat the offside trap and get on the end of a pass from Jesus Gamez to poke the ball past Oliva from 6 yards. It was Jonaton Valle's first goal of the season but the little attacking midfielder has worked hard during this season, playing in a number of positions for Muniz. He seems to have matured this year, having recovered from the falling down sickness which he was suffering from in the early part of the season, and has provided some telling passes in the last few games he has played in.

Full-time Castellón 0 Málaga 1

So a final away victory for Malaga to wrap up a season that was not what was anticipated last August, when Malaga were one of the hottest favourites for promotion back to La Liga for many years. Instead they have battled against bankruptcy, a change of manager a quarter of the way through the season and struggled against the spectre of a second successive relegation for most of the season. But the 2006-2007 season is over and already Muniz has made three signings for the next campaign, with Apono, a defensive midfielder and strikers Baha and Peragon signing this week.

The season tickets go on sale next week for this eagerly awaited new season, when it is hoped that Malaga CF, representing the sixth biggest city in Spain, can once again make the moves to return where they rightfully belong - back in the top division.
Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It's quite clear what is required to avoid relegation going into the penultimate match of the season and Malaga's last home game. Look at the bottom of the table and the relegation contenders:

Málaga 51
Las Palmas 51
Alaves 49

Real Madrid Castilla 45

It is clear that there are six points between RMC in the last relegation spot (the three below are already relegated) and Malaga with two games and six points at stake. All Malaga needs is one point to climb out of reach and into safety, or for RMC to drop points either at today's match (at home to Almería) or in the final game next week.

Malaga have problems of their own in their team selection, with both regular strikers out (Counago suspended and Ivan Rosado injured) so it means a rare start for 8'6" giant Uruguayan striker Chengue Morales and a call up for teenage striker, Plata, from the youth team as cover on the bench. Long serving former Uruguayan international defensive midfielder, "Gato" Romero has announced his retirement from the game through not being able to get through injuries and has been promised some emotional last minutes on the field, match conditions allowing. Muniz keeps the unlikely defensive pairing of 36 year old Argentinean Schurrer and teenager Kiko, another prospect from the successful youth team. With regular Jesus Gamez missing through suspension after his sending off last week, Molinero gets a start at right back and Edgar retains his place on the right wing.

Málaga (4-1-4-1): Goitia; Molinero, Kiko, Schurrer and Valcarce; Gascón; Edgar, Sandro Hidalgo and Calleja; 'Chengue' Morales.

Cádiz (4-4-2): Limia; Velázquez, César, De Quintana and Lucas; Enrique, Bezares, Abel and Jonathan; Pavoni and Acuña.

It's a 18:00h kick off in bright sunshine with temperatures in the mid-30's, with Malaga choosing to defend the Fondo end in the first half. 14,854 spectators have turned up in the sunshine and create a noisy carnival atmosphere with drums beating, flares creating smoke clouds and banners flying in the light breeze. But it's Cadiz who start the game with more pace and urgency. In the first minute, Schurrer concedes a free kick in a dangerous position and when the ball is whipped into the penalty area, Valcarce is there first to head clear. It's a torrid start for Schurrer as Acuna dummies him twice before passing him down the left channel. The veteran centre back trips him for another free kick near the goal line. Goitia gathers the free kick and lanches the ball Route One for Chengue Morales to chase. Visiting keeper Limia has to rush off his line to jump and punch clear. In 5' Schurrer again concedes a free kick just outside the penalty area. Again Valcarce is first to the ball and clears down the left touchline. In Malaga's first real attacking move in 7' Edgar delivers a cross into the box where Chengue is just beaten to the ball by Cesar. Malaga go closer in 8' when Calleja takes a cheeky chipped free kick aiming for Chengue's head. The giant heads on target but Limia manages to push the ball around the post for a corner. Calleja's kick is cleared by the Cadiz defence. It's a pulsating game with plenty of action at both ends, but Cadiz do seem to be on top at this point. In 9' Schurrer is forced to concede another free kick which Goitia catches confidently. In 10' Malaga mount a sweeping attack through the middle with Sandro and Calleja passing beautifully. Calleja's cross finds Chengue, but he's offside. In 11' Edgar is clear down the right wing, but the former paceman is too slow and the danger is easily cleared by Lucas, running back. In 12' Cadiz keep up the pressure and win another free kick just outside the box. Goitia again takes control. In 13' Malaga's best effort so far. Chengue cuts back to Hidalgo, standing 25 yards out. He releases an absolute screamer and it's heading straight for the top corner. Somehow Limia manages to fly across his goal and make a great save, pushing the ball over. Calleja's corner is too long but finds Edgar who manages to turn and send in a powerful drive across the goal looking for a touch. It's touched by a Cadiz player and Malaga win another corner. This time Calleja takes it short and the chance is lost. In 15' Edgar and Calleja swap wings. In 20' they swap back again. The giant scoreboard gives us information we didn't want to see: RMC go one up against Almeria! In 21' Valcarce concedes a corner after giving the ball away with a slack pass. The corner kick dips just under the bar and Goitia has to look lively to stop the ball going in. However, Cadiz striker Acuna goes one better seconds later when he recieves the ball in the area and has time to turn and blast the ball past Goitia. But he's offside: WHEW It's a fright for Malaga though. The giant scoreboard doesn't help matters when it tells us that RMC have gone two up! But Cadiz have looked quicker on the ball, full of ideas and quick to close down Malaga in the midfield. Their central midfielders Bezares and Abel are controlling the middle of the field, where Sandro in particular has been posted missing. The little playmaker makes his first incisive pass in 38' when he slots through for Chengue to run onto on the half way line, but incredibly the big striker is given offside. Then a big let off for Malaga in 41' when Enrique finds himself completely unmarked at the far post. His header goes wide but he should have finished. In 40' Chengue, ploughing a lone furrow up front tries a swerver from 25 yards. It looks goalbound but Limia again dives full length to make an excellent save. In 43' Calleja crosses from the left into the box. Chengue jumps for it with a defender and lands in a heap. Penalty? No, Chengue booked for diving and misses the last game next week through suspension. This means that this game is probably his last for Malaga. In 44' Enrique is booked for bring down Edgar. On half time Valcarce finds Hidalgo whose shot is turned round the post by Limia. Calleja's corner finds Chengue but he heads over.

Half time: Malaga 0 Cadiz 0

We have discussed Malaga's tea lady here before and the issue is a constant worry. Malaga have lost so many games by falling asleep and losing concentration just after the restart. There have been many calls for her to be sacked and maybe she has because Malaga start firing on all cylinders.
Chengue has the easiest opportunity in his life to score in 46' when Kiko spots the Route One open for business and puts the giant striker through one on one. Limia keeps his head and somehow easily collects the ball from Chengue's big feet. In 48' another great chance for Malaga. Chengue charges into the box. Edgar is there in support but when he receives the ball, he seems unsure what to do with it. We are screaming "ShoooooT" but the Angolan does a three point turn instead and sends a cross along the six yard line to Mr Nobody. In 52' the hard working Chengue is again fighting to get to a cross from Calleja but
despite being half his height, defender De Quintana heads clear. Then in 53' Goitia has to dive full stretch to save from left winger Jonathon's drive from the wing. The scoreboard now tells us that RMC have gone into a 3-0 lead against Almeria and that Alaves have also gone 1-0 up. Malaga's plight is clear. Their rivals for the fourth relegation spot are getting the results they need but Malaga are safe as long as they hang onto the draw. Malaga keep battering the Cadiz defence and Chengue does well in 59' to hold up the ball whilst waiting for support. It's Edgar again but when he shoots this time he puts the ball well over. In 61' Acuna goes close for Cadiz with another free header at the left post. His effort hits the side netting. It's the Acuna show as the striker is booked for a foul on Edgar. In 65' Acuna strikes again. It's an innoccuous throw in from the left, but Malaga's defence stand and watch as Acuna collects the ball and fires it past the static Goitia. What a disaster!! With their relegation rivals winning and Malaga losing, our favourites look favourites for the drop.

Malaga 0 Cadiz 1

Malaga continue to pressure the Cadiz goal, now looking for an equaliser as yet again they chase a game at home. This time the equaliser means salvation from the dreaded drop! In 67' Edgar creates space down the right wing for a cross which finds full back Valcarce at the far post, but this header hits the side netting. In 68' Valcarce is taken off and Jonaton Valle comes on. Malaga go to the now recognisable panic-stricken set-up of 3-4-3 in all out attacking mode. In 70' Hidalgo goes close after a slick one-two with Valle, but the referee whistles for offside. Chico comes on for Abel for Cadiz. In 71' Molinero, who is now playing on the right wing as Edgar has become a striker, crosses for Valle whose header is deflected for a corner. Calleja finds Chengue's head with the kick and the big man heads downs strongly, but straight at Limia. In 72' Edgar is replaced by Perico. Malaga have thrown caution to the wind and have all 10 players in the Cadiz half, with only Goitia staying back. It's a dangerous ploy as Cadiz try to catch Malaga on the counter and in 75' Goitia has to make an excellent stop to deny the visitors an increase to their lead. In 77' Acuna, who has been a thorn in Malaga's defence, is taken off for De Paula. In 78' Molinero gets to the by-line and crosses for Chengue to head over. In 80' the pressure is starting to tell as Malaga have three players in the box passing to each other rather than take the responsibility of shooting. Sandro, Chengue and Perico are the culprits. In 82' Molinero tries something different and shoots well over from 30 yards. In 84' Malaga continue to press and Hidalgo is fouled on the 18 yard line. Calleja's free kick comes off the wall. In 85' Perico finds himself clean through. Just SHOOT. No, he passes to Mr Nobody instead. In 86' Valle finds Chengue in the box with a slick through ball. The big fella turns and passes square to HIDALGO who runs in and makes no mistake from 6 yards. GGOOOOAAALLLLLL!!!!!!!! We are in tears as we check that the ref has given it. Is it a goal? YES!!!! Malaga have drawn level. We have won the World Cup, Scottish League and FA Cup all on one day! Let's blow for full-time now. GOOOAAALLLL!!!!!!

Malaga 1 Cadiz 1

Three minutes to go. But the game is all over and Romero is allowed to make his farewells with a substitution in 89' for lacklustre and totally ineffective Sandro.

Full time Malaga 1 Cadiz 1

Typical Malaga - leave it late and stretch the nerves, but the draw means that it doesn't matter what the other scores are. Malaga are mathematically safe. Hooray!

Well, what a season. Malaga started off as the biggest favourites for promotion, went into voluntary administration in December and have fought bravely against the spectre of relegation for too many months.

Next week sees the last game of the season, a nothing at stake match away to Castellon, a seaside resort on the Valencian coastline. But for Malaga, the rebuilding starts now and they have already made enquiries about players to reinforce their team for next season, including Saizar, a striker who currently plays for Cuidad de Murcia.

Season 2007-08 starts on 26 August 2007, with Malaga probably playing away as it too hot to play in Malaga in August. It will be another season in La Segunda, but with the year just past behind them, the supporters will be expecting Malaga to come out of the stocks with all guns blazing, some new exciting players on the books and a real challenge for promotion.

Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there. Enjoy your summer!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:37 PM | Permalink

Three games to go in La Segunda and nine points at stake. Malaga are six points ahead of Real Madrid Castilla who occupy the fourth bottom relegation spot and who are away to Real Murcia this week. That was the situation going into today's game away to already promoted Almería, who themselves still have a chance of winning the Second Division championship.

Muniz responded to last week's defensive errors by dropping both of his normal central defenders; indeed Jesule was left behind in Malaga for the relatively short trip up the Andalucian coast to Almería. Veteran Argentinean Schurrer got a very rare start alongside teenager Kiko, who got the nod in defence with Armando dropping to the bench. There was place too for Edgar on the right wing (preferred to Molinero) in the starting line-up, which, because of the absence of Rosado due to injury, Muniz had reverted his favourite defensive 4-1-4-1 formation, with Counago up front on his own. So a major reshuffle by Muniz after picking virtually the same team over the past few weeks:

Malaga (4-1-4-1): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Kiko, Schurrer and Valcarce; Gascon; Edgar, Sandro, Hidalgo and Calleja; Counago.

The game started at 19:00h in a still very hot afternoon in front of only 6000 spectators in the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos de Almería.

Malaga got off to the best of starts in only 9' when Counago was brought down in the box and HIDALGO converted the penalty, giving Valerio no chance as the ball whizzed in off the left post. GOOOOAAALLLLL!!!!

Almería 0 Malaga 1

Unlike in past games after Malaga went ahead, nobody relaxed and the visitors kept up the pressure, mainly through Sandro and Hidalgo through the middle. The new defence seemed secure and kept the Almería forwards away from troubling Goitia.

And so, Malaga increased their lead in 36' when Sandro put HIDALGO through on home keeper Valerio. The midfielder coolly placed the ball beyond the keeper and into the net to make it 0-2!!!!!

Almería 0 Malaga 2

This was a result beyond Malaga's dreams, but Calleja had a chance to put the visitors even further ahead but when he went into the area he saw his drive come off the left post.

This seemed to wake Almería up and Goitia had to make a point blank save from a powerful shot from Francisco. Just before half-time Mario Bermejo saw his effort come of the bar, but Malaga went into the dressing room at half time in a very favourable position, with things looking good for an away win which surely put to bed the worries of relegation.

Half time Almería 0 Malaga 2

We have often worried about the tea lady in Malaga's dressing room at half time, when the team has often reappeared sluggish and lacking in concentration. Indeed many games have been lost this season in the first ten minutes after the restart, so even with a two goal advantage; the worriers amongst us were not complacent.

But Malaga's nerves were showing and our worries were not misplaced, because in 55' Jesus Gamez was sent off for a second yellow card for a naive foul in the centre of the field.

Muniz reacted by making two changes: Silva on for Gascon (who had already been booked and may have followed Jesus Gamez for an early bath had he stayed on) and Molinero for Sandro. These changes showed Muniz's hand - with ten men and a 0-2 lead, he was going to try and defend this lead for the next 35 minutes.

Almería also made two changes directly after the sending off, bringing on two strikers, Corona and Crusat for defensive players Bermudo and Alberto respectively.

And in 58' Almería scored! Corona, who had just come on, sent in a lovely cross to the far post, where LARREA was waiting and the midfielder made no mistake.

Almería 1 Malaga 2

Malaga were now defending desperately and tried to hang on to their lead.

In 77' Almería manager Emery threw on another striker, the Nigerian International UCHE. He didn't disappoint his manager and scored the equaliser in 85' after a free kick given away by Counago.

The last few minutes were saw some desperate defending by Malaga trying now to salvage the draw. In 92' Armando was put on to shore up the defence even more at the expense of Counago.

Full time Almería 2 Malaga 2

The game turned on the sending off of Jesus Gamez and with Real Madrid Castilla snatching a draw at Murcia, Malaga must now go into their last two games knowing that if Castilla manage two wins in their remaining two games and Malaga lose, Malaga will be relegated. So a point from Malaga's last two games is all that is needed.

Next weekend is Malaga's last home game and it's against Cadiz; another Andalucian derby. Every game seems to be a crunch game, but at least this time Malaga know exactly what is required. We are desperate for this season to finish so that drastic plans can be drawn up for next season, where the stated aim is promotion back to the top league. At this juncture, that looks very ambitious indeed!!!

Next week Malaga vs. Cadiz? Never fear, Your Malaga Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 7:57 AM | Permalink

Sunday afternoon at 5pm and it's 30C.
Malaga have the advantage of knowing all their nearest rivals scores before they kick off as most of the Segunda games were played on Saturday; and it's not good news. All of their rivals won their matches, with the exception of RM Castilla, who succumbed to 2-3 home defeat to Tenerife, to remain in the dreaded fourth bottom and relegation slot. Malaga go into this game six points ahead of Castilla, with four games remaining. A point, or even better three, against Murcia would surely end their relegation fears.
Murcia though have shown themselves to be one of the better sides in this league and are already assured of promotion, as the top three have an insurmountable gap between them and the chasing 19 clubs. Will they stay in second gear and give Malaga an excellent opportunity to drag themselves clear of relegation?

Muniz has a full squad to pick from, except for the injured Silva and Romero. But as has been predictable now for some games, he elects to go for the same starting eleven as the previous week.

Malaga (4-3-3): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Hidalgo, Sandro and Gascon; Ivan Rosado, Counago and Calleja.

In the Murcia team, a rare thing, an English player. Gifton Noel-Williams, born in Islington and who made his name with a seven year stint with Watford, signed for Murcia for £50,000 from Burnley during the January transfer window.

There is an impressive 16,896 crowd in La Rosaleda for the start of this match played in bright afternoon sunshine. Murcia kick off defending the Fondo end, but it is Malaga who start the brighter and in 3' Counago forces a corner on the left. The ball falls to Hidalgo (nicknamed Hidalgoal after his recent goalscoring heroics) but the midfielder's effort disappears high up in the upper tier.
Murcia look dangerous, particularly their number 10, Abel, playing wide right and Malaga are forced to concede a first corner in only five minutes. Armando, always commanding in the air, heads clear.
In 7' Ivan Rosado, Malaga's most improved player over the past few games, picks out Jesus Gamez's lung bursting run down the right wing. The full back sends in a perfect cross from the by-line but there are no forwards there in support.
The first real shot of the game comes from Murcia in 10' when Abel sends in a dipping drive from 30 yards which only just was too high.
Goitia's goal kick is picked up by Counago who runs towards the goal and unleashes a powerful shot which goalkeeper Juanmi has to dive full length to keep out and concede a corner.
Malaga keep up the pressure when from Calleja's corner, Valcarce has a powerful shot from 30 yards which Juanmi does well to tip over for another corner. Calleja this time finds Jesus Gamez at the far post. The full back appears to be impeded and brought down, but the referee waves play on as the ball is cleared upfield.
In 11' the first booking of the game when Armando appears to leapfrog a Murcia player in the centre circle.
The best move of the game so far comes in 13'. Hidalgo picks up a loose ball in the centre circle and charges upfield. Counago is running in support and takes the ball after a fine pass. However, his first touch is awful so he misses his opportunity to shoot and instead passes square to Calleja. The winger's shot goes straight into the arms of Juanmi.
In 18' World Cup Willie (or Sandro) tries to look for the 30 yard pass. While he is doing so he is dispossessed and Murcia break through the centre of Malaga's defence, requiring a save from Goitia to keep the scores level.
In 21' Hidalgo again sends Jesus Gamez down the right wing with a lovely pass. Again the full back delivers an excellent cross into the box. This time Counago is there and Juanmi has to pull off a fine save from close range.
In 25' Rosado finds himself clear on the edge of the box when Calleja finds him with a cut back from the touchline. The striker has plenty of time but his left footed shot is wide and high.
In 29' Rosado returns the favour with a defence splitting pass to Calleja, but the winger's touch is poor and the ball trickles over for a goal kick.
In 30' Calleja wins another corner as Malaga maintain the pressure on the Murcia goal. Calleja elects to send in an inswinger which dips just under the bar at the near post. Juanmi has to be quick to get up and punch clear.
In 35' Murcia have the best chance of the game so far. Breaking out of defence, Abel tries another long ranger from 30 yards. Goitia is clueless as to where the shot is going but fortunately for him the ball comes off the knee of his trailing leg and ends up on the roof of the net.
From the corner on Malaga's right, the ball is floated to the far post where RICHI is standing unattended. He nods home from three yards to put the visitors ahead.

Malaga 0 Murcia 1

It is a goal which was against the run of play and wasn't seen coming, so the crowd are stunned by this reverse. This was not in the script at all.
Malaga continue to press their opponents' goal and force a number of corners, but the Murcia team seem to have relaxed after their goal and each time the danger is cleared without panic.
In 42' the dangerous Abel pops up again to try yet another long range effort. These shots though are all on target and force Goitia to make a save, this time at full stretch along his goal-line.
In 43' at the other end, Jesus Gamez takes a long throw 10 yards off the goal line. He finds Calleja's head and the winger's effort requires a fine save from Juanmi to keep Malaga out.

Half time Malaga 0 Murcia 1

At half time, Muniz decides to change his team, bringing on Jonaton Valle for Ivan Rosado. We remember the last time Valle appeared like this - he was sent off within 30 minutes of coming on!
He makes an immediate impact, receiving a kick in the face in the Murcia penalty box. But he receives no sympathy from the referee.
In 52' the lanky Noel-Williams makes a run, going past two defenders before shooting wide. But it shows that Murcia can still be a threat on the counter.
In 53' Chengue Morales makes his now customary second half appearance, coming on for full back Valcarce. Calleja drops back to left back, with Jonaton Valle front left and Chengue front right in the 4-3-3 formation.
In 54' Murcia goalscorer Richi is booked for tugging Hidalgo's shirt. Hidalgo takes the free kick himself and aims for 8'3" striker Chengue in the box. Juanmi comes out and the two crash to the ground. The goalkeeper is injured and requires 4' of treatment, to the whistles and jeers from the crowd. Eventually he gets to his feet but he cannot continue and substitute keeper Lledo comes on.
Lledo's first action is take the free kick conceded by Chengue. He sends the ball long into Malaga's half to find Noel-Williams. The big striker seems to cause some confusion in the penalty box and appears to push Armando out of the way before passing wide to his left. Jofre is there in support and sends in a return pass which NOEL-WILLIAMS takes and makes no mistake prodding home from six yards.

Malaga 0 Murcia 2

The long treatment time for Murcia's goalkeeper has taken its toll on Malaga's concentration and they have allowed Murcia a two goal advantage they scarcely deserved. This a mountain now for Malaga to climb and the looks of despair around the ground tell their own story.
Nevertheless, Malaga still have plenty of time to get back into this game. In 63' Sandro puts a neat ball through the middle for Chengue but Lledo is out quick to pick up the ball at the striker's feet.
In 64' Muniz makes another change, bringing on Serb U-21 International Stosic for Sandro. The formation also changes
To 3-4-3, with Gascon dropping in between Armando and Jesule at the back, Jesus Gamez and Calleja on the wings with Hidalgo and Stosic in the middle supporting the front three of Chengue, Counago and Jonaton Valle. A completely different team and set up from his starting eleven and a far more attacking line-up.
The impact of the changes can be seen in the next minute when Counago runs down the right wing and cuts back to Stosic who has found space at the edge of the penalty box. However, he snatches at the ball and it goes well over the bar.
In 66' Abel tries another belter from 30 yards, but this time his effort is wide.
In 73' Hidalgo sprays a pass out to Calleja in some space down the left wing. Unchallenged he runs to the edge of the penalty box and sends in a crashing drive across the goal. Lledo might have got to it except that COUNAGO got his head in the way to deflect the ball into the net. GOOOOAAAALLLL!!!! There is a chance for Malaga after all. Can they comeback yet again after being behind and get the result they crave?

Malaga 1 Murcia 2

It is all Malaga now as they try to get an equaliser. Some enterprising play between Valle and Counago ends with a fine cross from Stosic to Jesus Gamez, but the full back's header flies over the bar.
In 79' Jofre is replaced by Pedro Leon.
The next minute Calleja finds Chengue's head, but his effort is wide.
In 82' Chengue is put through again with another defence splitter from Hidalgo, but the standside linesman's flag is up.
Murcia's man of the match Abel is replaced by Ivan.
In 83' Valle puts through Chengue again. He coolly controls the ball and slots it past Lledo into the net. We think it’s great finish and we're all up jumping about in joy and relief. But the linesman's flag is up again and the "goal" is disallowed.
The game has gone up a gear as Malaga's relentless pressure is starting to tell on the Murcia defenders, who start to bodycheck and block Malaga's strike force in a series of cynical fouls. Acciari and Pablo Ruiz both find themselves in the referee's notebook.
With the 90 minutes over we look anxiously at the fourth official's board - it's 9 minutes added on!!!
However, despite Malaga's best efforts they are continually pulled up for offside, much to the derision of the crowd who let their feelings known loudly.
Malaga still have to watch Murcia on the break and Goitia has to come to Malaga's rescue once again in 95' when captain Juanma breaks into the box and sends a crashing drive goalbound.
In 96' Goitia kicks out from his box into Murcia's half. He finds Chengue, but again he is deemed offside.
In 97' Noel-Williams breaks free from midfield and lopes into the Malaga penalty area unattended. His powerful shot needs yet another fine save from Goitia.
In 100' Armando clears from his own half into the crowded Murcia penalty box. It's bagatelle in there with the ball getting struck goalwards relentlessly like a pinball machine.
The referee ends the play and blows for full time.

Full time Malaga 1 Murcia 2

It's a bad defeat to take, especially in the circumstances. Malaga are still six points clear of Castilla with now three games to go and Castilla must travel to Murcia in their next game. It's an agonising finish to the season, with Malaga still needing some more points to ensure safety. Next Sunday Malaga are away to another promoted team, Andalucian rivals Almería for another tough match. The following week will be Malaga's last home game of the season against Cadiz. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

League Table: http://www.as.com/futbol/segunda/clasificacion/

More Malaga information and gossip in English: http://malagafootballenglish.com/

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:51 AM | Permalink

Malaga travelled to the largest of the Canary Islands for Sunday’s match, knowing, after Saturday’s results, that some of their rivals had achieved victories, which made it imperative that they took something from this game, especially with potentially tough games against two of the top three teams in the league in the next fortnight.
With Silva and Jonaton Valle suspended, but with Calleja again available, Muniz put out his team in 4-3-3 formation, which had proved decisive, finally, against Vecindario last week, with Gascon replacing Silva as the holding midfield player.

Malaga (4-3-3): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Gascon, Sandro and Hidalgo; Ivan Rosado, Counago and Calleja.

Again this match was televised live on Spanish TV, such is the interest in Malaga’s plight, and it may have been the reason for what seemed a particularly poor attendance of 7,436 at the match.
Tenerife started very brightly and within 2 minutes had forced Malaga back defending desperately in their own penalty area. Crosses from both wings looked dangerous, with two powerful looking strikers in Cristo Marrero and Raul Sanchez already giving Armando and Jesule plenty to think about.
In 3’ as the relentless pressure continued, Armando was forced to concede the first corner of the game under pressure from Raul Sanchez. From the corner kick, Cristo is granted a free header but the ball whizzes just over the bar.
Tenerife are enjoying a lot of freedom down Malaga’s right flank, with the overlapping Jesus Gamez caught too advanced, thus allowing the home side’s left back, Hector, lots of unchallenged space to get crosses into the area.
In 6’ Tenerife maintain the pressure and Hector finds Raul Sanchez free in the box with an excellent pass. The big striker blasts the ball at goal and Goitia has to make an excellent point blank save to stop the home side going ahead.
In 10’ Valcarce and Calleja are under pressure near their own left corner flag by right winger Iriome and Calleja makes a hurried clearance up the wing rather than putting the ball out of play. Unfortunately the ball lands straight at Marc Betran’s feet and the full back immediately sends in a delightful cross into the box. Armando and Jesule seem caught out with the speed of this play and RAUL SANCHEZ reacts quicker to send an excellent glancing header into the net away from Goitia.
Tenerife 1 Malaga 0
It was no more than the home side were due after the opening ten minutes in which they had completely dominated Malaga with their speed of movement and pressing play. Malaga had not yet managed to get out of the own half, but this was not the script and certainly not the start that Malaga needed or wanted.
We had to wait until 13’ before we see Malaga break out of their own half and it was a good run by Rosado down the right wing which eased the pressure on the beleaguered Malaga defence. Counago had run in support but was too advanced so Rosado elected instead to cut the ball back towards the on running Calleja. However the left winger was beaten to the ball by centre back Pablo Sicilia and the danger for Tenerife was gone.
In 15’ Sandro, who up till this point had been unusually absent, found some space to deliver a ball into the penalty area, from the left wing. Counago goes up for it, but so does keeper Bernardo and Pablo Sicilia and the chance is gone.
From the clearance Hidalgo picks up the ball in midfield and tries to find Jesus Gamez on the right wing. The pass is poor and intercepted by Hector who runs with the ball unchallenged for at least 30 yards. Looking up he sees he has no support so he tries a powerful drive at goal which is just wide of the near post.
Tenerife are still looking the more dangerous side and are quick on the counter-attack and seem keen to expose the space down the flanks which Malaga’s tight 4-3-3 system allows , as the three midfielders are very much central midfield players.
In 18’ Raul Sanchez easily turns Jesule on the penalty spot to send another crashing drive at goal. Again Goitia is the hero with another amazing point blank stop.
From Goitia’s clearance, Counago beats the offside trap and tries to get on the end of the ball, but Bernardo rushes out of his box to clear.
In 23’ the first card of the game is yellow when Ricardo is booked for tripping Rosado.
In 24’ Malaga mount an attack down the right wing, but it seems ponderous compared to Tenerife’s exciting cut and thrust play and by the time Sandro makes up his mind the entire Tenerife team is back defending. Sandro has taken so long there is nothing in the box and so has to pass the ball back to Hidalgo. The midfielder is not scared of shooting and lets one fly from 30 yards against the team he spent five years with before joining Malaga. His shot though is high and wide.
In 27’ Malaga force a corner down the right wing after good play between Sandro and Jesus Gamez. But Calleja’s corner kick is easily caught by Bernardo.
The next minute, Goitia is again in action making yet another fine point blank save, this time from Cristo, as Tenerife again exploit Malaga’s defensive weakness against pace.
In 29’ Tenerife keep the pressure up in a sweeping move down their left wing. Hector sends in a great cross for Raul Sanchez and Valcarce has to make a last minute interception and send the ball over his own bar for a corner.
30’ gone and Malaga are still not in the game. Tenerife are quickest to everything, running the midfield, enjoying acres of space down both wings and creating chance after chance, with only some excellent goalkeeping from Goitia keeping them down to a 1-0 lead.
In 32’ Malaga’s first real attempt at goal comes from Jesus Gamez. The full back collects a cut back from Rosado and hits the ball hard and true but it’s deflected for a corner.
In 35’ Malaga go closer still, when the ball comes out of the area and lands at Valcarce’s feet. The little full back has no hesitation and sends in a powerful drive from 25 yards, only to see it come back off the base of the post. Armando is quickest to react and neatly places the ball past Bernardo and into the net, but Counago is offside.
In 39’ Valcarce loses possession in Tenerife’s penalty area to Iriome. Tenerife’s right winger runs unopposed the full length of the ground and crosses into the penalty area for Cristo, who had run in support. Armando had to make a last ditch tackle to deny the forward and his clearance went over the bar for a corner.
In 41’ Calleja passes to Counago in the box. His way is barred so he slips it right to Rosado who taps it home from five yards. However the flag is up for offside.
In 45’ Jesule in a panic clears the ball straight to Cristo. The big striker runs into the box clear on goal and shoots powerfully. Yet again Goitia is equal to the task and brings off yet another fine save.

Half time Tenerife 1 Malaga 0

It’s been a torrid first half for Malaga, who are just hanging on thanks entirely to Goitia in their goal. Without his heroics, Malaga could easily have been 5-0 down at the break.
Muniz makes his first change at half time, bringing on the teenager Kiko for Jesule at centre half, I suppose hoping that Kiko’s pace might offset that of Tenerife’s attack more than the usually reliable but pedestrian Jesule.
However, the second half starts as the first left off and Bertran tries a shot from the right wing that Goitia gathers easily.
In 49’ Malaga are still digesting their half time cup of tea and not closing Tenerife in the midfield, allowing Raul Sanchez another clear shot at goal which whistles just over.
In 51’ Bertran goes close again as Malaga are still not closing the huge gaps down both wings.
In 53’ Sandro’s poor pass to Counago puts the striker in bother, but he somehow manages to get the ball back to Hidalgo who is standing 25 yards out. He has a crack at goal but Bernardo makes a fine save.
Muniz then makes his second change to try and get his team more into the game. Valcarce is replaced by 8’3” Uruguayan giant striker Chengue Morales. Gascon moves to left back, Calleja back into midfield with Counago going left up front to accommodate Chengue through the centre.
Within four minutes, Malaga are level. Chengue’s physical presence has the desired effect on the home defence and a panic clearance ends up at HIDALGO’s feet. Again he is about 30 yards out, but he sends in a powerful drive, which seems to swerve in the air before coming off the inside of the post and into the net with Bernardo given no chance. GOOOOAAAALLLL!!!!
Tenerife 1 Malaga 1
As a scoreline, it is a little unfair reflection on the play so far, but Malaga will take it and you could sense a little bit of the pressure coming off the visitors’ shoulders.
Gascon at left back was not a success though and in 67’ Muniz makes his final substitution by taking off the tired Counago for Molinero. Now Molinero has been playing as a right winger this season, but he went to left back, allowing Gascon to go back into midfield as Malaga changed their formation to 4-4-2.
Then Malaga stun the home side in 71’. Calleja takes a corner from the left which wickedly goes under the bar where Chengue is ready to jump with the goalkeeper. However it’s Bernardo’s ball, but he seems to fumble it and cannot hold it and lets it drop to the ground. GASCON is two yards off the goal line and accepts the goalie’s charity and whacks the ball into the back of the net for Malaga’s second. What a disaster for Bernardo! It truly is a game of two goalkeepers!
We know the script by now. Malaga are ahead with 15 minutes to go and will defend this lead at all costs.
Tenerife desperately try route one football to get back into the game they should have one.
In 89’ Goitia has to make yet another fine save , palming the ball off Raul Sanchez’s head after a fine cross from Bertran.
In 91’ Kiko brings down Cristo in the “D” and is booked. There are some anxious moments as Malaga try to create a defensive wall with everybody back. Cristo takes the kick, it beats the wall and is flying goal bound, but Goitia makes a great save to deny the home side and ensure Malaga escape with what was at one time an unlikely outcome.

