Match Reports

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

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

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