Final score Tenerife 1 Malaga 2

What a result! Just what Malaga needed! They achieve the magical 50 points they had set themselves earlier for survival, but a look at the table shows that there is still work to be done in the remaining four games, staring next week at home against already promoted Real Murcia. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

League Table: http://www.as.com/futbol/segunda/clasificacion/

Website for more information and gossip in English on Malaga: www.malagafootballenglish.com

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:09 AM | Permalink

Malaga travelled to the largest of the Canary Islands for Sunday’s match, knowing, after Saturday’s results, that some of their rivals had achieved victories, which made it imperative that they took something from this game, especially with potentially tough games against two of the top three teams in the league in the next fortnight.
With Silva and Jonaton Valle suspended, but with Calleja again available, Muniz put out his team in 4-3-3 formation, which had proved decisive, finally, against Vecindario last week, with Gascon replacing Silva as the holding midfield player.

Malaga (4-3-3): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Gascon, Sandro and Hidalgo; Ivan Rosado, Counago and Calleja.

Again this match was televised live on Spanish TV, such is the interest in Malaga’s plight, and it may have been the reason for what seemed a particularly poor attendance of 7,436 at the match.
Tenerife started very brightly and within 2 minutes had forced Malaga back defending desperately in their own penalty area. Crosses from both wings looked dangerous, with two powerful looking strikers in Cristo Marrero and Raul Sanchez already giving Armando and Jesule plenty to think about.
In 3’ as the relentless pressure continued, Armando was forced to concede the first corner of the game under pressure from Raul Sanchez. From the corner kick, Cristo is granted a free header but the ball whizzes just over the bar.
Tenerife are enjoying a lot of freedom down Malaga’s right flank, with the overlapping Jesus Gamez caught too advanced, thus allowing the home side’s left back, Hector, lots of unchallenged space to get crosses into the area.
In 6’ Tenerife maintain the pressure and Hector finds Raul Sanchez free in the box with an excellent pass. The big striker blasts the ball at goal and Goitia has to make an excellent point blank save to stop the home side going ahead.
In 10’ Valcarce and Calleja are under pressure near their own left corner flag by right winger Iriome and Calleja makes a hurried clearance up the wing rather than putting the ball out of play. Unfortunately the ball lands straight at Marc Betran’s feet and the full back immediately sends in a delightful cross into the box. Armando and Jesule seem caught out with the speed of this play and RAUL SANCHEZ reacts quicker to send an excellent glancing header into the net away from Goitia.
Tenerife 1 Malaga 0
It was no more than the home side were due after the opening ten minutes in which they had completely dominated Malaga with their speed of movement and pressing play. Malaga had not yet managed to get out of the own half, but this was not the script and certainly not the start that Malaga needed or wanted.
We had to wait until 13’ before we see Malaga break out of their own half and it was a good run by Rosado down the right wing which eased the pressure on the beleaguered Malaga defence. Counago had run in support but was too advanced so Rosado elected instead to cut the ball back towards the on running Calleja. However the left winger was beaten to the ball by centre back Pablo Sicilia and the danger for Tenerife was gone.
In 15’ Sandro, who up till this point had been unusually absent, found some space to deliver a ball into the penalty area, from the left wing. Counago goes up for it, but so does keeper Bernardo and Pablo Sicilia and the chance is gone.
From the clearance Hidalgo picks up the ball in midfield and tries to find Jesus Gamez on the right wing. The pass is poor and intercepted by Hector who runs with the ball unchallenged for at least 30 yards. Looking up he sees he has no support so he tries a powerful drive at goal which is just wide of the near post.
Tenerife are still looking the more dangerous side and are quick on the counter-attack and seem keen to expose the space down the flanks which Malaga’s tight 4-3-3 system allows , as the three midfielders are very much central midfield players.
In 18’ Raul Sanchez easily turns Jesule on the penalty spot to send another crashing drive at goal. Again Goitia is the hero with another amazing point blank stop.
From Goitia’s clearance, Counago beats the offside trap and tries to get on the end of the ball, but Bernardo rushes out of his box to clear.
In 23’ the first card of the game is yellow when Ricardo is booked for tripping Rosado.
In 24’ Malaga mount an attack down the right wing, but it seems ponderous compared to Tenerife’s exciting cut and thrust play and by the time Sandro makes up his mind the entire Tenerife team is back defending. Sandro has taken so long there is nothing in the box and so has to pass the ball back to Hidalgo. The midfielder is not scared of shooting and lets one fly from 30 yards against the team he spent five years with before joining Malaga. His shot though is high and wide.
In 27’ Malaga force a corner down the right wing after good play between Sandro and Jesus Gamez. But Calleja’s corner kick is easily caught by Bernardo.
The next minute, Goitia is again in action making yet another fine point blank save, this time from Cristo, as Tenerife again exploit Malaga’s defensive weakness against pace.
In 29’ Tenerife keep the pressure up in a sweeping move down their left wing. Hector sends in a great cross for Raul Sanchez and Valcarce has to make a last minute interception and send the ball over his own bar for a corner.
30’ gone and Malaga are still not in the game. Tenerife are quickest to everything, running the midfield, enjoying acres of space down both wings and creating chance after chance, with only some excellent goalkeeping from Goitia keeping them down to a 1-0 lead.
In 32’ Malaga’s first real attempt at goal comes from Jesus Gamez. The full back collects a cut back from Rosado and hits the ball hard and true but it’s deflected for a corner.
In 35’ Malaga go closer still, when the ball comes out of the area and lands at Valcarce’s feet. The little full back has no hesitation and sends in a powerful drive from 25 yards, only to see it come back off the base of the post. Armando is quickest to react and neatly places the ball past Bernardo and into the net, but Counago is offside.
In 39’ Valcarce loses possession in Tenerife’s penalty area to Iriome. Tenerife’s right winger runs unopposed the full length of the ground and crosses into the penalty area for Cristo, who had run in support. Armando had to make a last ditch tackle to deny the forward and his clearance went over the bar for a corner.
In 41’ Calleja passes to Counago in the box. His way is barred so he slips it right to Rosado who taps it home from five yards. However the flag is up for offside.
In 45’ Jesule in a panic clears the ball straight to Cristo. The big striker runs into the box clear on goal and shoots powerfully. Yet again Goitia is equal to the task and brings off yet another fine save.

Half time Tenerife 1 Malaga 0

It’s been a torrid first half for Malaga, who are just hanging on thanks entirely to Goitia in their goal. Without his heroics, Malaga could easily have been 5-0 down at the break.
Muniz makes his first change at half time, bringing on the teenager Kiko for Jesule at centre half, I suppose hoping that Kiko’s pace might offset that of Tenerife’s attack more than the usually reliable but pedestrian Jesule.
However, the second half starts as the first left off and Bertran tries a shot from the right wing that Goitia gathers easily.
In 49’ Malaga are still digesting their half time cup of tea and not closing Tenerife in the midfield, allowing Raul Sanchez another clear shot at goal which whistles just over.
In 51’ Bertran goes close again as Malaga are still not closing the huge gaps down both wings.
In 53’ Sandro’s poor pass to Counago puts the striker in bother, but he somehow manages to get the ball back to Hidalgo who is standing 25 yards out. He has a crack at goal but Bernardo makes a fine save.
Muniz then makes his second change to try and get his team more into the game. Valcarce is replaced by 8’3” Uruguayan giant striker Chengue Morales. Gascon moves to left back, Calleja back into midfield with Counago going left up front to accommodate Chengue through the centre.
Within four minutes, Malaga are level. Chengue’s physical presence has the desired effect on the home defence and a panic clearance ends up at HIDALGO’s feet. Again he is about 30 yards out, but he sends in a powerful drive, which seems to swerve in the air before coming off the inside of the post and into the net with Bernardo given no chance. GOOOOAAAALLLL!!!!
Tenerife 1 Malaga 1
As a scoreline, it is a little unfair reflection on the play so far, but Malaga will take it and you could sense a little bit of the pressure coming off the visitors’ shoulders.
Gascon at left back was not a success though and in 67’ Muniz makes his final substitution by taking off the tired Counago for Molinero. Now Molinero has been playing as a right winger this season, but he went to left back, allowing Gascon to go back into midfield as Malaga changed their formation to 4-4-2.
Then Malaga stun the home side in 71’. Calleja takes a corner from the left which wickedly goes under the bar where Chengue is ready to jump with the goalkeeper. However it’s Bernardo’s ball, but he seems to fumble it and cannot hold it and lets it drop to the ground. GASCON is two yards off the goal line and accepts the goalie’s charity and whacks the ball into the back of the net for Malaga’s second. What a disaster for Bernardo! It truly is a game of two goalkeepers!
We know the script by now. Malaga are ahead with 15 minutes to go and will defend this lead at all costs.
Tenerife desperately try route one football to get back into the game they should have one.
In 89’ Goitia has to make yet another fine save , palming the ball off Raul Sanchez’s head after a fine cross from Bertran.
In 91’ Kiko brings down Cristo in the “D” and is booked. There are some anxious moments as Malaga try to create a defensive wall with everybody back. Cristo takes the kick, it beats the wall and is flying goal bound, but Goitia makes a great save to deny the home side and ensure Malaga escape with what was at one time an unlikely outcome.

Final score Tenerife 1 Malaga 2

What a result! Just what Malaga needed! They achieve the magical 50 points they had set themselves earlier for survival, but a look at the table shows that there is still work to be done in the remaining four games, staring next week at home against already promoted Real Murcia. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

League Table: http://www.as.com/futbol/segunda/clasificacion/

Website for more information and gossip in English on Malaga: www.malagafootballenglish.com

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:09 AM | Permalink

Six games, including this one, to go to the end of this nail-biting season and still 18 points to play for. The league table still shows as many as eleven teams, if not more, in jeopardy of dropping into Segunda B division for next season, so apart from the three teams at the top in the promotion slots, every team is fighting for survival.

For Vecindario, the little team from Gran Canaria enjoying their first ever season in La Segunda, the fight is over as the bottom club are already mathematically relegated. The pressure is off them and they can now try to enjoy the remaining games of the season. The team, as befits the bottom club, has the worst record of the division in every department: worst goal difference, least number of goals scored etc and includes the one which frightened some of us before a ball was kicked – they had yet to record their first away game of the season. As Geoff said, they are quite likely to win against somebody away before the season ends, as it is very unusual for any team to go through 21 away games without a single win. We were hoping that it wasn’t to be against Malaga!

Manager Muniz had to do without left winger Calleja for this game after his sending off against Castilla last week. The straight and obvious replacement was Ernesto. Molinero returns after his suspension and so the team lined up in familiar terms:

Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Molinero, Hidalgo, Silva and Ernesto; Ivan Rosado and Counago.

Vecindario kick off in front of a 14,159 crowd defending the Fondo end. It’s a 6 o’clock kick off yet again televised live in Spain with the temperature at around 30oC and in full sunshine.
In 50” Molinero showed his worth as a winger when he reached the by-line and sent in a delightful cross into the box, but his target Rosado did not have enough height to reach it.
Malaga were looking to kill the game off quickly and maintained the pressure with Ernesto forcing the game’s first corner in 3’ down the left. His corner found Silva but the big defender headed over.
Vecindario had their first attempt on goal in the next minute but winger Aitor Goni’s effort from distance was well wide.
Again in 7’ Molinero gets to the by-line, but with three in the box waiting he overhits his cross and it goes for a throw.
In 8’ Jesus Gamez wins Malaga’s second corner. Ernesto takes and again finds Silva who with plenty of time completely misses the ball and the danger is cleared.
Molinero is getting plenty of room down the right wing and sends in another inviting cross; however his forwards were not quick enough to be in position to receive it.
The first save of the game is at the other end in 10’, when Goitia has to look lively to stop a Jesus Gamez back-pass.
Vecindario play-maker Carrizo has a go in 13’ after creating space for himself, but his shot is well wide of the post.
In 14’ Ernesto takes a free kick, trying to find Rosado, but it’s too high for “Pink”.
In 19’ Malaga have their best effort so far when Hidalgo slips the ball short to Molinero coming in off the right wing. The winger hits it beautifully and the shot beats the keeper but is blocked on the goal-line by a defender and goes out. Remarkably, a goal kick is awarded.
In 21’ Jesus Gamez gives away a free kick near the centre circle. Carrizo floats the ball into the crowded box. It looks quite innocuous to us but somehow KIRIAN gets his head to the ball first and Vecindario take a surprise lead!

Malaga 0 Vecindario 1

The goal is against the run of play and stuns the vociferous crowd. This was not the plan. The bottom club were here to be whipping boys and allow Malaga to climb a little way into a safer position in the table.
The very next minute, 23’, Ernesto has a chance for an immediate reply when Hidalgo is brought down 30 yards out. It’s a bit central but the winger tries a shot which goalkeeper Kelemen gathers easily.
In 25’ Ernesto has another chance when the ineffective Counago is tripped. This time the winger’s free kick is too strong missing his team-mates in the box and too wide to be on target.
In 26’ it’s Goitia who has to make another save, again from a long range effort from Carrizo.
In 28’ Malaga almost grab the equaliser. Molinero delivers another fine cross into the box which Kelemen tries and fails to cut out. Rosado sends a powerful drive goal ward only to see it kicked off the line by a defender.
In 29’ Counago puts Hidalgo through into the box and the keeper has to make a fine save on his line to block the shot.
Malaga maintain the pressure in the next minute when, after his free kick rebounds off the defensive wall back to him, Ernesto sends in a curling drive from 25 yards which Kelemen somehow gets to diving full length to stop the ball entering the goal at his left post.
It’s an enthralling contest and Malaga are creating plenty of good chances with lots of goalmouth action, but good goalkeeping and defending are keeping them out.
In 36’, disaster for Malaga. Carrizo sends a hopeful ball into Malaga’s penalty area and Michel runs into Valcarce and goes down. Valcarce is adjudged to have kicked him and a penalty is awarded. Valcarce is booked. Topscorer XISCO steps up to take the spot kick and sends Goitia the wrong way to score.

Malaga 0 Vecindario 2

The score line looks surreal on the giant scoreboard. This defeat would surely mean the end for Malaga in this division. If they cannot beat Vecindario at home, then they do not deserve any better. At this point it is difficult to see where Malaga can get three goals from to get the victory they desperately need.
In 40’ Vecindario almost go three ahead when Goitia has to make a fine full length diving save to stop a goal bound effort from Javi Morales.
In 41’ Muniz takes a brave decision by bringing on two substitutes. Desperate times require desperate measures. Off come Silva and Molinero and on come the giant striker Chengue Morales and dwarf playmaker Sandro, the latter for his first game in seven after his dreadful display in El Ejido. Malaga change to 4-3-3.
The changes almost pay off immediately when Chengue (remember, he’s the 8’3” Uruguayan powerhouse) beats the full back and fires in a shot from an acute angle. The shot looks goal-bound but somehow Kelemen makes a great save.
In 43’ Goitia again comes to Malaga’s rescue with the dangerous Xisco forcing the home keeper into another fine diving save.
In 44’ Counago and Jesus Gamez combine down the right flank to give Ernesto a chance. The left winger crashes in another shot on target which Kelemen does well to save on his line.

Half-time Malaga 0 Vecindario 2

Remember the tea lady? This was not a day for that wifie’s brew to slow down and upset the home team, as in previous games.
When the game restarted we noticed another formation change. Malaga had gone to 3-4-3 with Jesus Gamez operating more as a right winger.
Then, only two minutes into the half, in 47’ Muniz makes another change. To whistles from the crowd, Ernesto is taken off and Jonaton Valle is introduced. Different formations, all three subs on the field at the beginning of the second half. Muniz was showing some courage by using up all his options early. Would it pay off?
The very next minute, Sandro sends in a speculative long ball into the box. Chengue, Counago and the goalkeeper Kelemen all jump for it at the far post and all come crashing down in a heap. Result? Penalty! We are not arguing but we cannot remember when we last saw a penalty at La Rosaleda let alone two in a game. No matter. HIDALGO steps up and confidently puts the spot kick past the unlucky Kelemen.

Malaga 1 Vecindario 2

Getting the goal back so early in the half gave us some confidence, but Malaga still had to score another twice. The way other results were going and looking at the games left for each of the clubs slogging it out at the bottom, a win today was imperative.
In 50’ Jonaton Valle marked his entry into the game by getting booked for bringing down Javi Morales, who was about to run into the Malaga penalty area at the time. Carrizo takes the kick and saw the ball skiff the top of the bar as it went over. So close – and it showed that Vecindario were not here to lie down for Malaga.
In 53’ Counago feeds Rosado and Pink’s shot has keeper Kelemen diving and tipping the ball onto the post and out for a corner.
There’s a slight panic in the Malaga goalmouth in 54’ when Goitia takes a short pass back from Armando and kicks the ball against the inrushing Xisco. The ball could have ended up in the net but luckily it goes wide.
It’s been a pulsating and action packed game and full of incident, but Malaga were still 1-2 down and looking to get back into the game.
Michel becomes the first visitor to be booked for a foul on Hidalgo in 60’.
In 63’ Hidalgo bursts into the box after a strong run from the centre circle. Chengue is with him in support but the ex-Uruguayan international’s effort is parried away by Kelemen. However, ROSADO is lurking and pounces on the rebound to net from six yards, scoring his first goal for the club after joining in the January window. GOOOOAAAAALLL!!!! It’s the break Malaga needed. It’s the equaliser! We can breathe again, even if ever so slightly. Malaga are right back in this game. Can we go on and win it??

Malaga 2 Vecindario 2

In 65’ Chengue has a great chance to grab all the glory. He is put through one on one with Kelemen. He has plenty of time to compose himself and pick his spot, but instead he winds himself up for a powerful shot which he sends high into the upper tier.
It’s a dreadful miss but there can be no denying that since his introduction, his powerful presence and strong running off the ball has had a huge detrimental impact on Vecindario’s defence.
In 68’ Vecindario make their first change. Off comes winger Aitor Goni for midfielder Granero.
In 69’ Carrizo is booked for handball 20 yards out. However, there seems to be some disagreement amongst the players and they huddle around the referee. Perhaps they have seen something else? The referee runs across to his assistant and then runs back to the huddle. It’s another yellow card and thus a red for Jonaton Valle for kicking his opponent. He’s off. Malaga are down to ten men! Jonaton Valle has only been on for a little over 20 minutes! What did he contribute? Is his needless sending off going jeopardise Malaga’s whole season? Is he on loan and can we terminate the deal now? This is all we need. Drawing 2-2 against the bottom club at home, trying to find the winner and now reduced to ten men! Help!
It’s the 72nd minute before the free kick is taken. Remember it was handball and Hidalgo takes it. His shot is powerful and low and is just wide of the far post. The ball must have taken a deflection because a corner is awarded. Hidalgo takes the corner and picks out the giant Chengue in the box. He has a free header but has to watch it come off the crossbar.
In 74’ Vecindario make another substitution. Midfielder Michel is taken off for striker Mirosavlievic as the visitor’s sense that this could yet be their day to break their away games duck.
In 75’ Counago gets through past the defence into the box and goes down. There is no way the referee is going to award a third penalty in this game, though.
In 76’ Chengue breaks into the box from the left wing and sends in another crashing drive – but it’s into the side netting.
In 80’ Rondo comes on for Marcos Suarez as Vecindario make their final change.
In 81’ Sandro takes a free kick which Armando heads over.
In 82’ Sandro floats in another hopeful ball into the box. Chengue is there to meet it at the far post and Kelemen comes out to challenge. The ball breaks free and IVAN ROSADO is there again to pick up the scraps and poke the ball into the empty net. GOOOOAAALLLLL!!!! What an important goal! Well done Pink. Two valuable goals in this game! Rosado takes off his shirt and runs to the corner flag in celebration, for which he is booked. No matter. 10 man Malaga are in the lead. Salvation may be around the corner after all. Hello! Are we happy now? Well, happier, yes, but we have all been put through the mill backwards in this game.

Malaga 3 Vecindario 2

In 87’ Granero is booked for a foul on Sandro.
Then in 88’ Silva, who was subbed in the first half and is now sitting in the dugout, is booked after the referee’s attention to his offence is brought by the fourth official!
In 90’ Armando gives away a free kick in a dangerous position. Can Vecindario spoil the party? No, the ball flies over the bar.

Full time: Malaga 3 Vecindario 2

What a game! We are drained and in need of immediate refreshment at the full-time whistle. A valuable and necessary three points gained. Especially as both Alaves and Castilla have been beaten in their games, so a slight breathing space for the moment, but Malaga are by no means out of this yet. They have five games left: away to fellow strugglers Tenerife next Sunday, then a tough home game to promoted Real Murcia. Then away to local Andalucian rivals Almeria, who are also in the top three and promoted for the first time in 50 years. Then back home for their final home game against another local rival Cadiz – which is another difficult fixture. Then finally away to Castellon in Valencia province, in what could yet be the match that decides Malaga’s fate.

There is so much interest in Malaga’s fate that next week’s away game is again to be broadcast live on Spanish TV. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be watching!

Remember for more news and gossip on the Message Board, go to www.malagafootballenglish.com

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 1:46 PM | Permalink

Castilla are lying in the relegation zone with three points less than Malaga, so manager Muniz had stated before the game that an away win in this game could go a long way to settling Malaga’s fears for this season.
He was without the suspended Molinero, but welcomed the return of Jesus Gamez, Armando and Jesule back after suspension. Also returning to the bench after recovering from injury was left winger Ernesto. In the absence of Molinero, his favourite right winger, he went for a 4-3-3 formation for this important match:

Malaga (4-3-3): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Hidalgo, Silva and Calleja; Jonaton Valle, Ivan Rosado and Counago.

Only 4000 supporters were in the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, Real Madrid’s training ground, for their “B” team’s clash with Malaga.
The first 20 minutes or so did not produce any action of note and we had to wait 25’ for the first booking – surely some kind of record in the Spanish Second Division. It was Castilla’s Adrian who was shown the yellow for barging into Hidalgo.
In 28’ Rosado breaks from the centre circle and starts on a run down the left. He is supported by Calleja who receives the pass and runs down the touchline. After avoiding the attentions of full back Velavos, Calleja swings a perfect cross into the box, where his three forwards are waiting. Jonaton Valle, with his back to goal, got to the ball first and chested it back to Rosado. The striker headed the ball goalwards, only to see it come back off the post with Castilla goalkeeper, Codina, at full stretch and lying on the ground. Malaga’s third striker, COUNAGO, was first to pounce to stroke the ball home from three yards. GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!
It was just what Malaga needed and you could see that from the reaction of the players.

RM Castilla 0 Malaga 1

As often happens when a goal is scored, the scoring team relax and allow the opposition into the game. Castilla are also fighting for their Second Division lives and in 32’ their top scorer, Negredo with 14 goals so far this season, sent in a sizzler from the left wing that skiffed the far post as it went wide, with Goitia watching anxiously.
In 35’ attacking midfielder, De la Red went close again with a scorcher from 30 yards after a flowing Castilla move through the centre of Malaga’s defence, but his effort went over the bar.
Castilla keep up the pressure in 36’ when they win their first corner. But Armando heads the resultant kick clear.
Malaga shake themselves up and Counago is unlucky not to win a penalty when three defenders sandwich him in the Castilla box, but the referee says “No”.
In 38’ Valcarce receives a booking for a tackle from behind.
In 41’ Jesus Gamez splits the defence to find Counago running on his own into the box. He only has Codina to beat but he elects to try and lob the ‘keeper instead of finishing powerfully and the sitter is missed as the Codina gathers the ball easily.

Half-time RM Castilla 0 Malaga 1

Now readers of these reports will know that Malaga seem to come out after halftime a little dozy. We have in the past blamed the tea lady for her infusion having this effect. Others of us wonder about manager Muniz’s team talk. As a player he was a defender and his teams since becoming a manager have always been defensively minded. Whatever it is, Malaga have a record of losing goals (and games) in the first ten minutes after half time. So, despite the encouraging score, many of us were nervous whether one goal would be enough to secure the three points and whether Malaga would be able to weather the storm that their fellow strugglers would surely unleash.

Castilla’s intentions were made clear with two substitutions at half time, with forwards Callejon and Bueno coming on for defender Agus and midfielder Granero.
Our worst fears are confirmed five minutes into the second half. Bueno’s impact is almost immediate when he finds NEGREDO in the box. Armando has a moment of indecision, which allows the Castilla striker to turn and poke the ball past Goitia from 12 yards. Disaster!

RM Castilla 1 Malaga 1

Malaga almost go ahead in the next minute. Jonaton Valle is well out, at least 25 yards, when he spots Codina off his line. He sends in a belter, but sees the ball cannon off the cross bar and back into play.
Castilla almost go ahead themselves in 59’ when left winger Adrian tries a cross-cum-shot which lands on the roof of the net.
In 61’ Negredo goes down theatrically in the box, but the referee says “No”.
In 63’ Armando is hacked down cynically by Adrian, who has already been booked. The referee seems to hesitate for a minute and then decides not to show the red card. Wrong decision.
In 64’ Muniz makes a strange decision by bringing on Ernesto for Jonaton Valle. Strange because Ernesto is totally left footed, a winger and Calleja and Valcarce are both operating down the left wing already.
In 65’ De la Red is booked for a cynical late tackle on Hidalgo. This is also a very poor decision by the referee as some of his peers would have given a straight red for this offence. Even the ultra-biased Real Madrid TV commentators thought that De la Red was lucky to stay on the pitch!!!
In 67’ RMC mount another sweeping, passing move that results in Goitia having to make a fine diving save.
Malaga have not started really in this half – it’s either the tea lady or Muniz seems to be happy with a draw.
In 70’ Chengue Morales comes on for the tiring Counago.
In 73’ RMC make their third change with attacking midfielder Valero on for Matta, as RMC go for the winner.
Valero almost scores with his first touch of the ball in 74’ when fellow substitute Bueno finds him clear in the box with Armando confused again. This time Valcarce reacts quickly to come across and block the shot.
Muniz’s intentions are made abundantly clear in 76’ when he replaces striker Rosado, who’s had his best game yet in a Malaga shirt, for young defensive midfielder, Gascon.
In 84’ Calleja is booked for a foul on De la Red, who has been more prominent in RMC’s attacks.
In 85’ Valero again looks dangerous when he runs onto a fine pass inside the box. Fortunately he shoots straight at Goitia.
In 87’ Calleja is booked for the second time in three minutes and sent off.
Malaga’s backs are now really up against the wall and try to hold out to full-time. But to no avail as in 91’ Bueno holds up the ball well in the penalty box and passes short to DE LA RED, who turns, with the Malaga defence watching on, to slot the ball past Goitia for the winner.

Full-time: Real Madrid Castilla 2 Malaga 1

A very poor performance from Malaga, especially in the second half. It is always dubious tactics trying to defend a 1-0 or even a 1-1 result, so much of the blame must land at the manager’s feet. RMC seemed much more fired up for this crucial match and in the end their perseverance got them the result they just about deserved over the piece.
This result had us looking at the other results to see whether Malaga had dropped into the relegation zone. Fortunately Alaves were beaten at home by Las Palmas and remain one point behind Malaga and occupy the dreaded slot.
Next week, Malaga are back at La Rosaleda to face bottom club Vecindario. It’s a quite different atmosphere playing in front of 20,000 noisy home supporters and hopefully Malaga will be able to get a win which will keep our hopes alive a little longer. Never fear your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

For more Malaga information and gossip on the Message Board in English, visit www.malagafootballenglish.com

1º Valladolid 78
2º Almería 70
3º Murcia 70
4º C. de Murcia 53
5º Albacete 52
6º Cádiz 51
7º Numancia 51
8º Xerez 50
9º Salamanca 50
10º Elche 49
11º Tenerife 48
12º Las Palmas 47
13º Hércules 47
14º Castellón 46
15º Pol. Ejido 45
16º Málaga 44
17º Sporting 44
18º RM Castilla 44
19º Alavés 43
20º Ponferradina 36
21º Lorca 32
22º Vecindario 24

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:40 AM | Permalink

Manager Juan Ramón Muñiz had a few selection problems for this difficult away game at high flying Salamanca. With three of his normal back four out suspended (Jesus Gamez, Armando and Jesule) and with the veteran Argentinean centre back Schurrer still in recuperation, Muñiz surprised everybody by including two players (Alcala and Kike) from the very successful youth team (they won their league last weekend) in the heart of the defence and switched his formation to a counter-attacking 4-3-3:

Malaga (4-3-3): Goitia; Molinero, Alcalá, Kiko, Valcarce; Hidalgo, Silva and Gascon; Jonatan, Couñago and Calleja

Right from the kick-off Malaga closed down and pressed for every ball to try and unsettle Salamanca. However, Salamanca did not take long to catch on to these tactics and in the first minute Braulio burst in past Alcalá's and caused some concern to the back four.

Malaga experienced difficult situations during the next five minutes when Salamanca got a hold of the midfield. Arpón, Roberto and Quique Martín imposed themselves with their movement and slick passing. Arpon began to move the ball at his own sweet will and left winger Tomás showed up Jonatan's lack of pace.

Jonatan was not having a good game and his final passes were woeful when he had several players waiting in good positions. Of the front three only Calleja showed any sense of thrust and he had a great opportunity to put his side ahead but instead smashed the ball in against the goalkeeper Tete's body. It was to be Malaga’s only clear chance of the first half. Couñago and Jonatan wasted several opportunities.

In the meantime, Salamanca were dangerous going forward and Malaga’s defence was troubled particularly by Jorge Pina's crosses. The former Malaga B player on the right wing and Tomás on the left created Salamanca’s best chance of the first half. Their interpassing led to Goitia having to make an intervention and the goalkeeper's clearance went straight to Quique Martín's boot. His first time volley went wide although it could have easily gone between the posts.

Half-time Salamanca 0 Malaga 0

Malaga’s defence experienced very few difficulties in second half. Salamanca’s players seemed to suffer from fatigue and there was a lack of sharpness in the players. Quique Martín seemed to be operating at half peep, Susaeta did not appear and only Braulio looked as though he could make an impact. But it was because Alcalá and Kiko were very intelligent and kept everything simple. The teenagers acquitted themselves very well and did not look at all out of place.

The meagre 6125 spectators in the crowd started to whistle at their team and this indeed seemed to spur the home side on. Both Quique Martín and Roberto had shots on target but Goitia’s good form continues and he made the saves to keep Salamanca out.

But as in the first half, Malaga had the best opportunity to score. This time it was Chengue Morales who had come on for the ineffective Couñago in 56 minutes. Again he blasted a clear chance against Tete’s body with the goalkeeper fortunate to have been in the way. But these were the only two clear chances that Malaga had created in the game and so it finished goalless.

The other black spot in the game was that Molinero was sent off for a second bookable offence for handling the ball in the 89th minute.

Full-time Salamanca 0 Malaga 0

Malaga had the best chances of the game but in the end it was another two points lost. In a league as tight as this one, these draws may become very costly. With so many teams, possibly as many as sixteen, still concerned about relegation, every point is gold dust. Every game has a meaning and every team is looking at the other results and the final table so see where they are as a win or defeat can make moving several places. It's evident that we will have to suffer to the very end.

Next Sunday, Malaga are still on their travels when they take on Real Madrid Castilla in Madrid. Real Madrid’s second team are currently in the fourth bottom and relegation spot after their 2-1 away defeat at Elche on Sunday, so this is another six pointer (aren’t they all?). It is live on TV in Spain and also in the UK on Real Madrid TV on Channel 446 on Sky. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be watching – will you?

Remember more fun and gossip on www.malagafootballenglish.com

CLASIFICACION


1 Valladolid 78
2 Almería 67
3 Murcia 67
4 C. de Murcia 52
5 Cádiz 51
6 Xerez 50
7 Numancia 50
8 Salamanca 49
9 Albacete 49
10 Tenerife 48
11 Castellón 46
12 Hércules 46
13 Elche 46
14 Pol. Ejido 45
15 Málaga 44
16 Sporting 44
17 Las Palmas 44
18 Alavés 43
19 RM Castilla 41
20 Ponferradina 36
21 Lorca 32
22 Vecindario 24

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:41 AM | Permalink

Game 34 of 42: nine games remain for Malaga’s future to be determined. Today’s visitors, Elche, are yet another team also trying to escape relegation, but a look at the table will show that, although the promotion spots have all but been decided, there are as many as sixteen teams capable of joining Vecindario in the drop to Segunda B division.
After the success of the team in the past few weeks, since the wake-up 4-1 drubbing by Poli Ejido, Muniz has stuck more or less to a 4-4-2 formation, with more or less the same players. This has resulted in wins against Xerez and Lorca at home, a narrow defeat away to league champions-elect, Valladolid, and last week’s draw at Ponferradina.
For this week’s match, however, he is forced to make some changes as forward Ivan Rosado is injured and out of contention. The Spanish press were speculating who would take his place up front alongside Counago: would it be Chengue Morales, Jonaton Valle or Popo? They were all wrong as Muniz picked Perico!!

Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Molinero, Silva, Hidalgo and Calleja; Perico and Counago.

In front of a record crowd of 23,130 spectators, Hidalgo was spotted wearing a new pair of gold boots – perhaps in recognition of the fact that he is now the club’s top goal scorer (notwithstanding the away on loan Salva). Another unusual thing was that Malaga won the toss and elected to defend the Fondo end!
The first goalmouth incident came after 4’ when Perico was fouled some 25 yards out. Calleja took the free kick short with a square pass to Valcarce, who sent in a powerful shot, which was blocked by an unbeknowing defender. From the resultant corner, Silva heads over.
In 6’ Elche, who have been pinned back in their own defence, make a break on the counter-attack and Goitia has to make an intervention to catch winger Alfredo’ cross.
In 7’ Hidalgo bursts through into the opposition’s penalty box. He appears to bring the ball under control with his hand as he goes one on one with goalkeeper Willy. He is booked for handball.
The next minute, Counago, who is sporting an unbecoming Mohican hairstyle, collects the ball in midfield and releases CALLEJA on the left wing, clear on goal. Willy rushes out to the edge of the penalty area and Malaga’s little winger sends a delightful lob over his head and into the net! GOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!
Malaga 1 Elche 0
It’s the start Malaga and the huge crowd wanted and there is dancing in the stands, much flag waving and drum banging in celebration.
In 14’ Jesule becomes the second Malaga player booked for a body check-type tackle.
In 19’ Molinero uses his red boots to get in a shot from 30 yards but he sends it straight to keeper Willy in the Elche goal.
The next minute brings an even better chance for the home team, who are looking to finish the game off early. Jesus Gamez forces a corner on the right. Left winger Calleja takes and sends his cross long to the back post where Hidalgo is standing on his own for a free header, which goes wide.
In 22’ Elche left winger Alfredo again causes problems when he beats Jesus Gamez on the wing and manages to squeeze in a shot that Goitia has to get down to block at the post.
In 23’ Silva becomes Malaga’s third booking for tugging an opponent’s shirt in midfield.
In 25’ Perico, who is chasing lost causes and turning nothing into something, forces Elche to concede another corner. This time it is Hidalgo who takes the kick but sends it too long for Calleja at the far post.
In 28’ Counago is tripped in the box after cleverly kicking the ball over a defender’s head. No penalty.
In 32’ there are ironic cheers from the crowd when the referee awards a free kick to Malaga after a foul on Hidalgo. It has seemed that all decisions were going Elche’s way to that point and that their players were escaping bookings for similar offences that had brought Malaga’s total to three inside the first half an hour.
In 36’ Elche make their first substitution, replacing right back Mario for Oscar Diaz. The young right back had been roasted by Calleja down Malaga’s left wing.
In 39’ Elche’s first booking when their diminutive striker Peragon (not of virtue, then) is shown the yellow card for a high tackle on Armando.
In 41’ Perico wins another free kick in a good position. Calleja takes it and finds Hidalgo standing clear. The attacking midfielder sends in a powerful goal bound drive which forces Willy to make a spectacular one handed diving save to deny Hidalgo a certain goal.
Half-time Malaga 1 Elche 0
It’s been a quick first half with Malaga slightly on top, but Elche have shown that they can be dangerous on the counter-attack and the 1-0 lead is looking a little slender.
Elche make their second substitution at halftime. Winger Alfredo is replaced by striker Gascon Casas, who along with fellow striker, Peragon, have scored 16 times in the league between them this season.
In 53’ Elche’s counter-attacking causes concern again as Gascon Casas makes his presence felt with a long range effort that has Goitia diving to block the shot low down at his left hand post.
In 54’ Perico, who looks exhausted, is replaced by Serbian U-21 International Stosic, to loud cheers from the home support.
In 56’ some smart interpassing between Jesus Gamez and Molinero down the right wing produces a shot from the winger, but Willy gathers it easily.
In 59’, one of those bizarre moments. Counago is tripped some 30 yards out central to the goal. The penalty box becomes crowded with attackers and defenders, all jostling for position. It’s not inconceivable that Hidalgo might try a shot from the free kick either, so there is an air of anticipation as he lines up to take the kick. But, catching everybody by surprise, Hidalgo elects to pass short and square to his right to……..Mr Nobody!?! He was expecting Jesus Gamez to be there, but the full back was back in his own half covering Gascon Casas’ movements.
In the next little spell, Malaga seem to lose concentration and go to sleep, allowing Elche to get more into the game. This has been symptomatic of Malaga’s season and has cost them several points and games. Is it something they put in their tea at half-time? Perhaps somebody should look into this. Elche look the more confident side – they are closing down all over the pitch and winning every second ball. Elche have several shots during a five minute period that were either blocked by some last ditch defending or were not on target. Malaga were lucky to escape this period without conceding a goal.
In 64’ Gascon Casas again forces a save from Goitia, again with another spectacular long range effort. The Malaga ‘keeper has to stretch full length to stop the ball on the goal-line.
In 66’ I’m starting to get irritated with Counago’s continual falling over and looking for free kicks. How he is still considered a hero at Ipswich Town is beyond me. Somebody call a taxi for Portman Road, quickly, please!
In 67’ Muniz must be reading my thoughts as he brings on giant Uruguayan Chengue Morales for Counago. Elche’s Oscar Diaz is booked for a dangerous tackle on Jesus Gamez.
In 69’ Jesule becomes Malaga’s fourth booking for what looked an innocuous challenge.
Malaga continue to play without shape or organisation and are desperately hanging on to their slender lead as Elche continue to dominate the second half.
In 70’ Stosic, who has looked lively since coming on, bursts into the penalty area. With skilful feet, he beats the first defender and is about to go round a second when he is scythed down. It’s the best and clearest penalty claim that Malaga have had all season. No penalty given, “Play on”, says the ref.
In 72’ Goitia performs another miracle to keep Malaga in the game as Peragon races into the box and shoots whilst Malaga stop playing shouting at the referee for freekick decisions that this referee was never going to give to Malaga today.
In 73’ it’s Malaga who are forced to counter-attack. The sprightly Stosic picks up a pass from Chengue in the centre circle. With nobody in support the young Serb runs the entire half of the park chased by two defenders. He runs into the box where the two defenders try to sandwich him off the ball. Somehow Stosic squirms out from between them to get a shot on target, but it has no power and Willy collects easily.
It’s the wake-up call that Malaga needed though and three minutes later Calleja has a fine run down the left wing. Stosic is there to support him and gets to the by-line to send in an excellent cross. He’s big, he’s at least 8’3” and he was waiting in position at the far post. Stosic’s cross was right on the button and CHENGUE made no mistake with his header from six yards, giving Willy no chance.
Malaga 2 Elche 0
Whew! The breathing space that Malaga needed.
In 77’ Armando becomes Malaga’s fifth booking for a dangerous tackle on the half-way line.
In 78’ Elche make their final substitution, taking off defender Bernaus for midfielder Katkorran.
In 79’ Goitia has to make another diving save to stop another spectacular long range effort from Gascon Casas.
His strike partner, Peragon, has a free header from a cross from the left in 80’ which luckily for Malaga goes wide.
Peragon has another free header in 83’, this time from a cross from the right. Again the striker sees his effort go wide.
Then Peragon has his best opportunity of the game. Goitia has already gone to ground and the goal is wide-open. The Elche striker inexplicably shoots wide.
Malaga are very fortunate to survive this latest barrage and only poor finishing is keeping Elche out of this game. The huge crowd though seems oblivious to Malaga’s shortcomings on the field and are celebrating with some impressive Mexican Waves around the ground.
Then in 86’ Malaga have another chance to go further ahead. Stosic (who has been Malaga’s most impressive player going forward since he came on as a sub) is fouled near the right corner flag. There are shouts of “Chengue, Chengue” around the ground as the big Uruguayan takes up his position at the far post. Stosic takes the kick but the Elche defence clear the ball to safety.
The next minute Chengue does get his head to a Hidalgo free kick but his effort goes just wide.
In 89’ Molinero and Stosic combine with neat 1-2’s resulting in Willy having to kick the ball into Row Z to desperately clear from his goal-line.
In 90’ Chengue becomes the sixth Malaga player to be booked, when he kicks the ball away after a dubious offside decision.
In 91’ Molinero is substituted for Manu.
In 93’ Goitia makes another fine save from a dramatic overhead kick from Peragon.
Full-time Malaga 2 Elche 0

An excellent result for Malaga, despite living a bit too dangerously for long periods of the game. However, the win keeps their hopes of evading the dreaded drop alive and actually sees them climb to a respectable 14th position in the table. But with eight games to go and every other team also fighting hard, it’s still too early to say that Malaga are going to be safe. Next week they face the difficult journey up to the historic city of Salamanca and then a crunch game the following week away to Real Madrid Castilla, which may go a long way to determining Malaga’s future. Sky viewers will be able to watch this game live on Real Madrid TV – I know I will.
The next home game is in three weeks’ time against bottom club and already relegated, Vecindario. Malaga were lucky to get a draw in Gran Canaria when they met earlier in the season. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

La Segunda Table after 34 games:
1º Valladolid 77
2º Almería 64
3º Murcia 63
4º C. de Murcia 51
5º Numancia 49
6º Salamanca 48
7º Albacete 48
8º Cádiz 48
9º Xerez 47
10º Hércules 46
11º Castellón 45
12º Pol. Ejido 45
13º Tenerife 45
14º Málaga 43
15º Elche 43
16º Sporting 43
17º Alavés 42
18º Las Palmas 41
19º RM Castilla 41
20º Ponferradina 35
21º Lorca 31
22º Vecindario 22

Remember for more information and gossip (in English) visit www.malagafootballenglish.com

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:34 AM | Permalink

For the second week running, Malaga play a team in the bottom four in a six-pointer. Ponferradina are in the Second Division for the first time in their history and not surprisingly have struggled all season to keep out of the relegation zone. They are a small club and only 6177 spectators turned up to watch a crucial match for both clubs.
Malaga, after their 4-0 rout of Lorca last week, unsurprisingly perhaps, name the same team and squad for this important match:

Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Molinero, Hidalgo, Silva and Calleja; Ivan Rosado and Counago.

Ponferradina kick off in bright sunshine, playing in blue and white stripes. Malaga are in their away strip of green and mauve vertical panels.
But it’s Malaga who again are off running first. In the first minute, Armando is pushed over and wins a free kick. Calleja takes and home keeper Rubio has to punch clear.
The next minute sees Hidalgo pick up a loose pass in midfield. He runs 25 yards into Ponferradina’s half before releasing Counago. The striker’s attempt is put over for a corner, which the home defence deal with easily.
In 4’ Malaga maintain pressure on the home goal when Calleja and Valcarce combine down the left wing. The cross into the box from the full back is blocked before it reaches the strikers.
In 7’ Calleja becomes the first booking for a sliding tackle with studs showing.
In 9’ Malaga win another corner after Valcarce intercepts a pass in the centre circle and runs unchallenged into the opposition’s penalty area. But Calleja’s effort from the flag is too long and is cleared.
In 11’ Ponferradina mount their first attack. Fran runs down the right wing and easily passes Valcarce to send in a low cross across the box. It is a poor cross really, not aiming for anybody in particular. The ball passes three statuesque Malaga defenders before reaching BAHA about ten yards out. Unchallenged, he has plenty of time to pirouette and crash a shot past the bemused Goitia for the opening goal.
Ponferradina 1 Malaga 0
It’s a goal against the run of play, but Malaga’s defence seemed to be mesmerised by the low cross and allowed Baha too much time to get a shot in.
In 16’ Silva finds Jesus Gamez wide right. The full back beats his man, gets to the by-line and sends in a cross which is put behind for another corner. Hidalgo takes the kick and finds Armando’s head, but the effort goes well over.
It’s 21’ before we see Ponferradina’s second attack in what has been a very one-sided game so far. This time the attack is down the left wing but the cross is easily picked out of the air by Goitia.
In Ponferradina’s third attack, in 25’, the home side are unlucky not to go further ahead. Calleja fouls Fran, who swings the resultant free kick into the box. Again Baha is the danger man and he stretches his leg out to just get his toe onto the cross. The shot comes off Goitia’s knees and out to safety.
In 27’ Malaga’s first shot on target. Hidalgo finds Jesus Gamez in plenty of space on the right wing. The full back cuts inside for a shot but shoots straight at Rubio.
The next minute Jesule concedes a free kick 40 yards out. The effort is an unlikely shot which goes straight into Goitia’s arms.
In 31’ Hidalgo, who is easily Malaga’s best player, tries a snap shot from 25 yards, but his effort is well wide.
In 33’ Molinero (who up till this point had been posted missing on the right wing) makes a run down the right and crosses into the box. The ball is cleared only to Hidalgo but he is closed down quickly before he can get a shot in.
In 35’ Silva becomes Malaga’s second booking for pulling Toni’s shirt. The free kick is cleared upfield as Malaga counter-attack with Counago and Hidalgo combining, but the midfielder’s shot is deflected off a defender’s leg for a corner. It’s Malaga’s fifth corner and again Armando heads over.
It’s been all Malaga this half, with most of the possession and most of the play around the home side’s penalty area. But in truth, Rubio has had very little to do in Ponferradina’s goal and the fact is that Malaga trail 1-0.
In 45’ Baha again goes close when he gets a free header around the penalty spot, but Goitia makes light work of the save.

Half-time Ponferradina 1 Malaga 0

At half-time, Muniz makes two substitutions: Chengue Morales on for the ineffective Molinero and Gascon on for Valcarce. The requires a reshuffle of the team into a more attacking 4-3-3 set up with Calleja dropping back to left back, vacated by Valcarce, with width to be provided by the two overlapping full backs, Jesus Gamez and Calleja. Up front, Counago goes left, Chengue down the middle and Ivan Rosado right.
As always in these circumstances, it takes a team some time to adjust to the change. So it was no surprise that Ponferradina took the early initiative at the beginning of the second half.
In 46’ there were strong claims for a penalty as Armando seemed to pull striker Risso down in the six yard box. To the front man’s credit he didn’t fall over but continued to squirm under Armando’s arms to get in his shot which Jesule put away for a corner. From the kick the ball is only cleared to Fran 30 yards out, but the Ponferradina play maker’s shot slides just wide of the far post.
It’s the 50th minute before Malaga get themselves sorted and mount their first attack of the half. Chengue runs down the right channel but his cross is too close to the keeper.
Malaga are throwing everything forward to try a get an early equaliser, but the toothless attack is easily dealt with by the home defenders and Ponferradina look more dangerous on the counter with their wingers causing Armando and Jesule bother with their crosses into the box. It’s only poor finishing from their forwards which is sparing Malaga’s blushes at this point.
In 52’ Fran goes close with a shot from 20 yards which goes over. From the resultant goal kick, Goitia finds Rosado, who after 53 minutes into the game, seems to have his first touch of the ball. He tries to lob the Rubio, who has to jump and touch the ball over for a corner. Hidalgo’s flag kick finds the giant 8’3” Uruguayan Chengue Morales around the penalty mark, but the striker’s header is cleared upfield.
There’s no doubt that Chengue’s physical presence is causing some concern to the home defenders, but even though the giant’s height means that he wins most everything in the air, he seems incapable of directing the ball either to a colleague or at goal.
In 56’ Muniz makes his final change, bringing on Serbia U-21 attacking midfielder Stosic for a very rare appearance, for the ineffective Rosado.
In 57’ Counago appears to be pulled down by what would have been “last man”. No foul and Counago reacts angrily.
In 62’ Counago appears to be pulled down in the box. No foul, no penalty and Counago reacts angrily.
In 63’ Stosic passes wide to Counago out on the right wing. His cross is chested down by Chengue and HIDALGO running in behind the giant striker, stretches out his toe to poke the ball past Rubio.
Ponferradina 1 Malaga 1
The goal is no more than Malaga deserve for all their possession and in a way justifies Muniz’s substitutions.
In 70’ Counago has his foot stood upon and goes down in the box claiming a penalty. The referee decides to book Counago instead.
Malaga have raised the tempo of the game to a faster pace and actually look a little more menacing.
In 71’ Hidalgo has a free kick which he sends high into the air for the ball to drop just under the crossbar. Rubio has to look lively to touch the ball over. Calleja takes the corner – again Chengue meets the ball with his head – again his header is off target.
In 73’ Calleja collects the ball at the half way line and runs half way into the opposition half before sending in what looked to be an aimless cross into the box. However, Counago and Chengue are there waiting for it to come to them and centre back BORNES gets in front of Counago to put the ball past Rubio and into the net for an own goal!

Ponferradina 1 Malaga 2

Malaga have their noses in front, which they just about deserve, despite the manner of the goal.
In 77’ Counago has a great chance to finish the game off when he receives a great pass from Calleja. The former Ipswich man shoots well wide.
Ponferradina are not out of this game though and force two corners in quick succession. At the second attempt Goitia punches clear and the ball is picked up by Stosic in midfield. The youngster flicks back his long hair and pushes the ball forward to Hidalgo who has made yet another run from defence. He wins a throw on the right and interplay between Hidalgo and Jesus Gamez ends with the full back swinging in a cross for Counago, who is alone in the box. The striker’s header is goal bound and Rubio has to make a save on the line.
But it’s the home side who making all the running now as they look for the equaliser.
In 83’, in a rerun of the opening goal, a poor low cross from the left seems to catch the Malaga defence static. It’s like slow motion as the ball passes three defenders, before RISSO, running in from behind, sticks out his boot to touch the ball past the bewildered Goitia for the equaliser.

Ponferradina 2 Malaga 2

It’s a disaster for Malaga to lose a goal like this so late in the game, but it’s a deserved equaliser for Ponferradina who have worked hard to come back after their own goal.
Malaga’s defence has lost its composure and Ponferradina sense that they could even snatch a win here and send crosses in from both left and right wings in an assault on the Malaga penalty area. The TV caption shows that Malaga have enjoyed 60% possession throughout the game, but it’s the home side who likely more likely to score again.
Malaga’s frustration is encapsulated in the booking of Chengue in the 90th minute for a dangerous petulant foul.

Full time Ponferradina 2 Malaga 2

The draw has us anxiously looking at the full time results elsewhere, to see whether Malaga drop into the dreaded “red zone” again. Alaves, next week’s opponents Elche, Castellon and Tenerife all gained points. The face-saver for Malaga though is Lorca’s home win against Real Madrid Castilla which means that the Blanco’s B side drop below Malaga into the fourth bottom slot.
Next week is another six-pointer against Elche in 18:00h kick off on Sunday 22 April 2007. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.




1º Valladolid 71
2º Almería 64
3º Murcia 63
4º Cádiz 48
5º Numancia 48
6º C. de Murcia 48
7º Xerez 47
8º Salamanca 47
9º Albacete 47
10º Hércules 45
11º Pol. Ejido 45
12º Tenerife 45
13º Elche 43
14º Sporting 42
15º Castellón 42
16º Las Palmas 41
17º Alavés 41
18º Málaga 40
19º RM Castilla 38
20º Ponferradina 35
21º Lorca 31
22º Vecindario 22

A look at the table shows that Malaga have a two point advantage over the fourth relegation spot held by Real Madrid Castilla. Remember that Muniz has set a target of 50 points (or ten points now from the last nine games) as in La Segunda history no team with more than 48 points has been relegated. This means (in theory at least) that even 4th placed club Cadiz could yet be relegated if they lost all their remaining games. It’s a very tight league and none of these teams wants to be relegated, although Lorca and Vecendario look doomed.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:24 AM | Permalink

After slumping to defeat last weekend and dropping into the fourth relegation slot, Malaga have a chance to bounce back with a home game against second bottom Lorca. The visitors have won only once, (1-0) against Sporting Gijon, in their last nine away games, the rest being defeats in which they failed to score. Malaga of course also have a scoring problem, having only scored 4 times in their last nine matches. So a dour game when a priceless goal would be defended to the hilt was in prospect.
Muniz was forced to make some changes to last week’s team, which played reasonably well against the runaway league leaders, Valladolid. Winger Ernesto picked up an injury in training and is out, but with the return of Valcarce after suspension, the captain resumed his left back position and Calleja moved forward to left wing. Silva was preferred to Gascon in midfield in an otherwise unchanged line-up. The subs’ bench looked interesting with Romero and Serbia U-21 international Stosic returning to contention, along with Chengue Morales, Manu, Gascon and Boy-Wonder, Popo.

Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Molinero, Hidalgo, Silva and Calleja; Rosado and Counago.

13,631 spectators are in La Rosaleda to see Malaga kick off defending the Fondo end.
Malaga have a real chance to open the scoring in 6’. Rosado slips a pass wide left to Calleja, who in turn sends in a cross for Counago, but the former Ipswich Town man is just off the pace at the far post with the goal gaping wide in front of him.
The next minute, Malaga pile on the pressure looking for an early goal to settle everybody’s nerves. Hidalgo receives the ball from Rosado near the “D” and makes some space for a shot. He blasts one in but the ball hits the top of the bar as it goes over.
In 11’ there are some appeals for a penalty when Rosado’s goal bound header appears to come off a defender’s hand, but the referee waves play on.
In 13’ Malaga win their first corner. Calleja takes the kick and finds Molinero at the far post. He passes to Rosado who in turn feeds it back to Calleja. The winger lifts the ball just over the bar.
Malaga maintain the pressure in an impressive opening period and Counago has a shot easily saved by visiting keeper, Jauregui in 14’.
In 16’ Jesus Gamez runs onto a pass from Molinero and gets to the by-line before turning and banging in a cross across goal. He finds HIDALGO alone in the box and the midfielder heads home easily. Sheer joy! The early goal Malaga wanted.
Malaga 1 Lorca 0
With the two teams’ poor scoring records, we did wonder whether Muniz would at this point remove his strikers and bring on defenders to protect the 1-0 advantage until full-time. We would have to wait and see.
In 18’ Jesus Gamez was booked for use of the elbow, which could easily have been a straight red.
In 29’ Lorca have their first goal attempt after Calleja loses possession in the centre circle and Rodriguez runs into the box. Goitia has to look lively to make the save.
In 30’ Rodriguez almost latches on to a cross from the left which surely would have been a goal had he timed his run a little better.
Lorca are enjoying a little bit of pressure on Malaga’s goal as the home team have relaxed too much after scoring the opener.
In 31’ Jorge tries on an overhead kick but Goitia saves.
It’s Jorge again in 33’ when he breaks into the penalty box, but his shot goes well wide.
In 35’ Counago seems to have been fouled by the “last man”, but it’s only a yellow for the offender. Calleja does a “Duda” from the free kick, hitting the defensive wall.
The game has opened up and Lorca are still the most offensive side. After some slick interpassing, they force themselves into Malaga’s area again in 38’ but Rodriguez’s shot is straight at Goitia who looks very comfortable in Malaga’s goal.
In 40’ Calleja, Counago and Rosado combine well before Molinero is brought down 20 yards out. CALLEJA makes no mistake this time from the free kick, sending in a curling shot which completely deceives Jauregui. 2-0!!! This is clearly a training ground effort as Calleja runs to bench and cuddles the trainer.

Half-time Malaga 2 Lorca 0
It was a very pleasing half-time period, looking at the scoreboard seeing a two goal advantage. Surely Malaga must win this game now.

After the restart, Malaga’s sluggish start to the second half (a recurring theme throughout this season) allows Lorca to take the initiative. Goitia had to make two excellent blocks on his goal-line in 49’ before Molinero hooked the ball away to concede a corner. A goal for Lorca then would have changed the complexion of the game.
This was a wake up call and Hidalgo was fouled twice in the box in 53’ and unlucky not to be awarded a penalty.
In 55’ Lorca make the first substitution of the game; Thiaw on for Jorge P. Thiaw is a giant striker in the Chengue Morales mould and just as poor.
In 56’ Counago again is too slow to connect to a Hidalgo cross at the far post. This is a pity, because if he had scored, then the game would have been all over and everybody could relax a little. As it was, Lorca continued to show that they weren’t totally beaten yet.
In 57’ Molinero is booked for a studs-up sliding tackle.
In 59’ Jesus Gamez is fouled near the by-line. Calleja takes the kick sending the ball into the crowded penalty box. The ball falls nicely for JESUS GAMEZ, who is standing near the penalty spot and he volleyed home with a net bursting shot. 3-0 now and surely now we can enjoy ourselves at a Malaga game – the first time for a long time.
Malaga 3 Lorca 0
A minute later and Calleja has another chance from a free kick just off the 18 yard line after Molinero was again fouled, resulting in a booking for Israel. However, the winger could not reprise his previous effort and his shot goes just wide.
In 62’ Lorca make another change wit Jorge off for Alexandre.
In 63’ Malaga make a change with Gascon on for Armando. Silva drops back into the centre of defence.
In 66’ another booking for the hapless Lorca team when Alvaro is booked for fouling Rosado. Hidalgo takes the resultant free kick, which goes out for a corner.
Calleja takes the corner from the left and finds HIDALGO alone about fifteen yards out at the back post. The midfielder volleys home to score his second of the game and to put the result beyond all doubt. Again, Hidalgo runs to congratulate the trainer on the bench (not Muniz, mind) as again this seemed to be another result for the training ground.
Malaga 4 Lorca 0
In 71’ Popo comes on for Rosado.
In 76’ 8’3” former Uruguayan international Chengue Morales comes on for Counago.
In 80’ the lively Popo is brought down just outside the penalty area. Hidalgo, going for his hat-trick, tries from the free kick but his shot is just wide of the post.
In 86’ Popo creates another chance when after some tricky footwork he squares the ball across the six yard box to Chengue. The big man hits the ball on the volley and watches as his shot comes back off the post. Molinero is there for the rebound but his shot is blocked by Jauregui.
Full-time Malaga 4 Lorca 0

It’s a convincing win in the end for Malaga, who must continue to win these games against their nearest rivals if they are to climb out of trouble. What is encouraging is that although Malaga’s strikers are quite inept at scoring, the training ground effort at capitalising on set pieces seems to be paying off.
There are still ten games left in the season and Malaga still need to win at least four of them to avoid the drop and keep an eye out for the other results.
The remaining games are as follows:

Ponferradina - away
Elche - home
Salamanca - a
Castilla - a
Vecindario - h
Tenerife - a
Murcia - h
Almeria - a
Cadiz - h
Castellon – a

Ponferradina, next week’s opponents, are another team in the drop zone and so here is another opportunity for Malaga to open the gap between them and their nearest rivals. This game is live on Spanish TV!!!!
Similarly, Malaga’s next home opponents, Elche, occupy the slot just above Malaga in the current table. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.
These two games are must-wins and will go along way to deciding Malaga’s fate for next season. For more information and gossip on Malaga CF check out the www.malagafootballenglish.com web site.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 7:21 PM | Permalink

Malaga travel north to play the runaway leaders and promotion favourites, Valladolid, after their necessary win last week against Xerez, knowing that the likely defeat would plunge them into the relegation zone.
Manager Muniz made two changes to the team that won last week – one positional and one tactical. Valcarce was dropped and Calleja moved back to left back, with Ernesto getting a rare start on the left wing.
Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Calleja; Molinero, Gascon, Hidalgo and Ernesto; Ivan Rosado and Counago.
The next surprise was that Goitia, reserve goalkeeper to the out of form Arnau and making only his fourth appearance this season, was named captain.
Malaga kick off in the sunshine and start brightly. In the first minute they make home goalkeeper Alberto work, when Hidalgo sends Molinero off down the right wing and the keeper had to move quickly to cut out the cross as Rosado moved into the six yard box.
Malaga look sharp and in 6’ fast one-touch interpassing down the right wing leads to Molinero crossing in again. This time his cross dips down at the bar and Alberto again has to stretch to palm it away from Counago.
In 9’ Valladolid playmaker Borja is robbed in midfield by Rosado, who runs 20 yards into the penalty box. Faced with two defenders he slips the ball square to Molinero, who’s fouled. Ernesto takes the free kick and sends in a tantalising cross which eludes the crowd in the box and narrowly misses going in at the far post.
It’s 14’ before Valladolid mount their first attack and Armando makes an excellent tackle in the box against Victor who had run into the area.
Then Muniz springs another surprise. A substitution! Teenager Gascon looks bemused as he is taken off and Silva replaces him. Malaga rearrange (as they do several times a game since Muniz took over) to a 4-1-3-2 formation with Silva sitting in front of the back four. It’s a more defensive line-up and disappointing given the bright attacking start that Malaga has had.
In 20’ Victor again has to be tackled cleanly in the box by Armando to avert danger.
In 28’ the best move of the match so far. Ernesto breaks down the left wing. He slides the ball to Counago who returns the favour. Ernesto has moved inside and cracks a fine shot at goal from 18 yards. Alberto is beaten but the ball takes a deflection off a defender to go out for a corner.
In 32’ Hidalgo becomes the first booking, for sliding in late. Goitia catches the effort cleanly from the free kick.
Half an hour gone and the league leaders are being kept well clear of the Malaga penalty box by some fine defending and the visitors are creating chances at the other end.
The television picture shows that possession is 72% for Valladolid and 28% for Malaga, but most of the possession is in Valladolid’s half with the centre backs passing between them. A good half by Malaga.
Half-time Valladolid 0 Malaga 0
In 49’ it’s still Malaga on the hunt for the opening goal. Hidalgo takes a free kick 40 yards out. It bounces high around the penalty spot and Alberto has to tip the ball over from just under the bar.
In 52’ Goitia makes his first real save of the game when he has to tip a deflected shot from full back Marcos over the bar.
In 53’ there is a bit of a stooshie when Jesus Gamez goes down in his own 6 yard box, but the referee allows play to continue. Jesus Gamez is playing everybody on and when the ball goes wide for a goal kick, Jesule is booked for dissent after arguing with the referee.
In 55’ there is a penalty claim from Malaga, when Hidalgo breaks into the box onto an Ernesto pass and goes down. Nothing given.
In 56’ Silva becomes the third Malaga booking for a tackle from behind. The free kick is taken low and Goitia has no trouble gathering the ball.
In 59’ Malaga go close again when Jesus Gamez wins a corner on the right. Ernesto’s kick is well directed and finds Counago’s head, but the ball goes just over.
In 63’ a better chance from another Ernesto corner. (At last corner kicks are dangerous! For the first time in four years, after countless Duda, then Calleja and Sandro efforts.). This time Silva has a free header but he misses the target.
In 65’ Borja is taken off and Mario Suarez comes on for Valladolid.
In 67’ Malaga get a bit casual in midfield when Molinero’s slack pass doesn’t find the striker. Winger Capdevila latches onto the loose ball and runs towards the goal. He has no support so tries from 25 yards forcing Goitia to make a fine save.
In 68’ Rubio becomes Valladolid’s first booking when he holds onto Ernesto.
Malaga have lost the initiative now and are defending along their own 18 yard line. It seems that they have settled for the 0-0 draw.
In 72’ Sisi, in too much space, shoots from 25 yards and again Goitia has to make another fine save.
In 73’ Capdevila comes off for Touche to come on for Valladolid.
What a substitution this turns out to be. In the next minute, Jesus Gamez is all on his own on the 18 yard line. Instead of booting the ball up the park, for some reason he elects to try and find Armando and passes weakly across his own penalty area. The ball lands nicely for TOUCHE who volleys past Goitia who is taken completely by surprise.
Valladolid 1 Malaga 0
It was a defensive error but it had to come as Malaga were playing too deep defensively.
In 76’ Muniz makes his second change. Discarded giant Uruguayan striker Chengue Morales comes on for Molinero, as Malaga change again to a 4-3-3 formation to change from ultra defence to all out attack to try and find the equaliser.
It almost works in 82’ when Ernesto’s pass finds Counago in the box. The striker forces the defender to concede a corner. Ernesto’s corner again almost goes in under the bar and Alberto has to punch clear.
In 83’ Valladolid set out their stall. League top scorer Llorente is taken off and defender Ivan Hernandez comes on to defend the 1-0 lead.
In 86’ Malaga make their final change, bringing on Jonaton Valle for Ivan Rosado – or one lightweight for another. Jonaton Valle is a midfielder though so Malaga change their formation again to 4-1-3-2.
In 92’ Malaga get their last chance to equalise when Hidalgo’s persistence wins a corner. Ernesto takes yet another fine kick and with Alberto beaten, the ball is cleared off the line by a defender to safety.
Full-time Valladolid 1 Malaga 0
The whistle goes to the home fans shouting Campeones, Campeones, whilst Malaga find themselves dropping into the bottom four and the relegation zone for the first time this season, after they discover that Castellon have won away at Albacete.
The next few games are crucial to Malaga’s efforts to survive when they play teams around them in the league, starting next week with their home game against second bottom Lorca. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:12 AM | Permalink

After last week’s humiliating defeat at Poli Ejido, it was back to La Rosaleda for another crunch match at home to Xerez. The team from the sherry capital of the world were the early front runners and currently lying in fourth position just outside the three automatic promotion spots, they are still looking to improve their lot and gain promotion this season.
Malaga’s squad for this week’s game held several promises, as far as I’m concerned. Firstly, Sandro was dropped, presumably for giving the last goal away last week. Also Edgar had picked up a late injury and was out. There was also no place for Jonaton Valle. These are three players who have contributed very little to the team this season and yet have played in almost every game, so for me these omissions were good news. Silva had not recovered from his ankle knock in last week’s game and was also out, so Muniz was forced to make some changes. In his squad he named three of the club’s most promising teenagers; defensive midfielder Gascon, attacking midfielder Popo and striker Plata.
The big surprise in the squad was Manu, who had publicly stated before the season started that he wanted away from Malaga and was going to leave under Bosman when his contract runs out in June 2007. Malaga tried to terminate his contract early and let him go in the January window but the two parties couldn’t agree terms and the right winger is still in the squad. Manu must have played under at least six Malaga managers and none of them have seen fit to give him a run in the team, so it is questionable, even though he may be physically and mentally fit, whether he should be in the squad.
The league situation is as follows: the bottom four teams are automatically relegated, i.e. there are no play-offs. The bottom two teams, Lorca with 25 points and Vecindario with 19 points, already look doomed. Ponferradina and Castellon have 30 and 32 points respectively against Malaga’s 33. Malaga must gain points and hope that these two teams lose to open up some sort of comfort gap. There are 13 games left in the league, including today’s game, so it is going to be a nail-biting last quarter of the season.

There was an amazing 17,795 crowd in La Rosaleda for Sunday’s game against their Andalucian rivals, Xerez. Imagine the crowd if Real Madrid were playing….. dream on, just now.
You may remember the away game in Jerez earlier in the season, which finished with 5 sent off between the two teams. Better discipline was to be hoped for in a game played in 25C heat and brilliant sunshine.
Muniz sprang two surprises with his line-up. First, Molinero, a right back, was drafted in to play on the right wing to replace the injured Edgar. Secondly, he again had the team set up in 4-4-2 formation. The good news was that Goitia was given another chance ahead of Arnau in goal, despite losing four goals last week:
Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Molinero, Hidalgo, Gascon and Calleja; Rosado and Counago.
It was Xerez who sprung a surprise with a 4-5-1 line-up, with only Yordi up front. This defensive set-up against a lowly team seems over cautious, but possibly to Malaga’s advantage in the circumstances.
Malaga win the toss and it’s the red shirted Xerez team who kick off defending the Fondo end. They are first to show in the first minute when Goitia comes off his line to punch a dangerous cross from the right clear.
However, Malaga go even closer in the second minute. Rosado makes a break down the left wing and sends in a delightful cross to Molinero at the far post. The red-booted one passes back to Hidalgo standing on the 18 yard line. The midfielder tries to reprise last week’s goal, but this time his shot comes off the junction of the bar and post with goalkeeper Chiema beaten.
In 3’ Malaga force the first corner of the game, but Counago heads over.
It’s all Malaga and Counago breaks down the right in 9’ to get to the touchline. He crosses to his strike partner Rosado in the six yard box but he heads just over.
Malaga should have scored in the next minute when the panicking visiting defence manage to scramble the ball away after both Hidalgo and Counago have close range efforts blocked.
In 11’ Malaga keep up the pressure on Xerez’s goal and Counago bursts into the box from the left wing. He’s tackled and goes down heavily. Penalty? Corner given, from which Xerez need three attempts to clear their goalmouth. Even then Calleja is fouled just outside the box. The former Villarreal star takes the kick himself and forces Chiema to save just under his bar.
We are all looking at each other and saying that this is the best we have seen of Malaga all season. Let’s hope they can keep it up and get the goal they deserve.
In 13’ Xerez win their first corner to remind us all that they can be a threat.
In 15’ Gascon finds Jesus Gamez on the half way line. The full back sprints forward with the ball and cuts it inside to Molinero who is running in support. Molinero pushes the ball forward to Rosado who puts a defence splitting pass between two defenders through to COUNAGO who makes no mistake from six yards, squeezing his shot between Chiema and the post. GO--------AA-----LLLLL!!!! It’s a great passing move and a great finish and no more than Malaga deserve for their start.
Malaga 1 Xerez 0
In 17’ the first booking of the game is Francis for a foul on Gascon.
In 18’ we’re on our feet again as Rosado cheekily lifts the ball over Chiema’s head and into the net. But the linesman’s flag is up for offside.
In 25’ Rosado, who’s having his best game yet in a Malaga shirt is sandwiched between two Xerez defenders as he enters the box and goes down. Penalty? No foul, play on, says the ref.
Two minutes later, Calleja runs into the box from the left wing with the ball and is brought down. Penalty? Corner. Calleja takes a swerving inswinger corner kick which Chiema does well to punch the ball clear from under his bar.
The first half hour has gone very quickly and it’s been all Malaga who deserve more than a single goal lead.
In 36’ Counago’s header flies past Chiema and into the net after a superb quick passing move involving Rosado and Valcarce, but again the linesman’s flag is up for what must have been a marginal offside decision.
In 42’ Malaga’s first booking is Rosado for a tackle from behind. From the free kick, Goitia has to look lively to palm the shot over the bar.
In 45’ Xerez play on to jeers and whistles as Jesus Gamez lies slumped at the half way line near the touchline. The full back looks groggy and concussed and needs several minutes of attention off the field.
Half-time Malaga 1 Xerez 0
Jesus Gamez returns revived after his half an orange during the interval.
In 49’ Calleja, who looks tired, with no pace or running in him, collects a through pass from Rosado. The winger’s effort though is closer to the corner flag than the goal.
In 50’ Molinero’s name goes into the book for a dangerous tackle. From the free kick, Yordi manages to escape Jesule, who has kept him quiet all game so far, and get in a header, but it goes well over.
In 52’ Yordi tries an audacious attempt from the centre circle, spotting Goitia off his line, but the keeper gets back to catch the ball comfortably.
Xerez continue to attack Malaga’s goal and in 55’ Pedro Rios goes close, hitting the side netting with his shot.
Malaga continue to weather the storm and after Yordi wins a free kick in 57’ after the ball hits him in the face!?! Goitia makes an easy collection from the kick. He kicks it out to Calleja who is promptly scythed down by Pedro Rios, who gets booked for his trouble.
In 62’ Pedro Rios is subbed and Marcos Navas replaces him.
In 65’ Counago comes off to an ovation to be replaced by Perico.
This change changes the character of the game. Malaga revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation and are no longer chasing a second goal but defending the 1-0 lead. So yet again, we poor fans have to live through the next 25 minutes praying that no mistakes are made at the back.
Xerez respond with route one football – missing out the midfield and aiming at target man Yordi down the middle.
But in 73’ Jesule should have scored when he was given a free header from a Hidalgo corner.
The next minute produces an even better chance for Malaga when Valcarce breaks down the left wing. His powerful cross flies over Perico and Rosado in the centre of the box, but lands at the feet of Molinero at the far post. He connects beautifully and Chiema makes a fine save.
In 75’ Xerez make two substitutions, most notably bringing on Swiss international striker and former Malaga B player, Giejo, to loud jeers and whistles from the home crowd. Xerez change to 4-4-2 as they try to get something from the game.
In 83’ Molinero is replaced by local boy (from Fuengirola) Manu, to a loud reception from the crowd.
Whilst the change is being made, Goitia was waiting to take a free kick. The referee runs up and shows him the yellow card for taking too long to take the kick!
In 87’ Valcarce is lucky not to be sent off for pushing over a Xerez player off the ball. He receives a yellow card.
In 88’ Calleja is replaced by veteran Argentine centre back Schurrer, as Malaga go five at the back with three centre backs!
In 90’ all Malaga’s good work is almost undone as a through ball lands at Schurrer’s feet on the 18 yard line. For some reason he expects Goitia to come off his line to collect the ball, even though Yordi is running in. For a split second, disaster loomed as it was clear that Goitia had no chance of getting to the ball before Yordi. Luckily, Jesule was aware enough to dash across the box and hoof the ball into Row Z.
In 92’ Giejo was booked, much to the pleasure of the crowd, for a foul on Armando.
In 93’ there was an even bigger cheer, when the referee blew for full time!
Full-time: Malaga 1 Xerez 0

A good win for Malaga and the importance of it became clear when it was discovered that both Ponferradina and Castellon had also won. So Malaga retain just a one point advantage over their nearest rival for that dreaded fourth relegation spot. Still it was a win and a better performance after the depths of last week’s result. Muniz hopefully might have learned that his team has improved with Arnau, Edgar, Sandro and Jonaton Valle missing. In my view, Calleja should also be on a shaky hook, as Ernesto on the left wing would provide more pace, more threat and more direct running than the present incumbent.
Next week, Malaga face the long trip north to La Segunda leaders and promotion favourites Valladolid, who are twelve points clear at the top of the table. Winning there will need a miracle and there is the possibility that after the game Malaga may drop into the relegation zone, depending on how Castellon fare.
The following week, Malaga are back at home to second bottom club, Lorca. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:17 AM | Permalink

We made the two hour trip north along the Mediterranean coast into Almeria province to watch Malaga play Poli Ejido on Sunday 18 March 2007. The ground is small with a capacity of under 8000 and on the day some 5000 spectators turned up to watch, including a fair number of travelling supporters.
Malaga’s lowly league position in 18th just above the four relegation slots and the fact that the team has managed only three goals in the last nine matches has had Manager Muniz scratching his head and changing the team’s tactics yet again. This week, he has had his team training in the more adventurous 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations in a bid to find the goals and the wins Malaga so badly need to avoid a second relegation in successive seasons. Sitting with 33 points after 28 games, with 14 games remaining including today’s match, the manager has set a target of 50 points (or six wins) as no team has ever been relegated from La Segunda with 50 points (yet).
Arnau continues on the bench, giving Gotia only his second game of the season. Hidalgo returns after suspension and as Malaga have only two first team strikers to call on, teenage sensation Plata was called up from the Juvenile team to sit on the bench to act as cover.

Málaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesús Gámez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Edgar, Silva, Hidalgo and Calleja; Couñago and Iván Rosado.

Joy of joys! What a start! After only six minutes – Malaga go ahead! Yes – they scored a goal! HIDALGO, standing on his own, 25 yards out sends in a looping shot over the heads of a crowded penalty box and past home keeper Kike for the opening goal.
Let me tell you, it felt really good to see a Malaga goal and all sorts of hope and other ridiculous feelings swarm through your veins. Perhaps Malaga has turned the corner. Perhaps reverting to 4-4-2 suits the players at Muniz’s disposal. Perhaps we can dream of staying in this Division this year and building a team in the summer which can propel the club back into the First Division.
It didn’t last. After only ten minutes more, veteran striker ORTIZ ran into the box after a slick passing move through the centre of the field and expertly put the ball beyond Goitia’s reach to equalise.
Still, the game was poised with both teams looking good value.
Then, just before half-time, Silva went down in heap after a tackle on Toedtli, Poli’s other striker. It takes a lot to bring down Silva and it looked serious for a while, yet after a dosing of the magic spray and sponge, he was back up and playing again.
Half-time Poli 1 Malaga 1
It was clear that Silva wasn’t fit and so after only 3 minutes after the restart, he was substituted for Sandro. Now you must know by now that Sandro is not my favourite player, as he demands the ball, tries a World Cup pass and inevitably gives possession away to the opposing team. However, in the circumstances it did seem right to bring on another creative midfielder as Malaga went looking for the win they desperately need.
However, as Malaga were reorganising after the substitution, Poli’s big striker TOEDTLI controlled a loose ball in the penalty area and blasted the ball past Gotia from close range to put the home side ahead.
Poli 2 Malaga 1
Muniz made his second change soon after in the 55th minute, taking off Edgar and bringing on Perico. He also changed the formation, going to a 4-2-3-1 set up, with striker Rosado out wide on the right and Perico supporting Counago through the middle.
Again, as Malaga were reorganising after this substitution, Poli stepped in to take advantage. Pedro Vega took a free kick out on the left wing and found centre back TENA’s head in the crowded penalty area. The centre back’s header was strong and true and put Poli into an unassailable position. There was no way really, given their record, how you could see Malaga score two more goals for a draw, let alone three more for a win.
Poli 3 Malaga 1
We were scared that Muniz might make another substitution and lose another goal!
In 67’ he did make his final substitution, bringing on left winger Ernesto (he of the red boots) on for captain Valcarce. The arm band went to Sandro and Calleja fell back to left back to allow space for Ernesto to run down the left wing.
We waited with bated breath, but this time there was no response from Poli as before. However, the small team from Almeria province were playing with a swagger and their teenage midfielder, Sunny Sunday, was controlling the centre of the park, allowing Malaga no opportunity to push forward.
There was a very short flurry of shots on goal from first Counago and then Rosado which had the crowd whooping a little but giant keeper Kike never looked seriously troubled.
Just when we had resigned ourselves to this crushing defeat, Sandro did what he does best, just before the full time whistle. Standing alone in the middle of is own half in 88’, he unbelievably passed the ball straight to Poli sub MORENO. The striker had time to smooth down his pony tail before he ran past Jesus Gamez to crash Poli’s fourth goal past the unfortunate Gotia.
Full time Poli Ejido 4 Malaga 1

What a disaster! Muniz puts out his most attacking line-up this season, his team score an early goal and then they are thrashed 4-1. Poli were more organised, more hungry for the ball, more motivated to chase lost causes and were devastating in their finishing. At the end Malaga looked a very sorry sight.
Fortunately, the four bottom teams were unable to make much headway on Malaga this weekend, so that the Blue and Whites can go through another week without being in the dreaded red zone. All four teams have to play Malaga yet (are these four of the six wins they need?)
At the moment, the only way I can see Malaga staying up is if these bottom four teams continue to lose all their games from now until the end of the season.
Next week? At home for another local derby against Xerez. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It’s getting close to crunch time for Malaga. After last week’s defeat in Gran Canaria, they have dropped to just one point above the four teams doomed to relegation. Manager Muniz has stated over and over again that his objective for the season is reach 50 points, as no team has yet been relegated with this points total from La Segunda. However, after 27 games Malaga have collected only 32 points, winning only 8 times, which means that in the remaining 15 matches they must win at least six to achieve the manager’s target.

It is a serious situation for the club. The press have stated that if they make the drop, the club will not survive as La Segunda “B”, the next division down, will not generate the finances necessary for Malaga to clear their debts.

Today’s visitors, Cuidad de Murcia, sit comfortably in 7th position in the table, but ten points off third placed Almeria in the last promotion spot. So they will not be “easy” opponents, but then Malaga this season have not found any of their opponents to be easy.

With the sending off of Hidalgo last match coming with a one game suspension and the poor form of Sandro, the press were speculating on Muniz going for a 4-4-2 formation, with a Counago – Rosado front pairing for the first time. Muniz had stated on Malaga’s official website that he didn’t want to play different set-ups at this stage in the competition as this would confuse his players.

All this was seemingly word-play as the starting line-up was a very unfamiliar 4-1-2-3 formation as Muniz put out a team which he thought would be an attacking force which Cuidad de Murcia wouldn’t be able to cope with. The surprises didn’t stop there! Goalkeeper Arnau, who has been ever-present since the start of the season despite his obvious lack of confidence and form, was at last recognised as being the weakest link and dropped, giving patient Gotia his first appearance in the league this season (in game 28!) With Jonaton Valle recovering from injury and Hidalgo suspended, Sandro was in the starting line-up. Young starlet Popo is still out with injury, so Muniz filled his team with his more experienced players.

Malaga (4-1-2-3): Gotia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Silva; Gascon and Sandro; Edgar, Counago and Calleja.

Malaga had been again offering 2x1 tickets to try and boost the crowd. On a glorious March Sunday afternoon, 14,691 turned up to support their team.

In the first minute, Sandro tries a shot from just outside the penalty area, but it goes wide of the far post.

We are expecting left winger Calleja down the left and right winger Edgar down the right channel, but from the kick-off they were playing the other way round, so yet another tactical surprise from Muniz.

In 9’ Calleja does get to the by-line but his route to goal is cut off, so he lays the ball back to Gascon, who has a go from 18 yards, but his shot is well over.

In 19’ it’s the first effort from Cuidad de Murcia on goal, who seemed from the outset to be playing for a draw. Former Malaga left winger Luque takes a free kick, which Gotia unconvincingly punches out with two fists. The ball lands at the feet of a Murcia player who, with the goal wide open, blasts his shot well wide of the far post. Whew!

In 21’ it’s Calleja’s turn to try his luck with a free kick. With the penalty box crowded, he elects to try and lob the ball directly into the net, but it lands instead on top of the net’s roof.

In 24’ Silva is the first to be booked for a dangerous sliding tackle.

In 26’, Malaga’s best move so far. Edgar makes it to the left by-line and sends in a cross to the box. Counago can only help it on its way to Sandro. The wee playmaker cuts it back to Gascon who sends in a powerful drive low and on target that forces visiting goalkeeper Jose Juan to dive full length and just push the ball away from his near post.

Cuidad de Murcia are showing no attacking threat and apart from that Luque free kick early on have not given Gotia anything to do.

The game deteriorates into a series of fouls and midfield play and in 40’ Muniz makes a change. Gascon, the player who has come closest to scoring so far, is replaced by Perico. This change also requires a change in formation and it goes to a more recognisable 4-2-3-1 set up, with Edgar moving for the first time to the right wing, Calleja left with Perico supporting Counago down the middle.

In 44’ Murcia midfielder Ayoze is booked for bringing down Perico.

Half-time Malaga 0 Cuidad de Murcia 0

Despite the support and noise of the crowd, Malaga are playing this game like a training match. The pace is slow and deliberate and there’s precious little to excite the crowd and get them really behind the team.

The second half starts much as the first finished, but the game erupts finally in the 56’. Counago bursts through into the box and sends an unstoppable shot past Jose Juan. It’s in! It’s a goal! Malaga are in front! We all up dancing and celebrating, but wait – the referee has spotted something and has disallowed the goal and Counago is booked! From our position behind the goal at the other end, we couldn’t see what had happened, but we must conclude that Counago controlled the ball with his hand. What a bummer!

Still the crowd has wakened up and are now roaring Malaga’s every effort on.

Counago has another effort just two minutes later as Malaga press for the opening goal. Perico finds the striker with a pass through the middle but Jose Juan brings off a fine save to deny Counago.

In 60’ Sandro, who’s actually had quite a good game so far, passes square to Silva in midfield. The converted centre half tries from 40 yards but his effort goes 40 yards over, like a conversion.

In 61’ Murcia make a change with Luque going off for Borja.

Edgar is missing down the right wing. Perico is meandering all over the place. Calleja has moved inside. In other words, Malaga have lost their “shape” and look very badly organised. It’s left to full back Jesus Gamez to provide the attacking option and he makes several good runs down the right channel sending in glorious crosses into the box. Unfortunately, there’s nobody waiting for them.

It looks like Malaga’s only chance of scoring will come from a set play. In 69’ Sandro gets an opportunity after Perico is fouled. The free kick is a bit straight on, but Sandro gets the ball over the wall and on target. But the shot has no pace and it’s easy for Jose Juan to collect.

In 70’ Kome is taken off and Ortega, wearing an unusual protective face mask, comes on for Murcia.

In 74’ visiting striker Saizar is booked for a foul on Sandro.

With Malaga’s midfield impotent, it’s left to the full backs to make the forward runs. In 77’ Valcarce darts down the left, and with no other options, cuts in on goal. He’s brought down and Calleja takes the free kick, sending in a swerving shot to the top right corner. Jose Juan does very well to get across his goal to get a hand to the ball and push it away for a corner.

Edgar is replaced by Jonaton Valle.

In 80’ Jonaton Valle is scythed down and the offender, Varela, is booked.

In 81’ Muniz has the last throw of his dice, bringing on Rosado for Valcarce. Jesule moves to left back as Malaga change again to a 4-4-2 set up, Perico going wide right and Rosado up alongside Counago.

Murcia also change with Jiminez going off for Montova.

In 82’ Counago has another good shot saved by Jose Juan, who’s (unfortunately for Malaga) having a very good game.

In 86’ Perico is fouled on the edge of the box by Borja who is booked. Calleja takes the kick short and square to Perico, but the young star’s shot is well off target.

In 87’ Fragoso goes into the book for taking too long to take a free kick.

In the final minutes of the game Malaga have several shots on goal which are all well off target. In 92’ Gotia has to make his first save of the half from Ayoze which would have been a real sickener had it gone in.

Full time Malaga 0 Cuidad de Murcia 0

A lacklustre performance from the home team, full of nerves and lacking in confidence. The win, which Malaga so badly needed to hoist them up the table and put some space between them and the dreaded drop zone, did not materialise. It’s difficult to see where the goals are going to come from in open play that will propel them to safety. Fortunately the other results went for Malaga this weekend with the bottom four teams in the relegation zone all losing, so Malaga go two points clear of the fourth bottom club. However, Malaga now occupy the slot just above them.

Next week Malaga face the relatively short journey along the coast to El Ejido to play Andalucian rivals Poli Ejido, the team managed by former Malaga manager Antonio Tapia, who was sacked just over a year ago. His team are comfortably sitting in midtable with 39 points from 28 games, so although Malaga have to keep looking for those six wins and safety, the short trip is not without danger. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:54 AM | Permalink

Malaga slumped to an embarrassing away defeat against lowly Las Palmas in Gran Canaria on Saturday 3 March 2007. Despite dominating the first half and coming close to scoring on several occasions, they only managed one goal, an own goal by Victor who put the ball past Pindado whilst trying to block a cross from Calleja.

Las Palmas came out strongly at the start of the second half and scored twice in the opening five minutes. Malaga could not get back into the game and now languish only one point off the drop zone. Desperate times indeed.

The next match is at home against Cuidad de Murcia, currently vying for promotion. Can Malaga improve and get the three points? Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

For more comment on all things Malaga CF, visit the Message Board on http:/ www.malagacfenglish.com

Match summary details:

Las Palmas 2 Málaga 1

Las Palmas: Pindado, Castillo, Aythami, Siro Darino, Víctor, Nacho Garro, Txiki, Trashorras, Monteagudo, M. Márquez, Losada

Malaga: Arnau, Jesús Gámez, Silva, Valcarce, Armando, Jesule, A. Hidalgo, Perico, Gascón, Calleja, Iván Rosado

SUBSTITUTIONS
Las Palmas: 34' Monteagudo off for J. Arriaga; 69' Losada for off Alberoni; 86' Siro Darino off for David Glez.
Malaga: 46' Perico off for Edgar; 52' Gascón off for Couñago; 66' Silva off for Sandro

GOALS:
Las Palmas 2 (46' M. Márquez, 50' Aythami)
Malaga 1 ( 24' Víctor o.g.)

CAUTIONS:
Las Palmas: 34' Aythami Yellow, 74' Siro Darino Yellow,

Malaga: 28' Gascón Yellow, 61' A. Hidalgo Yellow, 81' Calleja Yellow, 85' A. Hidalgo Second Yellow = Red

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 6:16 PM | Permalink

It’s Sunday 25 February 2007 at 17:30h, and we’re ready for the visit of Real Sporting Club de Gijon, another club in financial difficulties and who travelled the 1000km+ trip from the North Atlantic coast by bus overnight to save centimos.

Malaga have decided now that promotion seems over the horizon for this season and sitting with 31 points from 25 games, manager Muniz has stated that his initial target is 50 points, which he says will secure Malaga in this division. If they can accumulate that total quickly and dependent on results elsewhere, they would consider whether then they could still challenge for promotion.

In an innovative gesture, Malaga offered each of their season ticket holders an extra free ticket for the Sporting game, to try and raise the home gate and make it more intimidating for the opposition. It seemed to work a little bit as 14, 281 turned up for the match!

Malaga have had some selection difficulties this week. Silva was recovering from a broken hand. Wunderkid Popo was injured against Numancia last week and is unavailable. Full back and Spanish U-21 international Jesus Gamez is also recovering from injury and faces a late fitness test. Striker Counago remains out injured; however, Jesule and Jonaton Valle return after suspension. After last week’s away defeat, will Muniz put out a more attacking line-up than his usual 4-1-4-1 set up for this home game? No, he will put out an even more defensive 4-2-3-1 set up i.e. 6 men back defending. Still, if it works?

Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce ©; Gascon and Silva; Edgar, Hidalgo and Perico; Ivan Rosado.

Will this ultra defensive system work? The answer came in only 4’. Sporting’s athletic big striker CONGO looks well offside as he runs onto a through ball, but there’s no flag. He continues his run and bank clerk look-alike Arnau looks on as if he is waiting his turn to be served when he’s rounded and the ball placed in the back of the net.

Malaga 0 Sporting 1

What a disastrous start after getting 14k+ to turn up for the game!

In 6’ Edgar, clearly relishing starting a game for a change, forces a corner on the left with his strong running. Hidalgo takes and finds ARMANDO who seems to be given a free header at the near post and he makes no mistake from 6 yards.

Malaga 1 Sporting 1

What a perfect response!

Sporting are not here to make up appearances though and Barral bursts through Malaga’s shaky defence to receive a pass from Congo, who’s made a strong run down the left wing. Barral’s shot requires Arnau to first fumble, then drop then pick up at the third attempt.

In 15’, Hidalgo and Edgar, who are both having an excellent start to the game, combine and Hidalgo runs into the box but visiting goalie Alejandro mops up.

In 16’ Edgar forces another corner out of nothing but Hidalgo’s kick is eventually scrambled away.

In 17’ Malaga keep up the pressure in an entertaining opening period when a long throw from Jesus Gamez is turned out to the feet of Valcarce. Malaga’s captain tries a long range effort which he pulls wide of the near post.

In 23’ Sporting come close at the other end when Arnau has to palm the ball away off Barral’s head for a corner, which Malaga’s defence deals with comfortably.

In 28’ in the best move of the game so far, Edgar pushes a ball square to Hidalgo (who is enjoying himself in midfield without the bossy Sandro alongside him). The midfielder is through on goal but pulls his shot just wide of the post.

In 32’ Jesus Gamez is the first to be booked. It’s for a two footed tackle for which many refs would have given a straight red.

In 37’ Perico, who seems to be meandering ineffectively all over the pitch, suddenly latches onto a through ball from Hidalgo. Alejandro has to rush out of his penalty box to head clear. (Arnau please note - as a goalkeeper, you don’t have to stay on your line and wait and see what happens!)

In 41’ we’re all anxiously looking at the linesman’s flag as Sporting get in the ball in the net for a second time. Thankfully it’s up and the “goal” is chalked off.

Half-time Malaga 1 Sporting 1

Malaga come out for the second half with no substitutes played but a changed formation: 4-3-3! Instead of six men defending, it’s six men attacking! Hello! Home game, Muniz, we should be going for it from the beginning, not waiting until half-time. Let’s see if it makes any difference. Perico and Edgar join Ivan Rosado (who has had precious little service in the first half) up front.

Does it make any difference? Yes, while Malaga are adjusting to their new set-up, former Malaga B captain Diego Castro breaks through Malaga’s defence (where Jesule looks all at sea having to cope with the handful that is Congo) and shoots just over after a dazzling run down the right wing.

In 54’ Hidalgo continues to be Malaga’s most attacking player and gets to the touchline to send in a perfect cross for Perico at the far post. The youngster snatches at the ball and it trickles past the post.

In 55’ Andreu is Sporting’s first booking for a foul on Perico.

In 59’ Edgar goes off to an ovation of sorts to be replaced by Jonaton Valle.

Then in 62’ the ineffective Silva is replaced by Sandro.

In 65’ Jesule is booked for fouling Congo, who continues to be a problem for Malaga’s defence.

In 66’ it’s another great run into the box by Hidalgo. He has choices in the middle but elects to go for glory. Wrong decision as his lob is easily collected by Alejandro.

In 70’ the invisible Ivan Rosado is replaced by Ador.

In 72’ Barral is replaced by Amar.

In 76’ Diego Castro goes off to warm applause from the home support and is replaced by Pedro.

In 79’ Ador goes on a run, surviving two tackles but not the third, for which he is awarded a free kick. Perico takes the kick, trying to curl it past the keeper, but the effort is cleared.

In 80’ Sporting midfielder Gerardo goes off and is replaced by striker Karanka. Both sides know that the game is anybody’s and the next goal will be the winner.

It’s Malaga who continue to dominate the game however and Jonaton Valle finds Ador in the box. The young striker’s shot is weak though and easily saved.

In 85’ Malaga continue to search for the goal that would give them three desperately needed points. Ador goes on a run and passes to Hidalgo, but the midfielder’s goal-bound shot is deflected for a corner.

The last 5 minutes are being played at a frantic pace in an absorbing match as both sides go for it. It’s Arnau who has to make the final save of the game in 94’ palming the ball over at the bar after a header from a very long range free kick.

Full-time Malaga 1 Sporting 1

Another draw at home, which is not good enough. Malaga remain just three points clear of the relegation zone and must start converting these draws into wins to avert the disaster that would be relegation from this league. The press reports have been saying it all though – Armando’s goal today was Malaga’s first in six games. They may have a tight defence, but with no firepower up front, the remaining games look like being nail-biters every one.

Next week they are away to on a 2500 km journey to Gran Canaria and Las Palmas, who are languishing in the relegation zone. A true six-pointer, then, and a golden opportunity for Malaga to put some distance between them and the drop zone.

The following week is a home game with third placed Cuidad de Murcia. Never fear Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Remember: keep up to date with all that's happening at Malaga by visiting http://www.malagafootballenglish.com/

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:39 PM | Permalink

Málaga went into Sunday’s game in the frozen north of Spain against Numancia without regulars Jesule, Jonaton Valle (both suspended) and Jesus Gamez (injured). The first team squad has been reduced from 28 at the beginning of the season by various means to the point that on Sunday only 13 registered Malaga first team players were available for selection, including Gotia, the non-playing substitute goalkeeper. Five young players were included in the squad for the game: Borja Truchado, Popo, Perico, Alcala, Ador and Gascón. They are registered as players for Malaga’s other teams, so the Spanish press were calling the squad “Baby Malaga”.

The interest in the young Argentine Alcala from Arsenal and Liverpool had prompted Malaga manager Muniz to put out a “hands off” warning to them and other English clubs, saying that Malaga’s young talent is their future and that Malaga was not going to be a nursery for other teams.

Muniz resorted to his favoured defensive 4-1-4-1 line-up, with 20 year old Gascon, (no relation to Paul) playing the key role of “pivot” in front of the back four, the position held all season by Silva, who remains out injured. It’s a chance too for a starting role for new striker, Ivan Rosado, who impressed with his energy when he came on as a sub in last week’s game. Veteran Argentinean centre back Schurrer gets his chance again in defence with the absence of Jesule, returning after being for several weeks after a leg injury. Also returning to the team is left winger Calleja, also after a long period of injury.

Málaga (4-1-4-1): Arnau; Molinero, Armando, Schurrer, Valcarce; Gascón; Perico, Sandro, Hidalgo and Calleja; Iván Rosado.

Only 4000 spectators turned up in a very cold Sunday evening, including a small clutch of Malaga supporters who had made the very long journey north for the match.

In a lively first half, it is Malaga who show the invention and style and create ten opportunities to take the lead, with home keeper Juan Pablo keeping his side in the game. But, against the run of play, it’s Numancia who take the lead. Fakuda, their Japanese midfielder, receives the ball on the 18 yard line and with the Malaga defence static, swivels and drives home a powerful shot past Arnau, who apparently sees the ball late and dives to his right after the ball is in the net.

Numancia 1 Malaga 0.

Despite their superiority over Numancia, Malaga’s failure to score allowed the home team to go in at half time with the advantage.

In a less inspiring second half, Malaga were still the better team and introduced Popo for Calleja in 55 minutes, but he only lasted 12 minutes before getting injured and was himself replaced by Edgar in the 68’. Ernesto came on for Gascon in the 65’ as Muniz changed to a 4-4-2 formation, with Ernesto wide left, Perico wide right and Popo (then Edgar) up front with Ivan Rosado.

But it was not to be Malaga’s day and when a very soft penalty was awarded against Armando for pushing striker Juan Carlos Moreno on the edge of the penalty box in the 94’, which the striker converted himself, sending Arnau the wrong way, it literally was “game over”.

Final score: Numancia 2 Malaga 0

According to the Spanish press, referee Martínez Franco had a poor game and gave way to pressure from the local crowd on many occasions. He made only five bookings though, which must be some sort of a record for a Spanish game: Julio Álvarez, Palacios and Fukuda, from Numancia and Calleja (who misses next week’s game against Sporting de Gijon through suspension as a result) and Armando, for the visitors.

This result plunges Malaga back down the table and they find themselves again only three points of the dreaded relegation spots.

For next week’s home game on Sunday, Malaga have made a bold move to increase the crowd by offering a free ticket to each season ticket holder. If they all come and bring a friend, there could be over 22,000 fans shouting on the team.

Malaga beat Sporting de Gijon away from home at the beginning of the season and they will need to do the double over them as the season is turning into not one of chasing promotion but a hard fought endeavour to remain in La Segunda, in a transient season for the club. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:22 AM | Permalink

Malaga, fresh after their defeat of Alaves last weekend, approach this weekend’s match with Albacete with some confidence. Their opponents, although in the Primera Division only two years ago, are not enjoying the best of campaigns this year and their recent poor form has seen them lose four games out of the last six, dropping perilously close to the relegation zone.

The local newspapers have been hailing Malaga manager Muniz as some sort of magician, somehow managing to get his team sorted defensively such that their record of five games with only one goal conceded in the league takes them back to season 1998/99 when they had a similar record. They desperately need somebody to score goals though and today’s game should see the debut of their January signing, Ivan Rosado, at some point in the proceedings, who may provide some thrust in the final third. The win last week and the renewed optimism for the team’s prospects sees a crowd of 11143 in La Rosaleda for Sunday’s game.

Muniz’s team has discovered some sort of form since he went for a more aggressive attacking 4-3-3 formation, but this week he is unable to put an unchanged starting line-up for the third week in a row. This is because Popo has been away on U-19 duty with Spain, playing two international matches during the week in Gran Canaria, only returning to Malaga on Saturday and so drops to the bench. Also, Silva has broken three fingers in his right hand during training and will be out for the next three matches at least. Malaga played a friendly against Russian first division outfit, Ruben Kazan, in midweek, in which Muniz fielded two completely different teams in each half, to allow him to try different options and check on some player’s fitness levels.

But I wasn’t prepared for the team that Muniz put out to start against Albacete. Instead of an attacking 4-3-3 formation, Muniz reverted to his favourite 4-1-4-1 set up, with right full back Jesus Gamez in the holding midfield position and Edgar alone up front! As I have said before, I do not think that Malaga should be putting out such defensive line-ups at home in this division, especially against teams struggling with their own form, as I believe it hands the initiative over to the opposition. However…..

Malaga (4-1-4-1): Arnau; Molinero, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Jesus Gamez; Perico, Sandro, Hidalgo and Jonaton Valle; Edgar.

Strong running from Edgar forces Albacete to concede a corner after only 21 seconds! But Hidalgo’s kick is easily defended.

In a bright start from Malaga, Valcarce gets to the by-line to send in a cross from the left in the first minute but it’s too long for Perico to reach.

In 5’ “playmaker” Sandro, the crowd’s favourite (but not mine) twice passes the ball straight to Albacete midfielder Canas, who on both occasions passes through to lone striker Calle to go one on one with Arnau. Fortunately for Malaga and Sandro the tall striker shoots wide on both occasions.

Albacete’s strip is bright orange with white sleeves. The players look as if they are wearing training bibs and indeed are easily confused with the trackside photographers who are wearing the same orange bibs.

In 8’ Edgar wins another corner. Armando gets his head to this one but puts it over.

In Albacete’s first attack in 11’, they go ahead! Molinero is outpaced down their left wing by Bauza and although his cross is not especially strong, SANZ gets enough power in his free header to put the ball past a static Arnau.

Malaga 0 Albacete 1

Albacete’s tactics seem to be to defend in depth with everybody behind the ball when it is in their half, close down quickly to prevent Malaga developing any passing movements and then route one over the top for Calle to run onto. Not pretty, but effective.

In their second attack, Albacete win a corner in 14’. Canas gets his head to the corner kick and his effort come off the near post. Arnau belts the loose ball up the park.

Despite all their pressure, Malaga are not threatening Sanzol in the Albacete goal and in fact it’s the visitors who look more dangerous when they make forays into Malaga’s half.

In 20’ there is another scare for Malaga, when centre back Camara heads just over, the ball landing on the roof of the net, from a free kick. Malaga’s defenders are not too tall (in fact only Armando is over 6’ in the whole team) and Albacete’s players seem to winning everything in the air.

Albacete win a free kick out on their right wing after 22’ and Zahinos’ effort swerves just wide of the near post with Malaga’s defence caught cold again.

Then the next minute, Calle is put clean through with a pass over the top. Arnau (uncharacteristically) rushes out and deflects the shot. Whew!

In 24’ Sandro, who cannot make his passes reach a Malaga player, is booked for dissent in frustration.

In 28’ Malaga’s best move of the game. Jesus Gamez, who is looking like a fish out of water in his unaccustomed midfield role, intercepts a pass and gives it to Sandro. This time the playmaker sees Edgar’s run and slips a through ball for the Angolan to run onto. However, Edgar’s timing is out and he’s offside.

In 30’ Zahinos is booked for barging Hidalgo.

In 36’ Edgar is elbowed off the ball by brick sh*thouse defensive midfielder Canas, who is booked.

In 37’ Perico is fouled on the edge of the box. Malaga send everybody into the penalty box for Jonaton Valle’s free kick, with only Sandro and Valcarce in the centre circle with Calle. The free kick is cleared to CALLE, who runs the entire half, easily outstripping Sandro; he goes around the flapping Arnau and puts the ball in the net for Albacete’s second.

Malaga 0 Albacete 2

In 42’ Jesus Gamez signals to the bench that he is injured and has to come off. Albacete are awarded another corner off Molinero and Muniz takes the opportunity to bring on Popo for Jesus Gamez. The corner is swung in to the far post, where lanky striker CALLE is lurking. He gets another free header and Arnau again watches the ball pass him into the net.

Malaga 0 Albacete 3

So much for Malaga’s much vaunted defensive record! Three goals down at home in the first half! All three goals are down to poor defending, but if Jesule is having a slightly off form day, it just shows how much Malaga have been depending on the centre back all season.

Halftime Malaga 0 Albacete 3

Muniz makes his last two changes at the start of the second half. Off go Edgar and Sandro and on come another U-19 midfielder, Gascon, for his debut and another debutant, new signing striker Ivan Rosado.

The team formation remains 4-1-4-1 with youngster Gascon taking up the pivot role in front of defence, Popo moving out to the right wing with Perico moving inside and Ivan Rosado up front.

In 46’ Popo wriggles past three defenders to get in a strong shot from 18 yards which Sanzol has to dive full length to save (his first save of the game).

Malaga have raised the tempo and are starting to cause problems in Albacete’s defence. Although they are 3-0 down, there are signs that they could still get something out of this game, which is encouraging.

But in 55’ the game was over for Malaga, when Jesule, clearly frustrated with his lack of success against Calle during the first half, stuck out an elbow at the striker and was promptly shown a straight red card and sent off.

Malaga resort to three at the back as, Albacete, now 3-0 and against 10 men, are content to play the rest of the half out.

In 60’ Popo breaks through the centre and is bearing down on goal with the ball at his feet when he is tripped up from behind by Canas. With the crowd howling for retribution, the referee who is several yards away from the action runs up with his yellow card in the air ……..for Popo!!! Unbelievable.

In 65’ Jonaton Valle becomes the next Malaga man booked, adjudged to have tackled with his studs showing.

In 70’ Molinero starts on a run down the right wing. He’s in full flight when he is unceremoniously brought down from behind. Molinero is booked!

In 72’ Albacete make their first substitution. Zahinos is off and David Sanchez comes on.

In 75’ captain Valcarce complains to the referee about the time Sanzol is taking over goal kicks. Valcarce is booked!

In 76’ Bankero is substituted by Albacete for their top scorer Parri.

In 79’ we see a glimpse of what Ivan Rosado has to offer. He turns on a sixpence just inside the penalty area, forcing Sanzol to make a save which he can only parry out to Perico. The youngster fires the ball wide.

In 80’ Calle, who has been streets ahead of the Malaga defence all evening, is substituted to attended jeers and whistles from the crowd and Biagini comes on.

The last ten minutes are all about Albacete keeping possession and playing out time. Their tactics have been spot on and they fully deserve their win. Malaga, on the other hand, have been exposed for their lack of talent, their dependency on Jesule to be on top of his game and Muniz’s ill-use of his players, with too many (Jesus Gamez, Jonaton Valle, Popo, Edgar) playing out of position and not choosing the best formation and tactics to best suit the players available.

Full time Malaga 0 Albacete 3

After such a crushing home defeat denting everybody’s morale, all we can do is look forward to next week’s game. Malaga are away to Numnacia, another 12 hour train journey away in the north of Spain, and against another team who were playing top level football not so long ago. Malaga will have to play without Jesule, who will be suspended, and so another tough game is in prospect. Still this league is dog eat dog, so who knows?

The next home game is in two weeks time with Sporting Gijon making the long trip south from the Bay of Biscay. Hopefully their visit will prove pointless for them. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Crime Count:

Malaga yellows: 5 (Sandro, Popo, Jonaton Valle, Molinero and Valcarce)

Malaga reds: 1 (Jesule)

Albacete yellows: 2 (Zahinos and Canas)

Albacete reds: 0

Regards

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 1:13 PM | Permalink

Malaga made the long trip north to Vitoria to face Alaves without their new January sales striker, 32 year old, former Osasuna player, Ivan Rosado, who was without a club for 18 months and needs both matches and heavy training sessions to get him up to match fitness. With the only striker available to Muniz being Malaga B striker, Ador, (with Counago still out injured), and encouraged by the display of the team last week in the 0-0 draw with Hercules, he put out an unchanged team, again in the attacking 4-3-3 formation.

Malaga (4-3-3): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Sandro, Silva and Hidalgo; Perico, Popo and Jonaton Valle.

This was a courageous thing for Muniz to do away from, for such a defence minded manager. But Malaga's league position, still a precarious 4 points from the fourth relegation spot, and the facts that Malaga had not won away from home since beating Sporting 3-1 in September and that Alaves were unbeaten in the league at home this season, having had only conceded 4 goals, meant that it was time to be a bit daring.

There was only 4,761 at the game, but in temperatures of a high of +6C in the north of Spain and the game live on television, perhaps this was no surprise.

Popo was replaced after only 34 minutes by Edgar to provide more power up front and although the first half was about two teams cancelling each other out in midfield, I didn't really think that Malaga were really threatened.

Second half and one piece of magic in 58' with Sandro supplying right down the middle (as they have to play direct down the middle in a 4-3-3 system and when the front men are so small) to Jonaton Valle, who in turn slipped a beautiful pass for Perico to score an excellent goal. It was in fact Malaga's only shot on goal in the whole game!

Then with 30 minutes still to go, Muniz brings on Ador for Jonaton Valle and the team resorts to the 4-1-4-1 defensive formation to defend the one goal lead. Edgar moved wide right and Perico wide left, with the two "organisers", Hidalgo and Sandro in the centre of midfield. It was not attractive and a fairly nail biting experience and the last half hour was spent in Malaga's half with some desperate defending.

Alaves had a few chances with Brazilian Wellington Paulina causing all sorts of problems with his direct running. But the biggest let-off was when Arnau was on the ground after pushing away a shot (which he should have smothered) and the ball was immediately sent back into the six yard box to Alaves's Australian international striker Aliosi, standing on his own. Inexplicably he contrived to blast the ball over from 4 yards with the goal open and a simple tap in being sufficient.

Full-time Alaves 0 Malaga 1

So, Muniz got his first away win since joining Malaga, although he took a big gamble with his tactics after the goal was scored. He was lucky this time but we hope that he doesn't try this every week.

Malaga have now gone five games conceding only one goal (that howler from Arnau in injury time away to Cadiz). The main reason for this is the consistent form of Jesule who seems to sweep up everything around his fellow defenders and prevents the ball from getting anywhere near Arnau. Malaga's problem, especially with their main goal scorer Salva away on loan with Levante, is who can be relied on to get the goals they need to win games. They may yet resort to promoting seventeen years old U-18 star Plata to the top team, as Ador never looks like scoring. Perhaps Ivan Rosado will be the answer?

Still, the win should boost the team's confidence and hopefully this is the start of better things to come in the next few weeks.
The only worry after the game with Alaves was Jesus Gamez's injury. The full back went down on his own in the Alaves penalty box waiting for a corner and had to leave the field, to be replaced by Molinero. Such injuries can be the most serious and it looked bad to me.

Bring on Albacete next Sunday at La Rosaleda! Your Malaga CF Correspondent will there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 11:49 AM | Permalink

Big changes at Malaga CF this week as the January transfer window is almost over. Malaga's fans had been hoping to see a clearout of the deadwood brought in by the previous management last summer and some fresh blood brought in to reinforce the squad and take the team out of the middle of the table and up towards the three promotion spots.

However, the club is in voluntary administration as the new owners struggle to come to terms with the 26m euro debts they were left with and are trying through the courts to identify all the creditors and debtors and then to resolve the matters accordingly. In short, there is no real money available for Muniz to attract players to the club.

Even getting rid of unwanted players under contract is not easy and four of them (Chengue Morales, OJ Morales, Romero and Manu) will await the court's decision on 8 March 2007 in response to their compensation claims. The struggling Malaga B side, languishing at the bottom of Segunda B and costing Malaga dearly, has released eight players, including Saul, who enjoyed some first team action this season, particularly under former manager, Marcos Alonso.

But the big news this week is the transfer of top scorer Salva to first division Levante, on loan until the end of the season. Levante will pay Salva's 1.2m euro salary and also a fee of 100,000 euros for the striker's services.

With Salva gone and the only other first team striker, Counago, out again injured, Muniz will have to rearrange his team formation from his defensive 4-1-4-1 set up to suit the players he has available. With Malaga B striker, Ador, and four Malaga C (under 18) players (Popo, Lobato, Francis and Plata) training this week with the first team, Muniz is having to look at the resources available to him within the club. Ador, Popo, Lobato and Francis have already played for the first team this season and Popo and Francis in particular look full of promise and it won't be long before 9 goals so far this season striker, 17 years old Plata, also gets his chance.

But when the team lined up yesterday to play against Hercules (from Alicante, Costa Blanca) there was a real surprise for me. From the defensive 4-1-4-1 line-up, which has gone a long way to stopping losing stupid goals (particularly with the inclusion of Jesule in central defence and getting rid of Cesar Navas), Muniz went for an attacking 4-3-3 line-up! Hercules lie in 8th place, four places and four points above Malaga. This is the sort of game that Malaga should be winning, especially at home, if they still have any pretensions about promotion. So, I suppose, Muniz had to go for it.

Malaga (4-3-3): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Sandro, Silva and Hidalgo; Perico, Popo and Jonaton Valle.

Malaga kick off defending the Fondo end goal. In the first minute, Sandro is brought down 30 yards out central to the goal. He takes the kick himself and hits the wall.
In 3' Hidalgo is the first player booked for a two footed foul.
Malaga's front men 5'3" Popo and 5'4" Jonaton Valle are being dwarfed by the Hercules defenders who are all giants!
In 7' there is hope that the new format has real promise. All three front men are happy to try and dribble past defenders and run with the ball. Jonaton Valle passes square to Perico who runs into the box, forcing the Hercules defender to give away a corner. From Hidalgo's corner, Armando's header just goes over.
It's 11' before Hercules have a real goal attempt. The ball falls to ex-Malaga player De Los Santos 30 yards out and his powerful drive goes well over.
In 14' the running power of Malaga's front players is again demonstrated. First Popo runs with the ball and is fouled; the ball breaks to Jonaton Valle so the referee allows advantage. Then Jonaton Valle is fouled, the ball breaks to Perico; again the advantage is allowed. However, when Perico is fouled, a free kick is awarded. Sandro takes the kick to find Jonaton Valle, but the wee man is easily bustled off the ball by the Herculean defender.
In 22' Hercules number nine Moises breaks through but shoots straight at Arnau, who instead of making an easy catch, parries it away for a throw-in.
In 23' De Los Santos is booked for a foul on Jesus Gamez.
In 24' Malaga's best move so far. Perico dribbles past three Hercules players and passes square to Popo. The youngster's route is blocked so he in turn passes square to Jesus Gamez. The full back pulls the trigger and his shot is just tipped over by visiting goalkeeper, Agassa. Great move and great save!
Jesus Gamez and Valcarce, the two full backs are enjoying a lot of space down the flanks and their overlapping provides the width that is missing from the midfield in a 4-3-3 system.
In 27' Perico is booked for dissent after he is fouled in midfield.
In 28' Hercules show their teeth with a good run by Carmelo down the right wing. He gets past Valcarce and sends in a great cross for Sendido, who heads over with Arnau beaten.
In 29' Popo is fouled by Graff, who is booked.
In 31' Arnau makes a save from a Moises header and throws the ball to Jesus Gamez. The full back runs unchallenged the full length of the park and again forces Agassa to make another fine save to concede a corner. As the ball from Sandro's corner enters the box, Armando collides with Agassa and the goalkeeper needs some treatment.
In 34' it's a similar story down the left wing but after a good run, Valcarce's pass to Perico is just intercepted.
In 37' it's Perico and Valcarce again down the left wing. This time Hidalgo is presented with a scoring chance but Agassa makes the save look easy.
Malaga are dominating the game and the new formation seems to be working well. However, there is no cutting edge in the opposing penalty box and all the good lead-up play, although nice to watch and crowd pleasing, is not delivering the goals needed to finish off the pretty poor opposition that Hercules have shown so far

Half time Malaga 0 Hercules 0

Malaga resume where they left off and force two shots in the first minute. First Jonaton Valle's shot goes wide when he should have done better. Then Hidalgo also shoots wide.
It's fair to say that Agassa is the busier keeper and he's also making some fine saves. He has to dive full length to save from Jonaton Valle at his far post in 49'. It's also fair to say that Jonaton Valle is also having what is probably his best game so far for Malaga.
In 50' Silva is booked for a foul on Carmelo, who has been Hercules' most threatening player.
In 56' Perico's run down the left wing ends with a cut back to Valcarce. Malaga's captain has options but goes for a curling shot which only just does not curl enough to end up in the back of the net and goes wide of the far post.
In 58' Valcarce has another chance but this time he skies over.
In 59' Ador comes on for Popo.
In 60' Sendido kicks the ball out of Arnau's hands. Arnau is incensed and chases after Sendido. The referee books them both.
In 61' Sendido is substituted for Nadal.
In 65' Hidalgo spots Jonaton Valle's run through the inside left channel and delivers an inch perfect pass. The wee man is through on the keeper and we're all rising to our collective feet behind the goal as he runs towards us. He lets rips a powerful shot on the run but unfortunately the ball goes just wide of the far post.
In 66' Ernesto comes on for Perico.
In 67' Carmelo is given a straight red card and sent off after Silva had beaten him to the ball and was running off with it. The winger ran after Silva and took his legs away to send the midfielder crashing to the ground.
So here we are again. Enjoying the lion's share of the ball, creating plenty of chances and now playing against 10 men with their most effective player sent off. Can Malaga press home this advantage? If they do, it will be a first!
With a genuine winger on the pitch now with left sided Ernesto, we start to see some runs down the wing followed by dangerous crosses into the box.
Ernesto's first effort in 68' though is too close to Agassa and the goalkeeper leaps and gathers the cross comfortably.
In 69' Muniz makes another change. He brings on Edgar for Silva and the team go to a very attacking 4-2-4 formation as Malaga go all out to get the three points. Edgar goes wide right, Ernesto wide left, with Ador and Jonaton Valle through the centre.
In 74' Hercules substitute Ariel for Albacar.
In 76' Edgar comes close with an attempted lob over the centre back. However it just hits the top of the defender's head and ball lands agonisingly on the roof of the net.
Ernesto is taking the corners from the left now and he sends in a curling one which is just stopped on the line by Agassa.
Jesus Gamez sees his header go wide from another Ernesto corner in 82'.
In 85' Sandro knocks a clever pass through for Ador to run clear onto, but the striker is ruled offside.
Full-time Malaga 0 Hercules 0

So another frustrating evening for the fans (and the team too, no doubt). This was definitely another two points lost at home. If these draws in which Malaga have been so dominant and held the majority of possession had been turned into 1-0 wins......... this would be an entirely different season.
So we came away from the game, yet again, not happy with the result. We are resigning ourselves now to the fact that promotion this season is looking out of reach for this squad. The local paper SUR suggested that Malaga would need 72 points to gain promotion (they now have 28) so with 20 games to go, they would need to win 15 of them! Levante did something similar last season so it can be done, but unless a miracle happens and suddenly all the breaks go Malaga's way, being realistic all we can hope for are some good performances and bring on some of the younger players ready for next year.

Next week, Malaga are away to "promotion rivals" Alaves, who were also relegated last year along with Malaga and Cadiz. It's live on Spanish TV with a Saturday evening kick-off time of 18:30h. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be watching avidly!

Crime Count:
Malaga 4 yellows: Hidalgo, Perico, Silva and Arnau
Hercules 3 yellows: De los Santos, Graff and Sendido. 1 red: Carmelo.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 5:59 PM | Permalink

Another glorious Sunday afternoon on the Costa del Sol. It was so warm and sunny that, during the afternoon, some holidaymakers from northern Europe were seen swimming in the Mediterranean. Not the locals though! Us soft southerners need a little bit higher sea temperature before we indulge in such exercises.
At La Rosaleda, the scene was set for another league match, the last of the first half of the 42 match season. The visitors are from Castellon, a team just above the four relegation places and anxious for points. Malaga are also anxious for points as they continue to occupy the nether regions of the centre of the table, with the top teams slowly disappearing over the horizon. Two home fixtures back to back providing six points would indeed make a significant difference to their fortunes.
Malaga have lost the services of Calleja for three weeks after his injury last week at Cadiz. Counago, who can only play 42' before getting injured and goes out for three weeks, got injured after 42' against Zaragoza in the cup-tie in midweek and is not available. Hidalgo is also not available due to suspension. So Muniz is forced to make some changes to his normal first choice eleven.
Schurrer is back from injury, but his deputy in defence, Armando, has been playing well alongside Jesule and the youngster keeps his place. With Calleja injured, would there be a place for Ernesto, who played really well against Zaragoza on the left wing? No, of course not! What about Ristic? He played wide right in midweek and scored the winning goal. Of course not! Well, then, what about Francis, the young midfield star who was being talked up to be the next Zidane by Spain's national daily sports newspapers? Yes, he gets a place!
Malaga (4-1-4-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Silva; Perico, Sandro, Francis and Jonaton Valle; Salva.
It's a strange looking midfield as although Jonaton Valle has a preference for using his left foot, he is clearly not a winger nor comfortable playing wide. Also, Perico is the most left footed player I've seen since Jim Baxter and there he is on the right wing!?! Still it's a chance Zinedine Francis to show what he is capable of.

Castellon, who are playing in Dundee's old strips, kick off defending the Fondo goal in the first half. Their goalkeeper, Oliva, looks remarkably like Arnau in appearance, and the similarities did not stop there as the game progressed! It's Malaga who take the initiative right from the start and when a free kick is awarded to the home team out on the left in the first minute, Sandro finds Salva in the box. The burly striker's header comes off the post. Silva is first to the rebound but Oliva gets down to smother the ball on the line. Great start!
In 8' Francis marks his first start with a booking after sticking out a hand to stop the ball passing him.
In 9' Sandro, the little playmaker who is fast becoming the new Duda, receives the ball in his own penalty area and as if daydreaming passes the ball across the box to Castellon's main striker, Nacor. He's surprised but delighted to get a chance for nothing and blasts the ball at the goal, where Arnau has to look lively to tip the ball over.
In 15' the referee gives a foul against Jesule for what seemed a perfectly good tackle on the edge of his box. Aurelio takes the shot, but Malaga, who have all eleven men in the box defending, block the attempt through Salva.
In 18' and not for the first time, Jonaton Valle is floored and a free kick awarded about 25 yards out. Sandro and Jonaton Valle line up over the ball but the former takes the kick and sends it just over the bar, with Oliva taking no chances and helping it over with the palm of his hand.
In 20' Malaga keep up the pressure and Jonaton Valle tries from 30 yards. But his effort is so feeble it barely reaches the goalkeeper.
Oliva is very much like Arnau. He was obviously trained by the same goalkeeping coach. His kicking out is in fact worse than Arnau's as the ball generally goes into touch, but his lack of confidence in handling and going for cross balls have the familiar Arnau trademarks. So we are hopeful, as we sit behind the keeper, that Malaga should be able to find a way past him without too much difficulty. What Oliva does have in common with Arnau which is positive (for him) are quick reactions to snap shots.
This is demonstrated in 25' when Salva is brought down in a similar position to the previous free kick 25 yards out. Again Sandro and Jonaton Valle are hovering over the ball. This time it's the latter who takes the kick and Oliva makes a fine save to stop the ball on the line at his right hand post.
Malaga have had some close chances and are maintaining the pressure on the visitors. We feel it is only a matter of time before a goal is conceded.
In 28' Rodri is booked for a two footed tackle on Sandro. The crowd around us thought that the tackle should have been a straight red.
In 30' left back Baigorri is booked for scything down Jesus Gamez who was overlapping down the right wing. The young full back has to go off the field to receive treatment. Again there are mutterings of a straight red for that tackle. Sandro takes the free kick, but in true Duda style puts the ball over.
Do you remember Duda? He played left wing for some of last season and went to Sevilla on a Bosman transfer last summer. He always looked good on the ball, but his crosses and passes were most often disappointing and his free kicks and corners never seemed to pose any threat. For Duda, now read Sandro.
In 33' Salva runs into the box collecting a pass from Valcarce and is bundled off the ball. Down goes the striker, whilst looking for the referee's reaction. The reaction? No reaction.
In 34' Malaga's best opportunity so far in open play. Sandro is free in the middle of the box and receives the ball from the left. What to do? Shoot of course, but no, the wee man panics and looks for another option. The other option is Francis who is in the box beside him, but in a worse shooting position. However, Francis is given the ball. He seems surprised by this (as are we all) and at first it looked like his first touch was going to let him down. But the young midfielder keeps his nerve and swaps the ball to his other foot to try and get a shot in. Of course the element of surprise has gone by this time and the defenders are closing in. However, Francis's shot curls towards the far post and Oliva has to dive to get down and smother the attempt.
In 37' Perico is making a run down the right wing when Aurelio, standing on his own, goes down like he's been shot. The Castellon defenders howl at Perico to put the ball out of play and the young winger hesitates before doing so. But this hesitation infuriates the Castellon players who now crowd around Perico in a minor skirmish. Meanwhile Aurelio is stretchered off only to come running back onto the field two minutes later to howls and whistles of the crowd. This falling down injured practice becomes a recurring feature of the game from this point on as the visitors patently set out their stall to get a draw and waste as much time as possible. Castellon were quite "good" at this tactic, but not as "good" as Osasuna last season in La Liga. It is very frustrating to watch and difficult for the referees to manage except by adding on extra stoppage minutes at the end of the game.
In 43' Perico, who has had a very quiet first half, suddenly bursts into the box with the ball. He's not properly in control of the ball but somehow manages to get past three defenders and still have the ball at his feet. The defence opens up in front of him and he tries a shot, but it hits the trailing leg of team-mate Salva and goes out for a goalkick.

Half-time Malaga 0 Castellon 0

The giant scoreboard advises that 11,270 spectators are in the stadium for today's game.
In 46' Salva is booked after colliding with Oliva after Jonaton Valle had sent him chasing a ball for a one on one with the goalie.
Then in 49' almost another disaster in defence for Malaga when Armando does what no Malaga player should ever do - pass back to Arnau. The bewildered goalkeeper as ever panics in these situations and swings wildly at the ball to try and clear it. However, predictably he hits it straight at Nacor. This is the Castellon striker's second gift pass of the game and two more than he's received all game from his own players. He tries to lob Arnau who can only watch as the ball passes over his head and onto the roof of the net - whew!
In 53' Malaga make a double substitution. The ineffective Perico and Francis are replaced by Edgar and teenage sensation, Popo, who was born and brought up in Torre del Mar. Indeed there was a new banner on display in the Tribuna stand with the Torre del Mar standard and colours stating "Torre del Mar con Popo"!
In 54' Salva receives the ball in the box with his back to the goal. He swivels and shoots but the ball goes just wide of the post.
In 63' Xavi More is booked for pulling back Jonaton Valle as it becomes increasingly clear that Castellon's tactics are purely destructive and looking for the draw.
In 64' Xavi More again pulls back Jonaton Valle. Will it be a second yellow and red card? No.
In 66' Sandro gets a shot in on goal which Oliva has to save.
In 67' Arnau comes out of his box (very unusual) as Nacor bears down on him. The striker lobs the ball over Arnau's head and the ball comes back off the bar! Too close for comfort.
The next minute sees Edgar race into the box at the other end. He crashes into Oliva, who gets the free kick.
In 69' Natalio is booked for pulling back Jesus Gamez.
In 70' Valcarce then Jonaton Valle make good progress down the left wing. The ball is crossed to Salva who blazes well over.
In 83' Arnau dives full stretch across his six yard box to push a cross away for a corner. This is a bit dramatic and should have been an easy take for the keeper.
In 84' Sandro takes a free kick from near the centre line. Armando is in the box and tries to flick it on with his head but Oliva gathers easily.
In 85' Valcarce runs into the box from the left. His cross strikes the arm of a defender. Loud appeals for a penalty - the referee says no.
In 87' Oliva has to look sharp again after Popo chases a long ball down the right wing. He manages to keep it in and with two cross-overs gets past two defenders before sending in a powerful cross. Oliva takes the ball off Salva's head.
At 90' the fourth official's board shows 5' added on.
In 93' Salva has to go off after another clash with Oliva. The striker returns with his head heavily bandaged.
In 94' Oliva becomes the last man to be booked in the game for taking too long to take a goal kick.
Full time Malaga 0 Castellon 0

A disappointing result after Malaga dominated most of the game with very little that the defence didn't cope with. However, Muniz is going to have to change these promising displays into victories and why not start next week when Hercules comes to town. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

For more chat on Malaga CF go to www.malagafootballenglish.com and check out the Message Board

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 12:34 PM | Permalink

Malaga entered this away leg 0-3 down from the first leg and with promotion their key ambition for this season, elected to field a team of squad members, resting the first team squad for Sunday’s league game with Castellon at La Rosaleda.

Malaga (4-1-4-1): Gotia; Molinero, Armando, Lobato and Jose Mari; Hidalgo; Perico, Francis, Ristic and Ernesto; Counago.

Real Zaragoza began dominating Malaga and were rewarded with a first minute opportunity with a header going just over from Brazilian Ewerthon, but it was Malaga who took the lead in the 13th minute when RISTIC bundled the ball over the line in a crowded goalmouth.

Zaragoza maintained dominance of the game but they were ineffective in the final third in which they could not beat the Malaga defenders and Goitia did not have to make a save until the last minute.

A problem for Malaga arrived in the last minute of the first half in which Counago had to come off injured. He was replaced by Popo but this also obliged the Malaga bench to also make a second substitution, with Manu coming on for Lobato, as they were not be able to have five Malaga B players on the field.

Neither Malaga nor Zaragoza could find their way past the opposing defences and the game finished 0-1. However, as Zaragoza had won the first leg convincingly 3-0 at La Rosaleda last Wednesday, it is they who progress into the quarter finals of the Cup.

So, it’s back to league business on Sunday this weekend. However the performances of some of these young players must be giving Muniz some headaches as Zaragoza as currently lying fourth in the First Division and fielded a very strong side. Three points on Sunday are this weekend’s target. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 6:27 PM | Permalink

After a very early start in the morning of Sunday 14 January 2007, we drove for three and half hours and arrived at the Estadio Ramon de Carranza in Cadiz at around 10am to buy tickets for the match. We were lucky enough to be able to buy some of the last tickets available in a sell-out 20,000 capacity crowd for the 12 noon kick-off between these Andalucian derby rivals.
The last time the two sides met was the last game of last season when both teams were on the point of relegation from the First Division and the local side won convincingly 5-0. So Malaga were in search of some revenge as well as another three points with which they hoped to see themselves rise up the table.
With Schurrer out injured for three weeks, there was a place for Armando in defence. Counago was back available from injury and teenage sensation, Popo, was again named on the bench.
Malaga (4-1-4-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce (c); Silva; Edgar, Hidalgo, Jonaton Valle and Calleja; Salva.
In bright sunshine Malaga kicked off in a game which was being transmitted live across Spain on their subscription channel, Canal+.
In truth the first half was dominated by Cadiz, who possess two quick strikers and time and again Jesule had to be quicker to avert disaster. Armando in Cadiz's goal did not have a shot to save in the entire first half, but Malaga's defence stood firm against the Cadiz pressure, with their forwards forced to fire in shots from long range. The main incident of an otherwise unnoteworthy half was the injury sustained by Calleja, which forced manager Muniz to make his first substitution after only half an hour when Sandro replaced the former Villarreal winger.
Half-time 0-0
In the second half, Malaga had more of the ball and began to grow in confidence, with some neat football and intricate passing moves. However, it wasn't until the introduction of wunderkid, Popo, after an hour for Silva, that Malaga seemed to change gear. Hidalgo moved into the "pivot" position in front of the back four, Jonaton Valle went wide left with Edgar on the right. Sandro took up the central playmaker role and the diminutive Popo slipped in behind Salva to provide the striker with some support in a 4-1-3-1-1 formation. But it is the pace and cheek of the eighteen years old attacking midfielder which creates something out of nothing for Malaga and his introduction unsettled the Cadiz defence. The home team seemed to panic every time Popo was given the ball and resorted to kicking the ball high into the stand in desperate clearances or to bringing the young man down illegally when he started to make a run at goal.
The game opened up and Malaga made their third and final change when Counago replaced Edgar. This new line-up really went at Cadiz and soon the home goalkeeper was having to perform some heroics to keep the visitors out.
And so, as the game entered stoppage time with the fourth official showing three extra minutes, we were pleased with our team's performance and agreeing that a draw was probably the correct result and a good morale booster for Malaga, gaining an away point in a cauldron of home support for Cadiz.
Then, the worst scenario happened. Arnau, who has been unconvincing in Malaga's goal for the past two seasons, who cannot kick the ball to a team-mate, who always looks uncomfortable with cross balls, who does not command his area and who, when Cesar Navas was in the team, seemed to give away a goal a game, managed to let a weak shot from within a crowded box from a last minute corner, slip past him for Cadiz to win the match.
He tamely stuck a hand down when he had the vision and time to get down and get his body behind and smother the shot, but no, in true Arnau fashion, he just stuck a hand down and deflected the ball slightly as it travelled past him into the net. No wonder he hung his head in his hands in shame when the goal was awarded.
Surely Muniz cannot continue to keep playing him as he is definitely letting his side down with these performances. Every other manager who has come to Malaga has started with the experienced Arnau in goal, but then went for a change eventually. It is time that Gotia gets his chance or I fear the dream of promotion, which is still there in a league where every team is capable of beating the their opponent (with perhaps the exception of Vecendario), will disappear.
Full-time Cadiz 1 Malaga 0

In the next two weeks Malaga have two home games in a row. In two weeks time, they play Hercules (from Alicante) in the first game (Jornada 22) of the second half of the 42 game season. But first they play Castellon (from the seaside resort near Valencia). Both teams sit the centre of the table and two wins could be seen as six-pointers and see Malaga make a considerable jump up the table, where they currently hold 13th position.
In midweek, Malaga travel to Zaragoza to complete the Copa del Rey tie, but being 0-3 down from last week's first leg, the less said the more the better.
So Castellon on Sunday 21 January 2007 then. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:03 PM | Permalink

On Wednesday 10 January 2007, Malaga played the first leg of the last 16 tie in the Copa del Rey (equivalent to the Spanish FA Cup) against First Division side Real Zaragoza.
Real Zaragoza are Spain's in form side just now having defeated league leaders Sevilla at the weekend and are in fourth (and Champion's League) position. They will play Real Madrid this coming weekend and my money is on the team who play in old Berwick Rangers' strips.
The visitors played a very experienced first team squad against Malaga, clearly intending to make the return leg next Wednesday a formality. Malaga on the other hand played a team with a number of squad players, resting several regulars with one eye on Sunday's derby match away to Cadiz and league points more the focus.
Malaga (4-1-4-1): Gotia; Jesus Gamez, Silva, Jesule and Valcarce (c); Romero; Ristic, Hidalgo, Sandro and Ernesto; Chengue Morales.
First let me tell you the score: Malaga 0 Real Zaragoza 3. The Costa del Sol team were completely outclassed and outplayed and 0-3 was a tribute to Gotia, in Malaga's goal, keeping the score down. In truth, only Gotia, Jesule and left winger Ernesto emerged from the game with any credit.
Valcarce looks past his best, Silva looked lost at centre back and performed only slightly better when moved forward to the defensive midfielder role in the second half when the completely ineffectual Romero was substituted. Ristic has had to wait 6 months to get a game since joining in the summer and after this performance will wait another six months if indeed he gets another game at all. Hidlago and Sandro could not pass to anybody except in a Zaragoza shirt and Chengue Morales has surely played his last game in a Malaga shirt. When he was substituted at the beginning of the second half, he was physically pushed off the field by team-mate Silva, which shows what his colleagues think of him.
So a disappointing display, with no fight, no enthusiasm or desire on the part of most of the home team players. As a result, the game was no more than a training match for Zaragoza who must be one of the favourites for both the Cup and even La Liga this season.
My Man of the Match? The Real Zaragoza goalkeeper. He wore pink shorts and black tights and never got them dirty all night.
On Sunday it's back to league business, with a tricky away game at Cadiz. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 11:39 AM | Permalink

Saturday 6 January 2007 - the first game of the new year after the Christmas break and Malaga find themselves up against local Andalucian rivals Almeria, who are enjoying a rich vein of form that has seen them go seven games (five wins and two draws) since their last defeat and propelled them to second in the league table.
It's been another glorious January day on the Costa del Sol, with the temperatures peaking at around 19C and even at the kick off at 18:30h, the temperature is still around 13C.
It is not all rosy at La Rosaleda though as Malaga, 26m euros in debt, have applied for proceedings in court to identify all their creditors and arrange to make the club more secure financially. So secret lists have been drawn up to identify the players who will have to leave to club and as many as 12 first team squad players could be leaving very soon. In a not too subtle statement from Muniz, the manager, it would appear that the Uruguayan trio of Romero, Chengue Morales and OJ Morales are not in his vision for the future and all three are omitted from today's squad (although Chengue is suspended and Romero is injured again).
In addition, top scorer Salva has attracted a bid from Villarreal, which has been turned down but expected to be increased, and also Deportivo and Greek side Panakanithos are reported to be interested in securing his services during the January window.
So against this background, Malaga go into this tough fixture with two teenage substitutes, Popo and Francis, accelerated through the ranks to join the first team squad. With Counago injured and Chengue suspended, this leaves only Salva available as a recognised striker and so young Popo is expected to make his first team debut at some point during the game.
Muniz goes for his favoured 4-1-4-1 formation, this time with Perico (the 20 years old left footed right winger) playing on the left wing and left winger Calleja playing in a central midfield role. Edgar is recalled on the right wing (much to the dismay of many who believe he is not worthy to wear a Malaga shirt) and club captain Valcarce returns to replace Jose Mari at left back.
Malaga (4-1-4-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Jesule, Schurrer and Valcarce; Silva; Edgar, Hidalgo, Calleja and Perico; Salva.

Amongst the visitor's players today is former Liverpool keeper, Westerveld. It is Almeria, in their familiar red and white stripes who kick off facing the Gol end and their early pressure forces the first corner after three minutes. This is a team of giants and towering central midfielder Cabrera has a free header that is only just over and serves as an early warning as to Almeria's intent.
In these very early stages it becomes clear that the referee is a bit whistle happy but it seems that it is only Malaga that committing the infringements and Almeria win a number of free kicks.
In 8' Almeria win their second corner, but Malaga's defence is reprieved when the referee spots some pushing in the box and Malaga win only their second free kick of the game. The ball is put through the left hand channel, but Perico is posted missing. Edgar makes a run right across the pitch from the right wing to get the ball. Miraculously (for Edgar) he delivers an excellent cross from the by-line towards the far post. Salva gets up and knocks the ball down to PERICO who is standing in the six yard box and only has to tap it home to put Malaga ahead! GOAALLLLLL!!!!!

Malaga 1 Almeria 0

The goal is against the run of play and it is Almeria who continue to pressurise the Malaga defence. We have to wait until the 18th minute before we see a shot from them though and it's full back Mane from 30 yards who shoots just over and then in the next minute, Arnau has to rush out of his penalty box to deny striker Bermeja when he is put through clear of Malaga's defence at the half way line.
Then again in 20' Almeria almost equalise when Arnau is wrong footed by a cross from the right but the dangerous Bermeja hits the side netting.
In the 23rd and 24th minutes Almeria force two more corners, but Schurrer and Jesule seem to be in control now and make good clearances.
It's still all Almeria and the side net is struck again in the 28th minute as the pressure is maintained.
Silva then concedes a free kick in 32', some 30 yards from goal on the right wing. From our position behind the goal at the opposite end, we see the ball hammered into the crowded area, then a powerful header towards goal which Arnau jumps to punch over the bar. However, the referee is closer and he sees something else and dramatically awards a penalty to Almeria, with Silva's name going in the book.
Striker BERMEJA steps up and makes no mistake from the spot.

Malaga 1 Almeria 1

In the closing minutes of the first half, Malaga do cross the half way line more often with Edgar and Valcarce sending crosses in which are dealt with easily by the Almeria defence. Perico looks out of sorts though, not showing any commitment nor seeming to know where to play and finds himself offside on occasions when Malaga's passing should have developed into something more promising.

Half-time Malaga 1 Almeria 1

It's no surprise when Perico is substituted at half time. However it's for lightweight Jonaton Valle, who has failed to impress us in the crowd, so we are not too encouraged.
A wee bit of a stooshie in 48' when Bruno brings down Jonaton Valle on the half way line and is booked. But he looked like last man and it should have been given a red card.
In 49' Jonaton Valle sends a lovely through ball down the inside left channel for Salva to run onto. The burly striker runs free of the Almeria defence but his shot goes well wide of the post.
In 55' Jesus Gamez watches a great effort from him from 30 yards skid along the ground and just go past the far post.
The referee continues to show strong bias in his decision making, awarding free kicks to Almeria every other second whilst Malaga's players are booted off the park without any recrimination. Hidalgo's name goes into the book for complaining about this injustice.
In 61' Arnau has to make his first real save of the afternoon from a 30 yard freekick. But he collects the ball on the goal-line easily.
In 62' there is a great cheer from the crowd and ironic applause as the referee awards Malaga a free kick after Salva has been scythed down.
It's still Almeria who are forcing the pace and showing the confidence their recent run of form has given them and Arnau unconvincingly scrambles an effort from Crusat off his line and around for a corner in 64'.
Jesus Gamez is unceremoniously shoved off the ball on the right wing in 65' but referee gives no foul, prompting the crowd to shout "Fuera, Fuera" which translates to "Oh, go away".
In 66' 18 years old striker Popo, who was born in Torre del Mar, comes on for Calleja. Malaga revert to 4-4-2 with the 5'3" Popo joining Salva up front.
In 69' Edgar becomes Malaga's third booking for a foul on the right wing against fullback Mane.
Almeria continue to search for the winner and Corona beats Valcarce easily and fires in a shot which Arnau needs two attempts to control and then smother.
In 76' Silva is replaced by Sandro.
In 79' the diminutive Popo, who looks like he has real pace and guile, is brought down in the D. Jonaton Valle takes the free kick and his effort has Westerveld at full stretch, although the shot is deflected wide.
In 80' Jesule puts a tremendous ball through for Jonaton Valle but he can't get the ball out of his feet and the opportunity is wasted.
In 81' Bermeja is booked for a foul on Sandro. The little playmaker takes a pot at goal but the ball goes straight into Westerveld's arms.
Then in 86' a piece of pure magic. Jonaton Valle loses possession on the left wing but the busy POPO picks up the loose ball and starts a run along the eighteen yard line. He flashes past two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot which crashes past Westerveld into the net from 12 yards. A goal out of nothing. A piece of opportunism. A fantastic GOOAAALLLLL! He's scored on his debut! The crowd go crazy. Popo! Popo! Popo! He's the new hero. Malaga are ahead and there's only minutes left. What a goal! Did you see that goal? It was brilliant! Popo! Popo! Popo!
There is so much excitement in the ground about this goal that the guy operating the giant electronic scoreboard puts the score up as Malaga 3 Almeria 1. Well, yes, it was a good goal, but we can only claim one for it.
Malaga 2 Almeria 1
The next five minutes are really exciting and the atmosphere in the stadium is electric as Almeria throw everything at Malaga desperately looking for the equaliser, forcing corner after corner and making the Malaga defence work very hard.
In 92' Sandro keeps up his booking-a-game record, this time for complaining to the referee about the number of free kicks he is awarding to Almeria.
Arnau makes his best save of the game going down low at the far post after a corner and turning the ball away from a certain goal.
Then in Almeria's last effort of the game, a free kick from the edge of the box hits the post and out and cleared by Jesule. Phew!!!

Full time Malaga 2 Almeria 1

The crowd leave happy shouting "Popo, Popo." This is a great result in the circumstances against the second placed team. As a result Malaga go to 11th in the table.
In midweek, Malaga have another tough fixture when they play the first leg of a last 16 cup tie against Real Zaragoza. Real Zaragoza are fourth in the first division after beating leaders Sevilla this weekend, so it's a big task for Malaga.
Then next Sunday, Malaga are away for another Andalucian derby against Cadiz. It's our intention to make the three and half hour journey for this match, so never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 10:11 AM | Permalink

Saturday 16 December 2006 and Malaga's last home game of the year is against Tenerife, who are just one point better off in the league table. After last week's terrible performance in the draw against bottom club Vecinario in the wind and rain of Gran Canaria, Malaga find themselves 17th in the table (out of 22) just two points clear of the fourth bottom club and the relegation zone.

Changes had to be made and a home win this weekend is imperative. The defensive frailties which have dogged Malaga all season were helped for this game with the dropping of Cesar Navas from the squad. The giant centre back has had a torrid season, with his mistakes being regularly punished by giving away goals. The return of the Argentine (Alan) Schurrer after injury is welcome and offers the dream pairing of Jesule and Schurrer in the heart of the defence for the first time in the league this season.
Also returning is Silva to again play just in front of the back four, at the expense of OJ Morales and the injured Romero.
There is still no place for out of form left back and captain Valcarce (Arnau is today's captain) and playmaker Sandro gets his chance to play alongside Hidalgo and Jonaton Valle in the most creative midfield that Muniz has put on the field since becoming manager. We are not convinced about Jonaton Valle, as he seems to spend most of his time with his backside on the pitch, whingeing to the referee, but there is no denying the effort he puts in and this must be impressing the manager.
Up front, Counago is preferred to Chengue Morales.
So it's a return to the familiar 4-1-3-2 formation for Muniz after experimenting for the last two matches with a very narrow 4-1-2-1-2 set up.

Malaga (4-1-3-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Jesule, Schurrer and Jose Mari; Silva; Jonaton Valle, Sandro and Hidalgo; Salva and Counago.

After a perfectly lovely sunny winter's afternoon, the game kicks off at 18:30h under the floodlights in a still warm 18C. However, it's a relatively small crowd of 8751 spectators, after the recent very poor performances. Malaga have won the toss and are kicking towards the Fondo end in the first half.
But it's Tenerife who have the first chance. After only 40 seconds on the clock, Malaga concede a free kick on the edge of their box. The kick beats the wall but goes wide of the near post.
Tenerife seem to have the initiative in these opening minutes as Malaga struggle to find first gear and force another effort from another free kick after 3'. This time Silva heads clear.
We have to wait until the 7th minute before we see a shot from Malaga. Jesus Gamez takes a throw in on the right to Jonaton Valle. The diminutive one starts a run along the 18 yard line, looking to make a pass. There is nobody available and no challenges from the Tenerife defence, so he has a go, but it's wide of the far post.
With three central midfielders, Malaga is relying on the overlapping of the fullbacks, Jesus Gamez down the right and Jose Mari down the left. In 9' Jose Mari whips in a delightful cross for Salva and there is some panic in the Tenerife defence as they concede Malaga's first corner.
The next minute Jesus Gamez does the same down the right and another corner is won.
Counago has a half chance in 13' when Sandro sends in a ball into the inside left channel for him to chase. Tenerife goalkeeper Bernardo is quick off his line though and reaches the ball first.
Tenerife have their first real chance on goal from their first corner in 19'. Giant striker, Raul Sanchez, beats Jesule to the ball but heads over.
We have to wait until the 26' for Malaga's next attacking move. This time Salva provides the pass into the inside right channel for Jonaton Valle. The youngster has no pace though and Bernardo mops up easily.
In 27' Counago is clearly impeded in the box running after another through pass, this time from Hidalgo. Penalty? No.
Malaga are conceding free kicks in dangerous areas, but Tenerife are only able to hit the wall on each occasion.
In 30' Malaga come closest yet to opening the scoring. A poor pass back is latched onto by Salva in the box, but Bernardo is again first to the ball and smothers it.
In 31', the first booking of the game and it's Schurrer for persistent fouling as yet another free kick is given on the edge of the Malaga penalty area. Again the chance is wasted as the visitor's kick hits the wall.
In 32' Counago is lurking at the far post and Sandro picks him out with a delightful chip. However, full back Clavero gets there first to give away the corner.
Hidalgo takes the corner from the right. The ball lands around the penalty spot and two Tenerife defenders seem to get in each other's way and one appears to handle the ball. We are on our feet screaming for a penalty when the ball breaks to Counago on the six yard line. From our seats directly behind the goal, we clearly see COUNAGO control the ball with his arm. He does so beautifully down to his left foot and taps the ball home. GOAL, or is it? The ref is signalling for a goal but there is a bit of a stooshie as the entire Tenerife team runs to the linesman, out on our left hand side. The referee also runs to the linesman, but we know that from both the ref's and linesman's viewpoint, they could not possibly tell that Counago had handled the ball. The goal stands and La Rosaleda erupts!
Malaga 1 Tenerife 0
On reflection, Malaga deserve the lead, as apart form the opening minutes, they have controlled the game, created the most chances and Arnau, in the Malaga goal, has yet to make a save.
In 37' Malaga have a chance to go two up. Long throw expert Jesus Gamez takes a throw from the right which causes some panic in the Tenerife defence, but Salva has been pushing and gives away the free kick.
In 42' Sanma is booked for kicking Sandro after the little maestro had fouled the Tenerife captain.
Last week Jose Mari scored from just inside the opponents half from a free kick. This week, on 45', after Sandro has been brought down in the centre circle, Jose Mari decides to try his luck again. He sends it high into the air and beats the keeper, but the ball curls just wide of the post.

Half time Malaga 1 Tenerife 0

Malaga have been much tighter in defence with Jesule, Schurrer and Silva keeping Tenerife under control through the middle. This is the first time this season that the defensive unit has not given any cause for concern. Jesule in particular is having a very good game, beating Raul Sanchez to the ball on the ground, but particularly in the air, where the tall striker is at least a foot taller than the centre back. Also, Malaga have been closing down much better all over the field, which has stopped Tenerife building moves, although Malaga have conceded a number of free kicks as a result.
At the restart, it is Malaga who start the brighter. We are all conscious of Muniz's terrible tactics trying to defend a one goal lead against RM Castilla in the last home game and are pleased to see Malaga continue where they left off, looking for a second goal which would surely kill this game off.
In 50' Jesule is booked for high feet in a tackle in the centre circle. The free kick is taken as a shot and although it is on target and gets through to Arnau, he gathers the ball comfortably.
In 53' the long throw tactic from Jesus Gamez is proving difficult for Tenerife to defend against. Gamez finds Salva who in turn heads on for Counago, but the striker finds the ball just out of reach.
Tenerife make two changes in 55'. Both central midfielders are replaced with Ramon and Sanma coming off for Sergio and Suso.
In 58' it's Bernardo to the rescue again from another teasing pass from Sandro, this time for Jesus Gamez. Again the goalkeeper races off his line to thwart the Malaga player.
In 59' Tenerife resort to long shots at goal, but on each occasion, they are blocked by Jesule.
In 60' Chengue Morales comes on for the ineffective Jonaton Valle. Malaga now go 4-3-3 with Chengue right, Counago left and Salva down the middle as they try to find that second and decisive goal.
The next minute there is another strong penalty claim from the home side after Salva is pushed to the ground after receiving a beauty of a pass from Jose Mari. No penalty.
In 65' Tenerife make their final substitution with Number 9 Angel coming on for Luis Gil.
In 66' Arnau makes his first save of the game, when he dives out of his box to beat Raul Sanchez to a cross, which Hidalgo was then on hand to clear.
In 67' Suso is booked for a foul on Counago.
In 71' Chengue Morales is alone at the far post when Jose Mari sends a cross over a crowded penalty area. The 8'3" Uruguayan striker has so much time, he tries to place his shot accurately instead of using his usual blasting method. Instead he puts it wide!
In 72' the tiring Counago is replaced by Ernesto. The team reverts to 4-1-3-2 with Ernesto taking up the left side of midfield.
The next minute and Raul Sanchez has the ball in the net after bagatelle in the Malaga penalty box. But, our linesman (the one who said "goal" for Counago in the first half) says "offside". Whew!
In 77' Sandro is booked for dissent.
In 78' Tenerife miss another opportunity as Raul Sanchez heads over after Jose Mari was completely undone by his corresponding right full back Betran for pace, before sending in a peach of a cross for his striker.
In 79' Perico comes on for Sandro (before the little hothead gets a second yellow card, perhaps?) Surprisingly, the right winger takes Sandro's place in the centre of midfield. We now have five left footed players on the park for Malaga in Schurrer, Jesule, Jose Mari, Ernesto and Perico. That must be some sort of a record!?!
In 83' Chengue goes down in heap after a clash near the centre line with centre back Sicilia. The giant looks in pain and limps off the field for treatment.
In 85' Chengue returns to the fray but he still seems to limping on his left leg.
In 88' Chengue goes down again heavily in another crunching tackle, this time from left back Clavero. Jose Mari tries again for a 40 yard goal, but the ball is semi-cleared out to Ernesto, out on the 18 yard line. Unfortunately the ball falls to his right foot and in the time it took him to try to get it onto his left, the chance was gone.
In 89' Chengue is sent off for kicking full ball Clavero up the backside, so Malaga go down to 10 men.
Then, to everybody's horror, the fourth official puts up his board for stoppage time and it's.......SIX (6) minutes! What?
Six minutes of frantic nail-biting as Tenerife tried everything to get an equaliser against their depleted opponents. It was summed up in the 96' when Malaga concede a freekick just inside the Tenerife half. Bernardo comes out of his area to take the kick with 20 players in the Malaga penalty box. The ball falls to Schurrer to head clear. Fulltime whistle blows, Malaga win and take all three points.
Full time Malaga 1 Tenerife 0

Despite the slender win, Malaga are good value for the result with a good many things to take away, before their final match before the Christmas break, away to Real Murcia on Wednesday night.
The defence looked the best it has been all season with Jesule, Schurrer and Silva commanding the centre.
The two 20 year old full backs, Jesus Gamez and Jose Mari look confident in both in defence and going forward.
I think we still await to see the best of the midfield, where Jonaton Valle continues to look lightweight and we need another striker up front who can intimidate opposing defences. Still this win sees Malaga leap seven places up the league and the supporters leave the ground happier than they have been for some time.
The next home game is against Andalucian rivals, Almeria, and is scheduled for Sunday 7 January 2007. This will follow the three week Christmas break which starts after Wednesday's away game to Real Murcia.
Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 5:30 PM | Permalink

After Saturday's victory against Tenerife, Malaga climbed the table so that although they were five points above the relegation zone, they were also just five points off promotion. So a little run of wins and Malaga could be right back in the mix. Wednesday's game and the last match of the year before the short Christmas break is against Real Murcia, relegated themselves from La Liga two seasons ago and doing a bit better than Malaga this season lying in the top four.

Chengue Morales is suspended for two games after his sending off against Tenerife. Sandro is dropped in favour of left winger Calleja in an otherwise unchanged starting line-up.

Malaga (4-1-3-2): Arnau; Jesus Gámez, Jesule, Schurrer, Jose Mari; Silva; Jonatan, Hidalgo, Calleja, Couñago, and Salva.

Malaga's plan to restrain their rivals in midfield seems to be working in the early exchanges.

However, against the run of play, Malaga go behind after 20 minutes when Ramon surprises everybody when gifted with a free header at the far post from a corner.

Murcia 1 Malaga 0

The unexpectedness of the goal causes Malaga to work harder, but seven minutes later, ex-Malaguista Abel makes it two with a crashing drive into the back of the net.

Murcia 2 Malaga 0

Then in 31' Abel scores again after receiving the ball in the six yard box and taps home past a hapless Arnau.

Murcia 3 Malaga 0

Three goals in eleven minutes! Murcia have had three shots on goal and scored with each of them.

The faces of Malaga's players express clearly the feelings of impotence and discouragement. The team no longer knew what to do. Was it possible to overturn a 3-0 deficit in the second period? Muñiz began to rearrange the team, going for a more defensive 4-1-4-1 line-up, with Jonaton Valle wide right and Calleja wide left and Salva up front on his own.

After half time, Perico replaced Calleja, who had not adapted to the changes in formation. Perico, a very left footed right winger, was placed in the left, while Jonatan continued on the right. Stosic made his league debut in 58', in game 18, coming on for Silva.

Hidalgo was called upon on several occasions to head clear from defence instead of creating opportunities at the other end.

Salva showed most desire, mainly in the second period, to try and help his team to improve this terrible result. He did not stop to give advice to his companions and, when he received the ball, it scared the few fans who went yesterday to the Nueva Condomina.

The forward hit the post in 70', but the ball did not enter the net.

In 72' Saul came on for Jonaton Valle as a proper right winger and the team reverted to 4-4-2.

However, we had to wait until the 86th minute before Malaga opened their account, when SALVA scored an opportunistic goal. Jose Mari launched a free kick into the box which deceived the Murcia goalkeeper and Salva pounced to take full advantage to obtain his tenth goal in the league.

But Salva had a still greater prize in his second goal, in firing in a drive that again surprised the goalkeeper. Malaga heaped on the pressure to get their third and tie the game but it wasn't to be.

Full-time Murcia 3 Malaga 2

In a game full of refereeing decisions which did not go Malaga's way and which caused Armando to be red carded from the visitors bench, Malaga again emerged without the points. They dropped to 12th position in the league and must now regroup before the second part of the season which starts in January with a home game against Almeria. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 5:30 PM | Permalink

After last week's storms, surely Malaga would find a bit of nice weather this week when they fly to the Canary Islands for the game at Vecindario in Gran Canaria. Wrong! The "stadium", which has a capacity of less than 4000, is located close to the airport (and indeed just before kick off we can see a Thomsonfly Airbus, carriage down, coming into land close by) and is exposed to the fresh winds of the Atlantic Ocean.

So it was on Saturday night, 9th December 2006, the strong wind was blowing from one end of the pitch to the other. No doubt the weather, and the controversial artificial pitch, will have a bearing on how this match progresses.

Vecindario are a small club and enjoying their most successful period in their history, climbing out of Segunda B last season through the playoffs and achieving La Segunda status for the first time ever. This season has seen them struggle so far to compete with the bigger and brighter lights and they currently occupy bottom spot in the table and look doomed to an almost certain return to the lower league, come the end of the season.

Malaga are also struggling. They have failed to dominate and run away with this league as expected and lurch from game to game with the supporters crying out in anguish after every result. After last week's 3-3 draw at home to Castilla, they will be wanting to leave the Canaries with the three points safely tucked away. In a sequence of games in which the league programme has thrown up six games against the so-called "easy" teams in the division, Lorca (2-2), Ponferridina (1-1), Elche (0-1), Salamanca (1-0) and Castilla (3-3), in the five games so far Malaga has mustered three draws, one defeat and one win, mustering from these five games six points out of fifteen. So even before a ball was kicked, the pessimists amongst us were forecasting yet another draw.

Muniz experimented with a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 for last week's game. It produced three goals from Salva (whose nine goals this season is attracting the attentions of Villarreal) on a wet and windy evening. And so it was the same set up this week in similar conditions, with Hidalgo preferred to OJ Morales in midfield in an otherwise unchanged line-up. Amongst the subs for today's game are Silva (back from suspension) and Counago (back from injury).

Malaga (4-1-2-1-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar Navas, Jesule, Jose Mari; Romero; Hidalgo and Calleja; Jonaton Valle; Salva and Chengue Morales.

Malaga's captain Romero wins the toss and elects to have the strong wind at his back in the first half.

Vecindario are first to show and win a free kick in the first minute. The ball is swerved into the crowded box, Arnau flaps at it and it goes for a corner. The corner swings in on the wind and falls to Axtebal, the Vecindario centre back, in the six yard box. His powerful shot is blocked by Arnau at point blank range. A very early let off for Malaga.

Vecindario are running these early stages and win their second corner in the 3', again on their left. Axtebal again is found at the far post, this time for a free header, but Malaga's defence somehow manage to scramble the ball away.
It's a nervous start for the visitors and they could easily have been 2-0 down already!

In 4' the brollies go up around the ground as the rain comes on, first of all as a persistent drizzle but getting heavier as the game progresses and also the strong wind down the ground is unabated. Not the sunny picture you have of the Canaries!

In 9' more panic in the Malaga defence as they concede yet another corner. From the looping kick, Arnau again tries to connect with his hand but Chengue has to boot the ball over his own bar to safety for yet another corner kick. Hidalgo is on hand for the kick and clears well upfield.

In 16' Malaga's nightmare start continues when, all alone on the edge of his own penalty area, Cesar Numpty, for some reason known only to him, heads the ball along the 18 yard line, instead of out to safety. This has been a characteristic of the giant centre back all season and has led to a number of goals scored against Malaga. Why Muniz continues to play him is beyond my comprehension. Rant over. Vecindario striker Xisco latches onto Cesar Numpty's "pass", runs into the box and drives a powerful shot at goal. The ball luckily comes off Arnau's knees and goes past for a corner. Two corners later and it is again left to Hidalgo to clear the ball upfield. He is becoming Malaga's best defender!

Malaga's narrow tactics mean that all their play is down the centre of the park and the twin strikers Salva and Chengue are not getting any service apart from the occasional long ball punted out of defence in desperation. This is not a very convincing display from the visitors who have failed to string two passes together or even venture into their opponent's half.

Vecindario, though, seem to be playing a more conventional 4-4-2 system with two wide players. Their right winger in particular, Javi Morales, is enjoying himself down the flank and Malaga's young left back, Jose Mari, has to resort to fouling him every time the winger is on the ball. After 25', Jose Mari has committed 6 fouls on the winger to date and must watch his step.

In 28' it's Hidalgo's turn to bring down Javi Morales. The kick is to be taken about 30 yards and is straight in front of goal. Fortunately the wind carries the shot over the bar.

But you get the feeling that it's only a matter of time before Malaga's luck at the back runs out.
In 30' Hidalgo is booked for going in feet first for 50/50 ball.

In 32' another scare for Malaga when Michel slips a pass to Javi Morales on the six yard line near to the touchline. It's a tight angle but the winger gets in his shot and its rising trajectory almost shaves the bar as it goes over.

In 35' Malaga get their first corner. Jonaton Valle chases a lost cause down the left wing. He gets to the ball first but cannot get it under control and it bounces off the right back's legs for a corner. Calleja takes and finds Cesar Navas alone at the back post, but the 8'3" giant misdirects his header wide.

In 37' Malaga celebrate their first shot on target! Don't celebrate too much though. Cesar Navas takes a free kick in his own half. The ball goes high into the air and seems to get caught in the swirl before landing near Chengue. The big Uruguayan swings at it but the effort is weak and is easily mopped up by the home goalkeeper.

The ball seems to be up in the air most of the time with neither side seeming able to control it in the conditions, giving away possession to each other in midfield.

In 43' it's corner number 7 for Vecindario. Chengue concedes another from the kick. Salva (remember him?) gets his head to the second corner and clears to halfway. However the ball is returned immediately and Romero is forced to concede Vecindario's ninth corner. Javi Morales swings the ball in from the right, it hits the outside of the post and goes out for a goal kick.

In 45' Axtebal is the second booking of the game for a foul on Romero. Hidalgo takes the kick and hits the two man wall 10 yards away.

The referee puts us out of our misery and blows for half-time

Vecindario 0 Malaga 0

This has been a woeful first half from Malaga and Vecindario should have been three goals in the lead, with all their pressure, corners and chances.

As the second half commences, the rain is much heavier now. The wind also seems stronger, rendering some brollies as useful as an umbrella in a hurricane. The crowd can been seen cowering under what little shelter is available around the ground

In 52' Counago comes on for Chengue.

In 53' Counago is flattened by Markel, who is booked.

In 57' Sandro replaces Calleja. Despite these changes, or even more so after removing winger Calleja, Malaga persist with the narrow 4-1-2-1-2 formation.

In 58' Vecindario make their first change. On comes striker Raul Borrero for Michel.

The pattern of the game is unchanged with Vecindario continuing to mount attack after attack on the Malaga goal.

In 59' Axtebal, at the far post, gets his head onto yet another free kick from the right, but thankfully from Malaga's point of view, the effort is just wide.

The scrappy nature of the game continues and is marred by constant stoppages; over 30 free kicks in the first hour.

In 63' we see the first flowing move of the game. Vecindario's left winger manages a run down the flank and puts over a great cross into the box. The ball flies over both Jesule and Cesar Navas giving Raul Borrero a free header at the far post. Arnau just watches as the ball goes just over.

In 65' Ernesto comes on for Jonaton Valle. Ernesto is very left footed and normally plays on the wing, so there is a bit of confusion amongst the Malaga players (and the supporters) about what the team's formation should be. It looks like 4-1-3-1-1, with Ernesto wide left of Hidalgo and Sandro in midfield and Counago playing off Salva up front. It's all irrelevant as Malaga still have not mounted any serious attacks on the home goal and the creative and attacking players have largely been superfluous.

In 66' Counago is fouled again near the centre line. Jose Mari takes the kick and the ball loops into the crowded penalty box. The ball goes over the players' heads and the goalkeeper gathers the ball at the second attempt after his initial fumble with Hidalgo charging in.

This is a brief respite for Malaga's defence as Javi Morales continues to torment them and is unlucky with two attempts which go very close.

In 75' a free kick is conceded by Malaga wide on the left by the centre line. The ball is whipped into the box by left back Ruano aiming for the far post, but then seems to change direction in midair and starts to swerve towards the near post. RAUL BORRERO gets his head to it and cleverly back-heads the ball back towards the far post. He catches the defence and Arnau wrong footed and the ball is in the net for Vecindario's opener.

Vecindario 1 Malaga 0

It's a chance created by the wind, but Raul Borrero deserves some credit for directing the ball away from the stunned Malaga defence.

It's all gone pear-shaped for Muniz and his tactics again. Being a goal down and not having had any real chances or shown any attacking flair, it's difficult to see Malaga getting back into the game, let alone take the three points, which, as a promotion seeking team, they should be expecting from this fixture.

The Vecindario fans are euphoric! Malaga is seen as a major scalp in this division and the home supporters must be thinking that they deserve the lead and the win that must surely come.

In 78' we see the first attacking move of the match from Malaga and it's substitute Ernesto who takes the eye with his endeavour. He breaks down the left wing, beats two men and then whips in a dangerous cross into the box for the waiting Salva and Counago. Axtebara has no choice but to head over his own bar.

In 80' Malaga create another chance. Jesus Gamez takes a long throw from the right to Sandro. The tiny playmaker slips the ball to Counago who forces a great save from the goalkeeper as the shot was heading for the top corner.

Then in 82', Malaga's blushes are saved with a freak goal. JOSE MARI, taking a free kick at the half way line, sends the ball high into the air. It loops over all the players and drops sharply behind the goalkeeper standing two yards out and over the line! Let's face it. It was the only way that Malaga were going to score and to be fair, the wind had a strong hand in both goals.

Vecindario 1 Malaga 1

Malaga go all out now to try and snatch an unlikely winner.

In 85' Ernesto again delivers a fine cross into the box which Salva, diving a full stretch, just misses.
In 86' the ball falls twice to Counago in six yard box free for all but his final effort is skied over the bar.
In 87' Javi Morales is taken off for Ciani.
In 88' a free kick to Malaga on the centre line. Jose Mari takes and tries again but this time the goalkeeper is alert and makes the save.
In 89' Ruano is booked for a foul on Jesus Gamez. Our new free kick specialist Jose Mari takes the kick just inside his own half. The ball bounces once in front of Hidalgo who hits it just wide of the near post.
In 90' the last chance again falls to Malaga who have created all of their opportunities in the last eight minutes of the game. Again it's Jose Mari with a free kick. He finds Cesar Navas alone at the far post. With all the time in the world and with the goal at his mercy, he decides to head along the six yard line! Salva is the intended recipient, but it comes as a surprise to the striker and the chance is lost.

Full time Vecindario 1 Malaga 1

Another disappointing display and result from Malaga who are definitely underachieving big time this season. The negative tactics, the inability to harness the wind and driving rain to their advantage, to use the experience of their established players and what seems to be a lack of ambition against sides which should on paper be demolished in the wake of Malaga's superiority is very depressing for us supporters.

We can only look forward to the next game and seek some respite from all this misery. Next week, Malaga are at home to another team from the Canaries, Tenerife. Let's hope for three points from this one. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 4:07 PM | Permalink

Saturday 2 December 2006 and a first for us in four seasons since moving to Spain. It's raining at a football match and not only that it's torrential. There is no way we could sit in our seats which are out in the open behind the goal and so we watched the game from the top of the stairs under the shelter of the upper tier. It was the same for the rest of the 8000 supporters who turned up, giving the stadium a strange aspect, with only the (fool)hardy out there near to the touchlines. The game is being shown live on Spanish TV and so it is not surprising that given the atrocious weather conditions that we have the lowest attendance for some seasons.

Malaga are without the injured Edgar and Schurrer and the suspended Silva. But it's a welcome return to the squad of both Counago and Romero after recovering from their injuries. Also recalled are the lightweight Jonaton Valle and the clumsy Cesar Navas in a team which lined up in a 4-1-2-1-2 formation, with only the full backs proving width. Perhaps it was because the lateral areas of the pitch were showing signs of flooding, but it has been a very long time since we have seen a Malaga team without two wingers.

Malaga (4-1-2-1-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar Navas, Jesule and Jose Mari; Romero; OJ Morales and Calleja; Jonaton Valle; Chengue Morales and Salva.

RM Castilla (4-2-3-1): Cudina; Palencia, Tebar, Agus and Torres; De la Red and Mata; Valero, Granero and Adrian; Negredo.

Castilla are Real Madrid's "B" team and include a number of players who have had first team experience with the "big boys". But they are primarily a young team, typically aged between 19 and 21, so Malaga should have the edge on experience and of course, playing at home. The weather though is uncharacteristic and gives the game a different perspective with the eerie atmosphere and the greasy surface.

Malaga lose the toss and kick off. After an exchange in the centre circle, Jonaton Valle picks up the ball just around the centre spot and puts a through ball for Salva to chase. The burly striker is standing inside the centre circle and starts on a run. He's not known for his pace but somehow he easily outpaces Tebar and runs into the box. Cudina comes out but SALVA coolly goes round him and puts the ball into the empty net. GOAL! 25 seconds! GOAL! What a start!
Malaga 1 Castilla 0
What a great start for Malaga, who after last week's win against Salamanca have gone to 9th in the table and are looking for a little run that would take them further up the league.
We have to wait until the 12' for Castilla's first shot at goal, but Negredo's effort is straight at Arnau.
In 13' Malaga have a great opportunity to go further ahead and put the game out of the reach of Madrid's young stars. Jose Mari sends a long ball down the left to Salva who does well to put in a perfect cross for Chengue, standing on his own in the penalty box. The ball seems to be at awkward height for the 8'7" striker, who cannot decide whether to head or kick the ball. He stoops low to head the ball (wrong decision) and the chance is lost.
In 16' OJ Morales fails to intercept a pass in midfield, when it really should have been his ball. The 21 year old striker, Negredo, manages to shimmy past Jesule and runs into the box. Arnau had the chance to come out and collect the ball but hesitates and Negredo slots the ball into the net for the equaliser.
Malaga 1 Castilla 1
In 19' Tebar, who is having a torrid time, is booked for a foul on Jonaton Valle.
In 21' Jesus Gamez breaks down the right wing to be promptly upended by Torres. Calleja takes the free kick which is punched out by Cudina. Unfortunately for Castilla, it falls to Calleja who hooks a ball back to Jesus Gamez from the by-line. The young full-back strikes the ball well and Cudina can only push the ball away. SALVA pounces on the loose ball and taps home for his own and Malaga's second. GOAL.
Malaga 2 Castilla 1
Malaga's new formation seems to be working as an attacking force, but the defensive fragilities (also known as Arnau and Cesar Navas) are still present and the crowd suck their collective breath every time a Castilla forward chases a ball into the home penalty area.
In 27' Castilla win their first corner. Negredo gets onto the ball at the far post and attempts a bicycle kick which Romero does well to clear off the line with Arnau gone fishing.
From the clearance Jonaton Valle goes on a run in a counter-attacking move. Cudina is off his line and we are all shouting for him to try the lob. Instead he passes left to OJ Morales who has run with him in support. But this is nose bleed country for the Uruguayan defensive midfielder and his shot goes well wide.
In 29' another mistake by Cesar Navas allows Negredo, who is proving too much of a handful for the lanky centre back, another run at goal. His shot is powerful but straight at Arnau.
In 31' Salva gives away a free kick some 30 yards from goal. Granero takes the kick. It flies over the players in the crowded box and bounces in front of the static Arnau, who watches transfixed as the ball slips into the net. Two defensive errors from Arnau and two goals conceded.
Malaga 2 Castilla 2
It seems no matter hard the midfield and strikers work up front, all their good work is undone by sloppy defending.
Malaga keep on attacking the visitor's goal. In 35' the good work almost pays off when a Romero drive is almost headed past his own keeper by Tebar. The ball slides dangerously close by the near post for a corner.
We only have to wait two more minutes though. Calleja takes a corner on the right. SALVA times his jump perfectly to head home and complete his hat-trick.
Malaga 3 Castilla 2
Castilla are not out of it and know that Arnau is suspect in Malaga's goal. They almost score a third equaliser just before half time when Valera's free kick is headed out by Chengue with Arnau at full stretch.
Half-time Malaga 3 Castilla 2
Unsurprisingly, Castilla replace Tebar for Santa Cruz at half time.
More surprisingly, Malaga change their tactics and go for strange looking 4-4-2 formation, with Calleja moving wide left and Jonaton Valle wide right, leaving the two defensive midfielders, OJ Morales and Romero in the middle.
In 47' Salva becomes Malaga's first booking after talking back to the referee after a foul has been given against him.
Malaga seem content to defend their slender lead and defend very deeply in their own half, inviting the young Madrid team to come onto them.
In a rare excursion into the Castilla half, Jonaton Valle (who looks out of place on the right wing) spots Cudina on the edge of his penalty area and tries a shot from half way. The goalkeeper scrambles back but the shot is off target.
In 56' Negredo beats Cesar Navas with yet another nutmeg but his resulting shot is high and wide.
Malaga continue to play very deep, seemingly confident that they can absorb anything Castilla throw at them. Not us in the crowd though and the home fans are strangely muted. The rain continues to pour down unabated and the pitch is becoming very heavy in parts.
In 59' Nieto comes on for Granero.
In 60' Adrian is booked for a foul on Jonaton Valle.
The next minute Salva runs onto a ball and shoots at goal producing a fine save from Cudina, but the referee has blown for offside anyway.
Malaga are playing a dangerous game as Castilla remain camped in their half and seem to be relying on the occasional counterattacks to alleviate the strain from the defence.
In 63' Chengue runs from halfway in one such move. He has no support and when he gets close enough to fire in a shot it is weak and goes wide.
In 66' Hidalgo comes on for OJ Morales, to hopefully provide more of an attacking midfield option for the home side.
In 68' Chengue is booked for a lunging tackle from behind.
The next minute Calleja has the ball in the net, but he's offside.
In 70', in a strange substitution, Calleja is taken off for Valcarce. The left back adopts his normal position and the young left back, Jose Mari takes a more forward position.
Malaga now have five defenders and a very defensive midfielder on the park.
In 71' Cesar Navas keeps up his booking a game ratio with a sliding tackle on Adrian.
Castilla are creating all the chances with Mata and Negreda both going close after neat passing movements and De la Red hitting the wall from a free kick.
The worst was coming and it came in the 76' minute when full back Palencia delivers a superb cross to the far post. Despite the attention of both Malaga central defenders, Negreda gets there first and head down to Valera, standing on his own. He taps home the equaliser from five yards.
Malaga 3 RM Castilla 3
Muniz had been considering bring on yet another defender, Molinero, before the goal and indeed he was stripped and ready to come on. However, the goal changed his negative thinking and poor old Molinero (a right back) had to put his track suit top on again. Instead it's Perico (the left footed right winger?!?) who comes on for the tired Jonaton Valle, in a vain attempt to restore Malaga back into an attacking force.
In 79' Santa Cruz is booked for hacking down Salva.
In 80' a very tired looking Chengue gets the ball in the net but even though it's Salva who is offside but not "active" it's not given as a goal.
In a timewasting move in 88' Rodri comes on for Adrian.
Malaga are more in Castilla's half now as they go for the winner. A long ball finds Chengue in the box. The giant striker turns to shoot and bundled over by Agus. A penalty? Probably. Was it given? Are you serious?
In one last final flurry Salva tries hard to add to his already impressive tally for the game with an audacious overhead kick, but the ball flies over and it's game over.
Full time Malaga 3 Castilla 3

Crime Count: Malaga: yellow cards 3: (Salva, Chengue, Cesar Navas)
Real Madrid Castilla: yellow cards 3: (Tebar, Adrian, Santa Cruz)

Two points lost is how to best sum this game up. It was played in almost surreal conditions with the torrential rain and smaller and muted crowd and but for especially Arnau's fragilities in the first half Malaga could have run up a cricket score. Then with Muniz's wrong tactics in the second half, trying to defend a one goal lead for 45 minutes?!??, in the end a draw was the probably the correct result. But not the home result needed to get the team higher up the table.
Next week sees Malaga fly off to Gran Canaria to play Vecendario in Las Palmas. The Segunda new boys are lying bottom of the table and are struggling to find any form in what is maybe a step too far for them. Let's hope they don't find their form next week when Malaga come calling!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 11:39 PM | Permalink

Sunday 26th November 2006; 17:30h kick-off. In the evening of another scorching November afternoon, Malaga take on third placed Salamanca, the surprise team of La Segunda, who boast the highest number of "goals for" in the appropriate column in the table.
Malaga are still reeling from their defeat last week to lowly Elche and are further disheartened at the news of their "saviour" in defence, the Argentine, Schurrer, is out for three weeks with a leg injury. Also still out are defensive midfielder Romero and striker Counago. So Muniz has to make several enforced changes before yet another game he must win.
After the recent run of results in which Malaga have not won in their last seven games, they find themselves 16th in the table, only two points clear of the relegation zone and a massive eleven points off the promotion places. Time to ring the changes then and Ristic, the young Serb signed in the summer, gets picked for the first time this season to appear in the squad. Will he play in the starting line-up and is he any good? Cesar Navas returns to replace the injured Schurrer and in a welcome selection, Jesule is picked in central defence alongside him. Jose Mari is brought back from the Malaga B team to replace the out of form Valcarce and Edgar is preferred to both Hidalgo and Sandro as the creative attacking midfielder, playing just off the striker. Malaga topscorer Salva has been recovering from an injury during the week and so the giant Chengue Morales gets the nod for the lone striker position in Muniz's favourite 4-1-4-1 formation.

Malaga (4-1-4-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar Navas, Jesule and Jose Mari; Silva; Ristic, Edgar, OJ Morales and Calleja; Chengue Morales.

Salamanca (4-2-3-1): Felip; Granan, Tortolero, Mario and Lopez; Pina and De Souza; Martin, Ze to and Roberto; Braulio.

So it is a start for Ristic, playing wide on the right and it is Malaga who start the brightest, playing into the Fondo goal. It is 7' though before we see a real threat on goal when Calleja manages to beat his defender on the left wing to send in a dangerous cross, which Salamanca manage to scramble away.
In 8', the first booking of the game and Chengue is booked for not retreating quickly enough from the location of a Salamanca free kick.
The giant Uruguayan striker, Chengue, is very prominent in these opening exchanges with his huge physical presence and strong running causing panic in the visitors' defence.
In 10' the first real shot on goal arises after good interplay between Chengue and Calleja. The big striker passes the ball back to the unmarked OJ Morales, but he blasts the ball well over.
In 11' Ristic makes his first impression. Again it's Chengue making the openings and his pass out to the right allows the young Serb to run onto the ball. His cross/shot goes just over.
In 13' Tortolero is booked after failing after three attempts to take a free kick from the correct position.
In 15' Salamanca win the first corner of the game. Cesar Navas, despite his 8'7" height fails to reach an easy ball and Jesule has to sweep up behind him to concede the corner. This was to become a recurring feature of the match, although we did not know this at the time. Wonder upon wonder as Arnau actually catches the ball from the corner kick.
We are feeling good about Malaga's first 20 minutes when Salamanca's top scorer this season with 6 goals, Braulio, almost adds to his tally with an audacious back header across a crowded goalmouth, with Arnau beaten. But the shot is just wide and serves as a wake-up call to us all.
Although Chengue did have a shot go well over after 21' it's now Salamanca who are dominating the play, keeping possession with sharp short passing and seemly first to every loose ball.
In 26' Cesar Navas is booked for a clumsy foul, sliding in with his studs up.
Another scare for Malaga after Martin takes a clever free kick from the right which Jesus Gamez does well to reach to concede another corner. Malaga defend the corner well.
In 31', a controversial moment. Calleja spots Chengue's run down the middle of the park. He's free of the defence with his long strides and Salamanca goalkeeper has to run off his line and out of his penalty area to meet the giant striker. The two collide but Chengue gets to his feet first and starts to get clear of the goalkeeper. Felip appears to stick out an arm, tripping Chengue, who falls the ground. A defender runs back and clears the ball into touch. If the referee decides a foul has been committed the goalkeeper must be sent off! Result: no foul!
In 44' Chengue again creates havoc with his running and again gets clear of the defender on the left wing. The right back Granan pushes Chengue in the back and a free kick is awarded. Calleja's kick is too long and high and goes out on the far side for a throw in.

Half time Malaga 0 Salamanca 0
Reflections: A much better display from the home team, who have showed much more urgency against a very well organised and confident team, though without creating too many goalscoring chances.

Malaga reorganise themselves at half-time, taking off Ristic and OJ Morales and bringing on Hidalgo and Salva as replacements. The team goes to a 4-4-2 formation with Edgar moving to the right wing and Salva joining Chengue up front in a two pronged attack. It's as though Muniz realises that he was too respectful of Salamanca with his starting defensive line-up and this more attack minded formation was necessary to get the win that Malaga so badly need.
In 48' a strange set of circumstances. Braulio seems to go down on his own in the centre of the field. When players go down on their own, it is normally a serious injury and a Malaga player kicks the ball out of play so that the player can receive attention. The referee runs across to the stricken player, who immediately jumps to his feet and starts remonstrating with the official. The referee promptly goes to his breast pocket and shows him the red card! Must have been something he said!
Malaga's new set-up shows real promise in 53' in a good flowing move involving Hidalgo, Salva and Chengue, whose final pass allows Calleja to fire a powerful shot,requiring an excellent save from Felip.
In 54' ex-Malaga B player, Pina, is involved in Salamanca's first substitution, going off for Charcos.
In 59' the breakthrough arrives! Jesus Gamez takes a long throw-in from the right, send the ball high into a crowded penalty area. SALVA is first to react and scores from close range.
Malaga 1 Salamanca 0
In 60' Chengue slips a fine pass to Calleja who runs into the box and who is then bundled off the ball. Despite appeals to the contrary, the referee does not award the penalty.
It's all Malaga now, who are keeping their shape and keeping both wingers wide on the flanks stretching the 10-man Salamanca team. In 61' Calleja makes a break down the left and finds Salva with his pass but the burly striker sends the ball just wide of the far post.
In 64' Cesar Navas gives away another corner off his knee, but the extra defensive training that Muniz has been putting the team through seems to be paying off (despite Cesar Navas) and Hidalgo clears the from the corner kick.
In 70' Hidalgo has a chance at the other end. With all the players gathering at the far post awaiting his free kick, he elects to try a shot at goal. A defender manages to just head the attempt over his own bar.
In 73' Mario (another ex Malaga B player) is booked for high feet.
The next minute Calleja and Salva again combine and Salva's shot flashes right across the goal and just wide of the far post.
In 77' the disappointing Ze to is subbed for Math.
In 79' Chengue goes on a run down the right wing. For a big man he is surprisingly mobile and goes past three defenders. Edgar has moved inside to support him and when Chengue releases his pass, Edgar must surely run on and score. However, the Angolan pulls up with a hamstring injury and is replaced by Perico.
Suseuto also comes on for Roberto for Salamanca.
In 82' Hidalgo is booked for a tackle from behind.
Malaga seem to have the game won as they continue to dominate the play, but 1-0 is a slender lead.
Then 86' Salamanca seek the equaliser with three successive corners which eventually Jesus Gamez clears the danger with a good powerful header upfield.
In 88' Salva gets a booking for complaining to the referee over zealously.
Then in 90' our hearts are in our mouth when Salamanca are awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Despite all Malaga's players back defending, the free kick beats the wall but Arnau is well positioned and grabs the ball and clutches it to his chest.
Full time Malaga 1 Salamanca 0

Crime Count:
Malaga: Yellows (4): Chengue, Cesar Navas, Hidalgo, Salva.
Salamanca: Yellows (1): Tortolero. Reds (1) Braulio.

An excellent result against a strong Salamanca team, which sees Malaga move from 16th to 9th in the table. A clean sheet too (due mainly to Jesule sweeping behind Cesar Navas) and a more confident approach throughout the team, which augers well for the next few games. The next game is also at home, next Sunday to Real Madrid Castilla, which will be shown live in Spain (and in the UK on Sky Channel 446 (Real Madrid TV)). A great opportunity for Malaga to start a winning run and get their season kick-started. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 2:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

On Sunday 19 November 2006, Malaga travelled to play second bottom club, Elche. Surely a chance for the blue and whites to get a first win for the new manager, Muniz (pronounced Moo-ny-eeth) whose tenure of two and half weeks has produced no wins, one draw and two defeats so far.
After last week's debacle against Ponferradina, Muniz had stated in the press that he was going to ring the changes and out went Cesar Navas and Perico from the squad. However, there was still no opportunity for the two Serbs, Rostic and Stosic, who are still to make their first team debuts in the league since signing in the summer.
In a strange (for Muniz) 4-4-2 line-up, Edgar is preferred to Chengue Morales as a striker up front with Salva and Schurrer retains his place in defence forming a new partnership with Silva.

Teams:

Elche (4-1-4-1): Caballero; Mario, Fernando Niño, Benja, Bernaus; Pere Martí; Calderón, Alfredo, Manolo Pérez, Bellvís; Miguel.

Málaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Jesús Gámez, Schurrer, Silva, Valcarce; Saúl, OJ Morales, Hidalgo, Calleja; Edgar and Salva.

According to the local newspaper, Sur, Malaga dominated the game from start to finish and in the first half in particular, the new defensive set-up looked very confident and assured. However, Malaga, despite their superiority in possession, only mustered two shots to bother Caballero in the Elche goal; the first a terrific volley from Calleja which forced a fine save from the keeper and the second a miss-kick from Salva standing alone in front of the goal.

In the second half, Malaga started again in similar fashion to keep the pressure on the Elche defence. However, in a sad five minutes, Malaga were undone again with two defensive errors; firstly in the 56 minute, when Bellvis took advantage of a mix-up between the defenders to score and then again in 61' when Calderon twice beat Valcarce and sent in a magnificent cross for Miguel to head home.
Malaga immediately substituted Valcarce for Ernesto and then brought on Chengue Morales for Saul. In this reshuffle, Calleja dropped to left back, with Ernesto on the left wing and Edgar dropped back to right wing to allow Chengue to move up front in attack.
The changes must have worked as Malaga pulled one back in 67' when first Silva then Salva pounced on a free kick taken by Calleja.
Silva was then immediately substituted for Sandro, with the little playmaker moving to midfield and OJ Morales moving back into the centre of defence alongside Schurrer.
Despite dominating the rest of the match as Elche defended in depth to protect their lead, Malaga were unable to score again (and indeed were almost caught out on the break, with Arnau having to make a save to stop a certain third goal) and the game finished Elche 2 Malaga 1.
The referee showed 10 yellow cards during the match including Edgar, Calleja and Sandro for Malaga.

A disappointing result (to say the least) as Malaga plunge down the table and are only two points above the relegation zone. It doesn't get any easier for Muniz as next week's home game is against high Salamanca, currently occupying one of the top three promotion slots. Another tough game and another which is a "must win" for Malaga if this season is not to become a worse disaster than last season. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 11:21 AM | Permalink

On Sunday 19 November 2006, Malaga travelled to play second bottom club, Elche. Surely a chance for the blue and whites to get a first win for the new manager, Muniz (pronounced Moo-ny-eeth) whose tenure of two and half weeks has produced no wins, one draw and two defeats so far.
After last week's debacle against Ponferradina, Muniz had stated in the press that he was going to ring the changes and out went Cesar Navas and Perico from the squad. However, there was still no opportunity for the two Serbs, Ristic and Stosic, who are still to make their first team debuts in the league since signing in the summer.
In a strange (for Muniz) 4-4-2 line-up, Edgar is preferred to Chengue Morales as a striker up front with Salva and Schurrer retains his place in defence forming a new partnership with Silva.

Teams:

Elche (4-1-4-1): Caballero; Mario, Fernando Niño, Benja, Bernaus; Pere Martí; Calderón, Alfredo, Manolo Pérez, Bellvís; Miguel.

Málaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Jesús Gámez, Schurrer, Silva, Valcarce; Saúl, OJ Morales, Hidalgo, Calleja; Edgar and Salva.

According to the local newspaper, Sur, Malaga dominated the game from start to finish and in the first half in particular, the new defensive set-up looked very confident and assured. However, Malaga, despite their superiority in possession, only mustered two shots to bother Caballero in the Elche goal; the first a terrific volley from Calleja which forced a fine save from the keeper and the second a miss-kick from Salva standing alone in front of the goal.

In the second half, Malaga started again in similar fashion to keep the pressure on the Elche defence. However, in a sad five minutes, Malaga were undone again with two defensive errors; firstly in the 56 minute, when Bellvis took advantage of a mix-up between the defenders to score and then again in 61' when Calderon twice beat Valcarce and sent in a magnificent cross for Miguel to head home.
Malaga immediately substituted Valcarce for Ernesto and then brought on Chengue Morales for Saul. In this reshuffle, Calleja dropped to left back, with Ernesto on the left wing and Edgar dropped back to right wing to allow Chengue to move up front in attack.
The changes must have worked as Malaga pulled one back in 67' when first Silva then Salva pounced on a free kick taken by Calleja.
Silva was then immediately substituted for Sandro, with the little playmaker moving to midfield and OJ Morales moving back into the centre of defence alongside Schurrer.
Despite dominating the rest of the match as Elche defended in depth to protect their lead, Malaga were unable to score again (and indeed were almost caught out on the break, with Arnau having to make a save to stop a certain third goal) and the game finished Elche 2 Malaga 1.
The referee showed 10 yellow cards during the match including Edgar, Calleja and Sandro for Malaga.

A disappointing result (to say the least) as Malaga plunge down the table and are only two points above the relegation zone. It doesn't get any easier for Muniz as next week's home game is against high Salamanca, currently occupying one of the top three promotion slots. Another tough game and another which is a "must win" for Malaga if this season is not to become a worse disaster than last season. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 11:21 AM | Permalink

Sunday 12 November 2006, a beautiful afternoon spent in shorts and tee shirt in the 25C sunshine and a 17:00 kick-off at La Rosaleda for the next instalment in what is turning out to be an extraordinary season. Newly relegated Malaga were expected to be at the top of the league all season, thrashing the minnows and promotion rivals alike. Instead, 10 games in and they are two points off the relegation places and sacking their manager.
The new manager, Muniz (pronounced Moonyeth), is a 37 year old ex-centre back, who had some previous management experience with near neighbours, Marbella, in the lower divisions of Spanish football. Now was his big chance to really make a name for himself, to manage one of Spain's bigger teams, Malaga. It's a tough shot though, as the team languishes just above relegation, with several of the first team squad unavailable either through injury or suspension, as Malaga has the unenviable distinction of having the worst disciplinary record in the top two divisions.
He has come to Malaga and completely changed the fitness and tactical training with training seven days a week, including match days. He has stated that he intends to shore up the defence which has leaked goals from Day 1 of the season and ensure that the creative players can go forward without looking over the shoulders worrying about what is happening at the back.
Last week in the league in his first game after only three days in charge, his team managed a 2-2 away draw against lowly Lorca. In midweek, in La Copa del Rey, his team lost 2-1 away to Real Sociedad going through to the last 16 in the competition 5-3 on aggregate. The goal was scored by Chengue Morales, the giant Uruguayan (6'7") striker, who had been left out in the cold by the previous manager.
Today, his first home game, was against Ponferradina, another small team, from the north west of Spain, and who were making their debut in the Segunda, after securing promotion last season. So, surely an opportunity to return to winning ways, then.
Muniz has a liking for a defensive 4-1-4-1 formation and it was thus how the team lined up:
Malaga (4-1-4-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar Navas, Schurrer and Valcarce; Silva; Edgar, Sandro, Hidalgo and Calleja; Salva.
So, a league debut of the experienced former Argentine International 35 years old centre back, Schurrer. Centre back Silva, given the role of "pivot" or holding midfielder; Edgar back on the right wing. The twin attack minded pairing in midfield of Sandro and Hidalgo and the return of Salva up front. Chengue Morales was on the bench.
Ponferradina (4-2-3-1): Rubio; Fuentes, Debris, Borres and Chupri; Rapponi and Nacho; Fran, Ruben Vega and Borreguero; Risso.

What was noticeable in the first fifteen minutes was that both teams were playing with their back fours pushed well up, so that the play was concentrated in the middle third of the park. What was different about Malaga was that their players seemed to be closing down all over the park, something that had been missing from their play so far this season.
The first shot on target by either team came in the 14' when Calleja put Salva through, but his shot is weak and straight at Rubio.
In 18' Ponferradina won the first corner of the match and Arnau showed courage to come off his line to punch the ball close to the centre circle.
There's a promising move in 21' when Edgar gets onto a Calleja cross and breaks into the box, but the Angolan pushes the fullback in his attempt to control the ball and a free kick is awarded against him.
In 32' Muniz makes a strange substitution, so early in the game. Off comes Hidalgo, who up till now had been one of Malaga's better players and on comes striker Chengue Morales to great cheers from the 11,781 crowd. It seems to be a tactical move and Malaga reshape to an unusual 4-1-3-1-1 formation with Chengue playing just behind Salva.
The crowd certainly like the entrance of Chengue as the volume is raised a couple of notches and he doesn't disappoint, calling for the ball and making runs into the box. He seems to be involved in every move and becomes the target man for every Malaga player, from Arnau through to Salva.
He is on the park for only six minutes when he wins a corner on the right, forcing the panic stricken defender to push the ball over the by-line. Calleja takes the kick and CHENGUE MORALES rises above his marker to head strongly down and into the net. What an entrance! What a substitution! What a goal!
Malaga 1 Ponferradina 0
Two minutes later and Chengue is through again. Unfortunately Edgar is there too and two Malaga players get in each other's way and the chance is lost. But there is no doubt that the big striker is causing the visitors many problems.
The last chance of the half falls to Valcarce lurking on the edge of the box when the ball falls at his feet from a crowded area as Malaga push to find a second goal. The full back gets power and direction and also keeps it low and Rubio has to make a fine save.
Halftime Malaga 1 Ponferradina 0
In 50' the first booking of the game and it's full back Fuentes for sliding in on Salva.
Then in 51' Rapponi is booked for a foul on Jesus Gamez.
Then the flurry of bookings continues in 55' as Malaga's centre back Cesar Navas again finds his name in the referee's book (for the seventh time this season) for a rash tackle from behind.
Ponferradina make their first substitution after 56' with Priera coming on for Nacho.
Then disaster for Malaga. From nothing and under no pressure, they concede a corner on the right in 58'. The kick is taken and the hapless Cesar Navas allows RISSO to get in front of him and head home from 6 yards. Another defensive error by Cesar Navas and another goal conceded from a set piece which should have been easily mopped up.
Malaga 1 Ponferradina 1
Malaga respond by subbing the unfit looking Edgar for Perico in 61'.
In 63' goalscorer Risso is booked for not retreating 10 yards stopping Sandro from taking a free kick.
In 65' Priera ran round the static Cesar Navas in the box but shoots wide as Arnau comes off his line to narrow the angle.
In 66' Chupri is taken off for Alessandro.
In 72' Valcarce is taken off and Jonaton Valle comes on. The youngster takes up the left wing berth as Calleja moves back to left back.
In 73' panic in the Malaga goalmouth as Arnau has to dive full length to save a free kick out on his right. Schurrer running back almost put the ball past his keeper and was glad to see it go for a corner instead.
The promise at the end of the first half has vanished for Malaga as they are frustrated by a Ponferradina team happy with a draw and content to try and catch Malaga out on the counter-attack and sneak the winner.
In 77' Jonaton Valle is bundled off the ball whilst running into the box, but no penalty is given.
In 79' Fuentes is booked for handball - it's his second booking and he's off! Yet again this season, Malaga have a chance to use the extra man to their advantage and kill the game off.
Ponferradina immediately take off striker Risso and replace him with a defender, Salcedo.
In the last ten minutes Malaga do try to score the winning goal, but somehow, a combination of timewasting tactics from the visitors and certain lack of conviction by the Malaga players, and we knew we heading for another tame draw.
Full time Malaga 1 Ponferradina 1

Another two points lost to "inferior" opposition at home. Muniz will have to work a bit harder with his players if Malaga are to avoid another relegation, let alone get promotion this season. Next week, Malaga are away to second bottom club, Elche. Another chance to get a win and start the climb up the table that we are all yearning for.
The next home game is on 26 November against high flying Salamanca. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 11:09 PM | Permalink

Game 11 of the season and it's the first game in charge of new manager Muniz, who celebrated his 37th birthday on Thursday. A top flight defender in his playing days, Muniz's previous team, Marbella, was renowned for not conceding goals and being strong at the back and in the four training sessions Muniz has had before Saturday's game, he concentrated almost totally in trying to instil this ethos into Malaga's 28 man first team squad. Also on his immediate agenda was to restore some discipline to the team as Malaga have the worst record in Spain for yellow cards and for his first match he finds himself without four regulars, Jesus Gamez, OJ Morales, Romero and Salva, out for suspension.
In addition, he has to contend without the injured Counago, which means that both strikers are unavailable for the game. This means an opportunity for Chengue Morales, the former Uruguayan international striker, who had been frozen out by previous manager Alonso and who had at one time said that he wanted Malaga to rescind his contract so that he could leave the club. So, a new manager comes in and it's all change.
Muniz opts for a 4-1-4-1 formation against Lorca, due to lack of choice as much as anything else. Without either of his normal defensive midfielders, OJ Morales and Romero, available, he pushes centre back Silva into that role. There also a return for Angolan forward, Edgar, on the right wing in place of Saul. But of course it's the return of the giant striker, Chengue Morales, which grabs the prematch headlines.
Malaga (4-1-4-1): Arnau; Molinero, Armando, Cesar Navas and Jesule; Silva; Edgar, Sandro, Hidalgo and Calleja; Chengue Morales.
Lorca, from the Murcia province, have had a mixed start to their campaign as their manager tries to find a formation which suits his squad best. But over the past two games, playing an attacking 4-3-3, they have found some form and won both games convincingly. So the visit of a defensive setup from Malaga, a team at a low ebb, struggling in the league and with a new manager at the helm, made Lorca the prematch favourites.

Unfortunately this game is the first Malaga game of the season not to be shown live on TV or even radio in Andalucia, so I can only pick out the highlights from newspaper articles. One thing to note though as that the game was played in front of only 4000 spectators. Compare this to Malaga's last home game where over 12,000 were there to support the team. This will give some indication of the size of the teams and why it is so important for Malaga to return quickly to the top level.

Malaga did not have the best of starts, going behind in only 12' with an individual goal that Arnau had no chance of saving. However, the 8'3" striker Chengue Morales made his mark in 19', heading down for Sandro to score the equaliser. Chengue was also involved in supplying the pass for Hidalgo, who in 31' put the visitors ahead. Then Cesar Navas added to his long list of errors this season, being adjudged to have fouled a Lorca player in the box in a controversial penalty decision (aren't they all?) before half time. The half time and full time score was 2-2.
Malaga managed another four bookings in the match and although I cannot possibly comment on the performance, we would all have taken a draw from this game before it started. The second division in Spain is a long journey with 42 games, so there are going to be plenty more twists and turns before the end of the season.
The next home game is next week against newcomers Ponferradina, enjoying their first ever season in La Segunda. On paper, before the season started, this would surely have been a home banker for Malaga. Now, we will have to wait and see. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!
http://www.canalsur.es/Informativos/Multimedia/2006/11.Noviembre/04/2malagafut.rm

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:10 AM | Permalink

Sunday afternoon, 17:30h, and although it's the end of October, the digital clock/thermometer outside the stadium shows 25C. Malaga are at home to promotion rivals Valladolid, relegated two seasons ago and who, after failing to return in one season, sacked their manager, Marcus Alonso; yes, now Malaga's manager.

After last week's debacle at Jerez, Malaga badly need the points from this home game to keep them in touch with the leaders. In midweek, in the Copa del Rey (the Spanish equivalent of the FA Cup), Malaga fielded a team made up of mostly squad members in the first leg against First Division Real Sociedad and won 4-1. (This defeat prompted the dismissal of Sociedad's manager, former Malaga B manager, Bakero.) So there was some confidence back in the squad going into this league match. However, Malaga's poor disciplinary record and 4 defeats and a draw in the opening 9 games of the season, meant that Alonso had to produce a win to stay in his job. So Alonso promised an attacking 4-4-2 formation and paired Salva and Counago in a starting line-up, which required other changes as both Romero and Cesar Navas were both suspended.

Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Silva and Jesule; Saul, Hidalgo, OJ Morales and Calleja; Salva and Counago.
Valladolid (4-2-3-1): Alberto; Lopez, Baraja, Bea and Marcos; Borja and Rubio; Sisi, Victor and Capdevilla; Llorente.

In front of a 12,000 noisy crowd, Valladolid start the brighter of the teams from the kick off and Borja tries a shot from just outside the centre circle in the first minute which Arnau was glad to see go just wide.
The game is being played at a quick pace with the action swinging from end to end, although Valladolid look more assured and confident when in possession.
Llorente, top scorer in the Second Division so far with 5 goals, is proving a handful for the Malaga defence and goes close on two occasions and then is just offside when through on Arnau.
In 12' the first booking of the game is Hidalgo for a tackle from behind.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 1 Valladolid 0)
In 14' Llorente strikes the post after Malaga fail to clear a free kick.
Malaga are pinned back in their own half as the visitors keep up the pressure on Arnau's goal. Silva has to make a last ditch tackle to prevent Sisi from scoring.
In 19' Llorente is booked for jockeying Arnau.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 1 Valladolid 1)
In 26', Malaga's defence, which has been in disarray all season, is made to look really foolish when Saul and Armando go for the same ball and clash in midfield allowing Capdevilla to run alone the entire half of the field with only Arnau between him and the goal. Fortunately the attacking midfielder shoots narrowly wide.
Rubio is next to try his luck from 30 yards but his shot is just over.
In 36' Llorente goes for a 50/50 ball with Silva. His feet are highish but Silva bends down to attempt to head the ball. The referee says it's a foul and a second booking for Llorente and he's sent off.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 1 Valladolid 1; Reds: Malaga 0 Valladolid 1)
Malaga should have their best chance now. Valladolid are down to ten men with their main goal threat and top scorer has been sent off.
However, it's still Valladolid who maintain the pressure on Arnau's goal and in 40' Morales is booked for high feet.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 2 Valladolid 1; Reds: Malaga 0 Valladolid 1)
In 45' it's Malaga's first real attempt on goal. A run by Calleja down the left wing and his cross finds Salva in the box. The burly striker gets his head to it but sends his shot wide of the post.

Half time: Malaga 0 Valladolid 0

Alonso makes two substitutions at half time. Off come Hidalgo (who disappeared from sight after his booking in the 12th minute) and Jesule (who looks more comfortable as a centre back than a full back). Instead, Sandro takes Hidalgo's place in the centre of midfield with Perico moving onto the left wing, with Calleja dropping back into defence.
In 47' Jesus Gamez is booked for a tackle from behind after giving away the ball cheaply.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 3 Valladolid 1; Reds: Malaga 0 Valladolid 1).
It's still 10 man Valladolid who look likely to score first and Victor almost finishes off a good move with a glancing header.
In 51' Counago gets his head onto a cross from Perico, but the ball goes over the bar.
In 53' Sisi is replaced by giant Suarez for Valladolid.
In 56' OJ Morales receives his second yellow card for deliberate hand ball and he's off.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 3 Valladolid 1; Reds: Malaga 1 Valladolid 1)
So it's 10 against 10 and any advantage Malaga should have had is wiped out.
It's still all Valladolid and Suarez should have scored after good work from Capdevilla.
In 61' Rubio is booked for a foul on Perico.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 3 Valladolid 2; Reds: Malaga 1 Valladolid 1)
In 68' Salva goes down with Baraja in a tackle for which he's booked.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 4 Valladolid 2; Reds: Malaga 1 Valladolid 1).
He stupidly does not retreat quickly enough to allow the free kick to be taken and is yellow carded again and he's sent off.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 3 Valladolid 2; Reds: Malaga 2 Valladolid 1)
Valladolid make an immediate change and take off Capdevilla for Alvara.
Malaga replace the ineffective Saul with Molinero, who assumes the right back position, with Jesus Gamez pushed into an anchor-type midfield role.
In 71' Borja is booked for a foul on Perico.
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 3 Valladolid 3; Reds: Malaga 2 Valladolid 1)
In 74' Molinero is booked for a foul on Victor but he should have been sent off as he was "last man."
(Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 4 Valladolid 3; Reds: Malaga 1 Valladolid 1)
In 76' the inevitable happens: Valladolid score and it's substitute Alvaro who makes no mistake from 8 yards when Victor's pass finds him alone in the box with the Malaga defence static.
Malaga 0 Valladolid 1
The very next minute and it could have been two for the visitors. Rubio's lobbed effort from 30 yards lands in the top of the net's roofing.
In 78' Armando gets the closest to a goal yet for Malaga when he heads on another's header in a crowded box. Somehow Alberto gets a hand to it to make the save.
In 79' Rubio is replaced by Hernandez.
Malaga are all at sea for the remaining 10 minutes as Valladolid run amok but fail to score again despite intense pressure. The referee added to more names to his book before the final whistle, Victor for a foul on Armando and Suarez for timewasting.
Final Card Count: Yellows: Malaga 3 Valladolid 5; Reds: Malaga 2 Valladolid 1
Final Score: Malaga 0 Valladolid 1

The worst display by any Malaga side I have seen in the past four seasons and even worse that last week against Xerez. This result pushes Malaga into 14th position in the table only two points off the relegation places. A grave faced Club President Fernando Sanz left the ground at the end of the game and by the time we had got home from the match, we had learned that Alonso had been sacked. Anon, the assistant manager, has been put in charge of the first team pending the appointment of a successor.

Only 10 games into the season, but far from romping home every week against inferior opposition, Malaga find themselves too close to the relegation zone.

Alonso had to go: he showed no tactical ability, no awareness of his players' abilities, no motivation, no organisation and no discipline. In short, he was shite. His legacy is a squad shattered with no confidence and the worst disciplinary record in Spain (if not the world) and where so many of the bookings have been avoidable.

The next game is away to Lorca and is being televised live on national TV in Spain on Saturday 18:30h. Malaga may or may not have a new manager in place by then. We shall see. We shall require a massive improvement in all departments if Malaga is going to succeed in their aim to be promoted this season and a win is imperative on Saturday.

The next home game is on 12 November against newcomers Ponferradina. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 12:20 AM | Permalink

A Sunday noon kick off with rain, yes rain, threatened. We travelled the three hour journey for this "derby" match.
Malaga turned up in Jerez with Salva out through suspension. Xerez are running away with the league at the moment with five wins, 2 draws and only 1 defeat from their opening eight games. They also have only conceded 5 goals (cf Malaga's 10). So Marcus Alonso (whose coat must be on a shakey peg) picked a very defensive line-up (4-2-3-1):
Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Silva, Cesar Navas and Jesule; OJ Morales and Romero; Saul, Hidalgo and Calleja; Counago.

From the kick off Xerez showed why they are table toppers. They had two men pressing a Malaga player every time and when Xerez were in possession, a combination of good passing and movement meant that Malaga were on the back foot for the first half hour and were very lucky not have conceded. Then in 30' Saul dramatically crashed to the ground after jumping for a ball with Giejo (the ex-Malaga striker is top scorer in the league and up till now had been most likely to add to his tally). The referee showed no hesitation in giving the tall front man a straight red card.
This was surely a great opportunity for Malaga, now playing against 10 men. No, Xerez continued to press and look the most lively. Malaga only just managed to hold out until half time.
Half time 0-0
In the second half the game followed the same pattern and then in 70' Xerez scored with a headed goal from a corner. They should have gone two ahead later in the half but Jesule rescued them by clearng off the line with Arnau stranded.
Final score Xerez 1 Malaga 0
A fourth defeat in nine for Alonso - I told you his coat is on a shakey hook!

I have cut this report short because the "game" was marred by the unusual event of having five red cards shown, three for Xerez and two for Malaga (both substitutes, Ador and Sandro) in a very poor show of refereeing throughout. Malaga also picked up another 6 yellow cards, (I lost count of Xerez's yellows) so you will know that the game had far too many stoppages to be the footballing spectacle it could have been.
On Sunday, Malaga take on Vallolodid (Alonso's previous team - I hear they're still laughing) at home. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 5:43 PM | Permalink

Saturday 14 October 2006: 18:30h kick off and the sun has just set behind the new Tribuna stand giving some relief from the still hot 27C sun.
Malaga's opponents this week are Andalucian rivals Polideportivo Ejido from the Almeria province. The most interesting fact about this team is that they are managed by Antonio Tapia who was fired by Malaga last January after their poor first half of last season. Tapia was also previously manager of Malaga B before he took over the big team, so he knows the personnel at La Rosaleda inside out. His team this year however have had an indifferent start to the season, lying 15th out of 22 before the start of this game, with 3 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats in their first seven games.
Malaga, after their poor showing against Cuidad de Murcia last week are lying 6th and the home fans were looking for a drastic improvement and a home win to keep them in touch with the leaders. Some factions have been calling for Alonso's head already as he doesn't seem able to motivate his team, nor know his best eleven from a 28 strong squad. The defence has been giving away goals and his defensive 4-2-3-1 line-ups has not led to Malaga dominating games in a division in which they should be just too strong for the opposition.
So we were delighted with the announcement of the team, which lined up in a more attacking 4-4-2 formation with Counago up front alongside Salva.
Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Silva, Cesar Navas and Valcarce; Saul, Hidalgo, Romero and Calleja; Salva and Counago.
Poli Ejido: (4-2-3-1): Kike; Cristian, Tena, Robusta and Ramos; Sunny Sunday and Usero; Ortiz, Victor Sales and Vega; Toedtli.

Ejido kick off defending the Fondo end in their change strip of all fluorescent yellow, which reminded me of street cleaners. But it's all Malaga as they bear down on the Ejido goal from the outset. Hidalgo is having a good start to the game and is spraying passes all around the midfield. Indeed we only have to wait until the fourth minute for the first attempt at goal when Hidalgo finds 8'3" central defender Cesar in the opposition box and Kike has to make a save from the giant's header.
In 6' Calleja tries the audacious when he notices Kike at the edge of his 18 yard box. The winger fires a shot from half way but it's wide of the post.
In 13' Calleja crosses from the left to find Salva's head and Kike punches over as Malaga maintain the pressure. From the corner the ball comes out to Romero in midfield. The bandy legged Uruguayan defensive midfielder lets loose and his shot is blocked by an arm in the box. No penalty, says the ref.
Malaga have all the possession and Kike has to make another save this time from Coinage's header in 17'.
Then the first booking of the game in 18'. Calleja is booked for a stupid tackle from behind.
The following minute Saul's cross from the right produces a strong header from Salva which Kike can only scramble away. The ball lands at Saul's feet whose shot is beaten down off an arm in the box. Again penalty appeals come to nothing.
In 21' Ejido's combatitive midfielder Sunday is booked for persistent fouling.
In 31' Saul tries a Pele; you know, where he hits a ball right and tries to run left around the keeper and then back for the ball, but Kike just manages to get his fingertips to the ball to avert the danger.
In 32' it's Ejido's first foray into the Malaga half and it's former Malaga B captain, Usero, who finds himself one on one with Arnau. The Malaga keeper hesitates (as per usual) but Usero's shot hits the side net.
The next minute we're back in the Ejido goalmouth and Saul's shot is scrambled away by Kike, who is having a busy time and yet managing to keep his goal intact, one way or another.
In 41' Kike produces yet another fine save after some good short passing play between Counago and Calleja which allows Salva to fire in a shot at the near post. The big keeper gets down well.
In 43' Romero becomes the second Malaga booking of the game for not retreating quickly enough at a free kick. Then Ortiz is booked for a foul on Calleja.
Half time 0-0
Straight after the kick-off and Cesar becomes Malaga's third man in the book after going through from the back in a tackle on Toedtli.
In 53' Usero is booked for a foul on Counago.
In 55' Alonso makes a double substitution, bringing off Counago and Saul for Ernesto and Jonaton. Extremely left footed Ernesto goes wide right and Jonaton Valle finds a spot just off Salva up front.
In 56' Malaga have their best opportunity when Romero heads towards an open goal with Kike grounded after a powerful drive from Ernesto. Somehow a defender appears from the ether to head the ball off the line.
In 63' Salva is booked for the fifth time this season, this time for diving. It's Malaga's fourth of the game.
In 64' Ejido match Malaga on the bookings front when Toedtli is booked for dissent.
In 65' Malaga maintain their search for goal having had more than 90% of the play in Ejido's half. Jonaton, however, skies his effort when a shot on target would have been a certain goal.
Then disaster for Malaga in 69'. In Ejido's second attack of the match, the ball is adjudged by the referee to come off Silva's arm in the box. Penalty! Both Valcarce and Jonaton are booked for protesting. (Six bookings so far).
Against a cacophony of shrill whistles and jeers around the ground, TOEDTLI makes no mistake from the spot.
Malaga 0 Ejido 1
In 72' Valcarce is substituted for Sandro who slots into midfield. Calleja moves to left back, Ernesto moves across to left wing and Jonaton goes wide right in a number of tactical changes.
In 74' Sandro is booked for dissent. (Booking 7)
In 78' Tena is booked for a foul on Salva.
Malaga continue to attack, but the tempo has increased threefold.
In 79' Calleja takes a free kick on the right 30 yards out. He finds CESAR in the box and this time his header finds the back of the net.
Malaga 1 Ejido 1.
It's exciting stuff as Malaga pile on the pressure in the closing ten minutes, but Kike and his defence hold out for Malaga to drop another two points at home.
Final score: Malaga 1 Ejido1

Next week Malaga are away to Xerez, another Andalucian rival from Jerez. On this occasion Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be making the 3 hour journey to have a long weekend in the city renowned for it's sherry and brandy bodegas. The game is live on TV with a 12:00 noon Sunday kick-off scheduled. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 1:28 PM | Permalink

Cuidad de Murcia 2 Malaga 0
Just finished watching the game on television - it should have been at least 4-0 to Cuidad de Murcia.
The first goal was scored in 10' from 30 yards because the scorer was not closed down. Eventually Romero got to him but the ball was in the net before then.
The second goal in 33' was a typical winger's goal as "Malaga reject" Luque just ran in from the left past a static Silva and put it past Arnau.
We also had a couple of scares in the second half when Arnau ran out of his box to meet the Murcia striker and missed but the ball just went wide of the post. Should have been a goal.
The second incident was when Cesar Navas headed down towards Arnau and the striker nipped in between them (sound familiar?) but his shot also went wide.
Alonso put out a very defensive line-up 4-1-4-1 to start with: Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Silva, Cesar Navas and Valcarce; Romero; Saul, Sandro, Hidalgo and Calleja; Salva. However, even the addition of Perico, Counago and OJ Morales in the second half didn't change the course of the game which was punctuated with stoppages, free kicks and players receiving treatment.
The ref added 4' on at the end but the way Malaga were playing he could've added another 40' and they still wouldn't get a shot on goal.
Why did they lose? A very defensive line-up, no flair in midfield and not a shot on target. Oh dear! Things must change and no doubt they will at the next game next Saturday at home to fellow Andalucians, Ejido. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 6:59 PM | Permalink

Saturday 30th September 2006: 18:30h and 28C.
Malaga's start to the season could have been better with 3 wins and two defeats in their opening five matches. However, this is a big league with 22 teams, which stretches from September through to June and all of the teams have now suffered defeat. If Malaga hope to bounce back to La Liga in one go though, they will have to beat teams like Las Palmas at home. Las Palmas are newly promoted into the Segunda and have been struggling with their own start to the season, lying 21st after one win and a draw.
The all-yellow kitted team from the capital of Gran Canaria have an interesting history, as four seasons ago they were in La Liga and then suffered two successive relegations, then a promotion, so I suppose they are on an upward turn. Still, at this stage in both teams' development, on paper at least, Malaga should be too strong for Las Palmas.
Edgar, having been given some stick from the supporters and substituted at half time in both previous matches is dropped altogether this week. OJ Morales is also omitted, so there is a starting place for Saul and Sandro, who changed the game last week when they came on at half-time. Unfortunately Romero suffered an injury during the warm-up, requiring a very late change to Alonso's plans, so he drafted in Armando at centre back and pushed centre back Silva into midfield to play the holding role normally played by Romero. Jonaton Valle retains his place up front just behind Salva, despite an unconvincing display against Sporting last week. Otherwise the team is on familiar lines:
Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Cesar Navas and Valcarce; Sandro and Silva; Saul, Jonaton and Calleja; Salva.
Las Palmas: (4-4-2): Pindado; Garcia, Aythami, Victor and Juanma; Cobas, Nauzet, Txiki and Fredy; Darino and Marquez.

In a dull opening spell, the first point of any note happens in 12' when Silva is booked for deliberate obstruction at a Las Palmas free-kick. This is Malaga's 23rd card of the season (remember this is game 6!!) the worst disciplinary record in Spain.
In 15', although Malaga have enjoyed the bulk of possession and had a few shots at goal, the best move so far happens when Malaga's best two players, Sandro and Calleja, combine down the left wing. Their neat interpassing ends with a drive from Calleja which disappointingly goes just wide.
In 16' Juanma is booked for a foul on Saul. The young winger has been giving the full back a torrid time and the referee loses his patience. From the free kick, Calleja finds Armando in the box. The centre half brings out a dive from keeper Pindado who saves on the line.
In 20' the game is turned upside down. It's been all Malaga so far, then Pindado makes a long clearance from his goalmouth. The ball lands at Cesar Navas' feet. The giant centre back (as he seems to do every week) tries to clear but only succeeds in passing the ball straight to TXIKI who makes no mistake from 18 yards. Another defensive error which is a setback for Malaga's ambitions.
Malaga 0 Las Palmas 1
In 22' there is an off the ball incident involving Salva and Darino on the half way line. The referee books them both. Card tally so far in the game: Malaga 2 Las Palmas 2. Malaga tally for season so far: 24.
The goal seems to breathe confidence in Las Palmas who suddenly become an attacking force as they look for a second goal to kill off the game. First Marquez tries a shot from 25 yards in 24' which is luckily straight at Arnau. Then Cesar Navas misskicks again allowing Nauzet a chance in 26' which goes narrowly past. In a panic in 29' Arnau tries to punch away a cross ball which lands at "Chicken" Txiki's feet. The goalscorer tries a lob but Arnau manages to scramble back in time. In 31' it's Txiki again, but this time Arnau gathers easily.
In 32' Nauzet, who seems to have the beating of Valcarce, is bodychecked by the full back. Although we are only half an hour into the game, Nauzet seems to take an awful long time to take the free kick and eventually the referee shows him the yellow card for timewasting. (Malaga 2 Las Palmas 3)
In 34' Nauzet brings down Jonaton from behind on the half-way line. He should be booked for this but this would mean a second yellow and therefore a red. So somehow the referee only awards a freekick.
Malaga try to reimpose themselves on the game and have a number of weak efforts on goal which are all easily mopped up.
Then in 40', it's Sandro and Calleja again with neat interpassing down the left wing. This time CALLEJA spots Pindado just off his line and whilst running into the penalty box, lifts the ball over the keeper's head and into the net. Superb goal!!
Half-time: Malaga 1 Las Palmas 1
Las Palmas seem to come out after half-time just keen to play out time and take the draw. So we are treated to every Las Palmas player anywhere near the ball going down and requiring treatment. The crowd are incensed at this and whistle and scream every time one of the yellow ones goes down.
In 61' Jesus Gamez shows his frustration with these tactics with a high tackle which earns him a booking. (Game: Malaga 3 Las Palmas 3. League: Malaga 25)
The following minute Txiki goes down with nobody near him, much to the loud annoyance of the crowd. This time it is serious though and the midfielder is stretchered off and replaced by Glez.
In 66' Cesar Navas's poor season continues when he is booked for bad tackle on Marquez. (Game: Malaga 4, Las Palmas 3. League: Malaga 26)
In 67' the disappointing and ineffective Jonaton is replaced by Counago.
In 71' Calleja finds Salva alone in the box but the burly striker cannot direct his header.
In 76' Hidalgo appears on the touchline and the board goes up for number 9, Salva, to come off. Before the referee allows this though, Saul breaks down the right wing and wins a corner. Saul takes it quickly and Counago's goalbound header is tipped over by Pindado in a fine save. The touchline board again goes up to make the Malaga substitution. Again, the referee ignores it. Saul takes the corner and this time finds SALVA, whose powerful header gives Pindado no chance.
Malaga 2 Las Palmas 1
Now the substitution can be made and Salva goes off to a loud ovation.
In 80' Las Palmas make a double substitution. Darino and Victor are replaced by Garro and Maric.
In 82' Counago is booked for dissent. (Malaga 5 Las Palmas 3: Malaga 27)
With the substitutions Las Palmas have changed gears and timewasting is out of the question as they now try to reclaim a draw which they barely deserve.
Malaga seal the game however in 84'. Long throw expert Jesus Gamez hurls the ball in from near the corner flag. It finds Sandro and the clever little playmaker slips it quickly to COUNAGO who in turn quickly lobs Pindado as the keeper comes out to him.
Full-time: Malaga 3 Las Palmas 1

A convincing result, but a far from convincing performance. However, this result pushes Malaga into third spot and in a promotion place. (Remember the top three go up - there are no play-offs in Spain at this level). Marcus Alonso still has not won over the fans, but as long as the team keeps winning there will be fewer complaints.
Next week, Malaga play away to Cuidad de Murcia, who will be looking for revenge after their recent Copa del Rey defeat at Malaga's hands. The next home game is the following weekend against Ejido, fellow Andalucians from the Almeria province. Never fear, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 9:47 AM | Permalink

Malaga made the long trip north to the Asturias to play Sporting in Gijon, a seaside resort on the Bay of Biscay coast.
Alonso made two changes from the team who lost to Numancia last week, with the return of captain Valcarce at left back, after injury, and Jonaton Valle was preferred to Counago, as Alonso opted for a 4-4-2 formation.
Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar Navas, Silva and Valcarce; Edgar, OJ Morales, Romero and Calleja; Salva and Jonaton.
Malaga's team selection was very defensive with two defensive midfielders, the Uruguayans Morales and Romero sitting in front of the back four. So it was not surprising that there were few opportunities in the first half. Malaga went behind in 19' after another defensive error, this time from Jesus Gamez, who attempted a suicidal pass back to Arnau inside a crowded penalty box. Congo stepped in to intercept and slot the ball past Arnau. Jonaton had two clear cut chances to score in a dull first half, both times when one on one with the goalkeeper and both times he hit the ball tamely straight at the prostrate keeper when a little chip into the empty goal would have produced a score.
Half time Sporting 1 Malaga 0
Alonso made two changes at half time with the ineffective Edgar replaced by Saul and attacking midfielder Sandro on for OJ Morales. Sandro's introduction in particular changed the course of the game and it was a fine through ball from him in 53' in the centre circle that found SALVA in the penalty box. The big striker did well to squeeze the ball past his marker and the unsighted goalkeeper to equalise.
In 62' Sandro tried to shoot from 30 yards after a Calleja corner, but he only succeeded in slicing the ball into the air. The centre back SILVA, who was standing outside the box facing Sandro, managed an athletic back header which looped into the air and over the goalkeeper for Malaga's second. A spectacular goal!
Malaga finished Sporting off in 80' when CALLEJA picked up a rebound from a blocked Salva shot and drove the ball into the net from a tight angle from the left wing.
Full Time Sporting 1 Malaga 3
In the end a good result for Malaga and with most of the other teams drawing in the Second Division on Sunday, they are catapulted from 12th to 4th position, just outside the three automatic promotion places.
Next week they get a chance to do even better when they face bottom club, Las Palmas from Gran Canaria, at La Rosaleda. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:50 AM | Permalink

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

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 7:37 AM | Permalink

It's the first home game of the new season and (we'll be saying this many times this year) Malaga are up against promotion rivals, on this occasion, Alaves from the Basque Country, who were also relegated from La Liga last year.
An 8 o'clock kick-off, 28C temperature and 15,000 inside La Rosaleda, and the featured live match on Canal+, the Spanish subscription satellite channel; the ground was buzzing with excitement as the new board, new management team, "new" 33,000 FIFA standard stadium and the team make their first official home debut since Lorenzo Sanz bought the club in July.
Ten players have gone and ten new players signed in a fascinating six week period in the club's history and many predicted that all of the new team(s) at Malaga would need some time to gel. However in the cut-throat business that is football, there is no time for such niceties and new manager Marcus Alonso knows that he has to try and win every game from Jornada 1 until Jornada 42 on 17 June 2007. Malaga's aim is promotion and Alonso must produce or he's out.
After last week's solid opener against Hercules in Alicante, it was no surprise that Alonso opted for the same starting eleven, as he awaits the new signings to gain fitness and knowledge of their new team-mates.

Malaga (4-2-3-1): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar Navas, Silva and Jose Mari; Romero and OJ Morales; Edgar, Counago and Calleja; Salva.

Alaves (4-2-3-1): Bonano; Edu Alonso, Cesar, Mateo and Branden; Astudillo and Carpintero; Wesley, Navarro and Del Moral; Aliosi.

The first action of any note is a booking after 10' for Carpintero for a foul on Counago, as both sides take time to settle.
Next in the book after 17' is Calleja for dissent after claiming that he was fouled and that the offender should be carded. Outcome? No foul given and Calleja booked!
In 19' the first attack from Alaves produces an effort from Aliosi whose free header goes well wide.
It's 21' before any shot of note from the home side. First Jesus Gamez tries a long throw in from the right touchline. The ball emerges from the crowded box to Jose Mari, standing 40 yards out. The young left back hammers a volley low and wide of the post.
In 26' Counago picks up a loose ball in the centre circle and goes on a run into the Alaves half. As he reaches the penalty box he produces a shot which Bonano did well to turn round for a corner.
In 28' Edgar beats three men on a run down the right but his cross goes out for a goal kick.
In 30' Calleja has a chance after Counago is fouled just outside the box. Romero takes it short to Calleja who drives it low and wide.
The best chance of the game so far falls to Alaves's left back Branden in 35' who tries a shot from fully 45 yards which catches the Malaga defence static, standing watching. Branden intercepts a pass as Malaga try to play their way out of their half and unleashes a powerful drive which comes off the far post with Arnau rooted to the spot. This is a reminder to Malaga that they will need to keep their shape and that there are going to be no easy games in this division.
Malaga's best effort follows two minutes later. Edgar is fouled on the halfway line. Spanish U-21 international Jesus Gamez takes the kick and sends it deep into the penalty box. Salva times his jump perfectly but he heads the ball just over.
Another concern for Malaga in 40' when Aliosi beats the offside trap on the halfway line to run into an empty Malaga half with only Arnau in front of him. The striker advances towards goal with the Malaga defenders claiming offside in vain and having to chase the dangerous forward. Fortunately, Aliosi's shot goes well wide of the far post.
Alaves are having more of the game at this point and Navarro forces Arnau to make his first save of the game after 42'.
The following minute, Romero shows his frustration with a studs-up tackle in midfield and becomes Malaga's third booking of the game.
On 45' Branden is booked for barging Edgar off the ball.

Half-time: Malaga 0 Alaves 0

Malaga produce the first chance of the half in 47' when Edgar from the centre circle dinks a nice little ball in the air for OJ Morales, who has momentarily abandoned his more usual defensive position and runs into the box. His header though is straight at Bonano.
In 51' Salva is brought down in the box as he rises to meet a cross from Edgar. The referee is standing close by and says, "Nada. No penalty".
In 53' Calleja uses a little bit of clever footwork down the left wing to create some space for a cross into the box. SALVA times his run to the far post and his jump perfectly to beat Carpintero to the ball. He heads it down powerfully and although it took a slight deflection it beats Bonano easily and goes into the net at the near post. GOAL!!
Malaga 1 Alaves 0
Salva has taken a head knock in scoring and has to go off for treatment for a few minutes.
In 60' Edgar receives an ovation for his efforts when he is substituted by young winger Saul. Romero takes over the captain's armband.
In 63' Wesley is replaced by De Lucas for Alaves.
In 70' Gentil comes on for Del Moral as Alaves change their attacking personnel to get back into the game.
In 72' Counago gets an ovation as he is substituted. However there is a greater roar from the crowd for Sandro who comes on for him. Sandro is making his home debut on his return to the club in which he was an integral part of the most successful period in Malaga's history when they reached the later stages of the UEFA Cup in 2002.
Sandro is a "ma ba'" sort of player, always demanding the ball in midfield and looking to make the creative pass. In 78' he takes a free kick short to Jesus Gamez who in turn sends a delightful pass for Saul to run onto to down the right wing. The youngster jinks past two defenders before sending in an excellent cross into the box from the by-line. Salva again times his run and jump perfectly but this time he is up against two defenders and the ball slips just past for a corner.
In 79' and for the second game in a row, Saul is booked, although it was not clear why. The fourth booking of the game for Malaga.
In 85' goalscorer Salva is replaced by 8'9" giant Uruguayan international, Chengue Morales.
In 87' Sandro and Chengue combine well with neat interpassing finishing with a cheeky chip from Sandro which saw Chengue's header fly just wide of the far post.
In 89' it's the Sandro and Chengue combination again. This time it falls to Chengue to provide the final pass but it's intercepted by a defender.
In the final minute Sandro sends a ball into the right hand channel for Saul to chase but Bonano races from his line to beat him to the ball at the edge of his box.
Full-time Malaga 1 Alaves 0

An encouraging performance from Malaga with plenty of skill and movement and chances created. There are still some good players in the squad as yet unseen so we can look forward to some good football in the weeks to come. More importantly, that's two wins out of two against potentially tricky opposition with no goals conceded.
Next week, Malaga travel to Albacete (relegated two seasons ago and, yes, promotion contenders for this season) another tough match.
The following week, Malaga are back at home to Numancia (another promotion rival and like Albacete, relegated only two seasons ago). Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!




Try these links:

http://www.canalsur.es/Informativos/Multimedia/2006/09.Septiembre/03/malaga.rm

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 7:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Last Sunday saw the season kick off for Malaga in La Segunda against Hercules (from Alicante) and one of several teams who fancy their chances for promotion this season.
In a tough match, Malaga ran out 1-0 winners after a headed goal from Counago in 61' after some dazzling wing play from one of several new signings, Calleja.
The only blot on this good victory away from home in a difficult fixture was that Malaga finished the game with 9 (that's nine!) yellow cards. The team will have to show a little bit more discipline in a league with 22 teams if they are going to last the course and regain the La Liga spot they deserve.

Bookings:

Cesar Navas: 31'
Edgar: 42'
Calleja: 47'
Salva: 54'
Silva: 58'
Jose Mari: 75'
Romero: 77'
Saul: 80'
OJ Morales: 90'

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 7:29 AM | 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