Match Reports

Well, at last, the first home game of the season. It's been some time since the last home match (22 May 2005) so the anticipation for this first home match of the season was high. Players have come and gone and new players have been signed, giving us our first opportunity to see them "in the flesh".
The latest arrival is Brazilian central midfielder, Anderson, on loan from Everton via Real Sociedad, until January and signed just 10 days ago. His signing is as a stopgap until another Brazilian, Bovio, arrives at the end of the Brazilian season in December. However, there is an option to sign Anderson on a proper contract if he impresses sufficiently.
Tapia's line-up was eagerly anticipated after the match against Newcastle last week and surprisingly he opted for a 4-4-2 formation as he is without the injured Romero and Hildago and with Juanito and Michel Angel transferred and Anderson so recently arrived, he had limited options to fill his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. So it was Alexis (promoted from Malaga B) at right back, in central midfield, Gerardo (who played all last season as right back) and Nacho (new signing in close season, a left winger, brought in to provide cover for Duda) and up front, new signings, Uruguayan, Chengue Morales, and the return of old favourite, Salva, released from his contract with Valencia to allow him to join Malaga.
Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Alexis, Cesar Navas, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Juan Rodriguez, Gerardo, Nacho and Duda; Morales and Salva.
Espanyol, who were in the top six in La Liga all season last year, also lost their first game of the season, so both teams were looking for the first win. The "other" team from Barcelona, who play at the Olympic Stadium there, played with Lopo as a sweeper in front of eccentric but brilliant Cameroon goalkeeper, Kameni, and with Spain international, Tamudo, who scored in the midweek World Cup qualifier against Serbia and Montenegro as the loan striker in a 1-3-5-1 formation.
Espanyol (1-3-5-1): Kameni; Lopo; Se, Pochettino and David Garcia; Domi, Fredson, Costa, Luis Garcia and Juanfran; Tamudo.

The game, played in front of a full house, starts tentatively, with both sides finding their way and Malaga in particular, getting used to a new formation and a sprinkling of new players in the team.
It's 12 mins before there is any goalmouth action, when a Duda cross from the left sought out the 8'6" striker Morales, whose header produced a fine save from Kameni onto the bar and over.
Malaga are in control and it's another chance provided by Duda on the left in 16' who hits a firm cross along the six yard line, but which eludes both Salva and Morales.
The first time Arnau is brought into play is in 18'. His punch out from a cross from Domi finds Duda who slips it to Nacho on the halfway line. The diminutive winger breaks down the left wing and sends in a wonderful cross but Morales, who is winning everything in the air, heads over.
In 25 minutes Arnau has to make a fine point blank save from Tamudo, but the wee striker was offside anyway.
Two minutes later the ball falls to Juan Rodriguez on the right after neat interchanges down the left between Duda and Gerardo, but the big striker has his powerful drive blocked by the Espanyol defence who are defending in numbers.
Domi is the most dangerous of the Espanyol players with his strong runs down the left wing and Alexis has to keep his wits about him.
In 33' Gerardo was the first to be booked for a tackle from behind at halfway.
Espanyol's best effort so far comes in 38' when Brazilian midfielder, Fredson, finds himself with the ball and in the clear 40 yards out, but his shot is sent high into the upper stands.
The next minute, Malaga have their clearest chance to date. Morales wins the ball in midfield and has only the goalkeeper between him and a debut goal. Duda runs wide in support and instead of electing to shoot, the huge Uruguayan passes to the little Portuguese winger, who, as par for the course, fluffs his shot.
Then out of the blue in 42' Juanfran, who has been invisible so far, ghosts in from the right wing past startled defenders Fernando Sanz and Cesar who seem to stand and watch and he delivered a low shot past an equally static Arnau to make it 0-1. Quite out of the blue and against the run of play!
Half time Malaga 0 Espanyol 1
The second half saw Malaga resume playing towards the Fondo end (where we sit) and unsurprisingly went all out to get back into the game. Straight from the kick off Nacho found space to try a snap shot, but Kameni made a fine save to stop the shot.
In 48' Duda wins a free kick 25 yards out but his shot rebounds off the defensive wall to safety.
In 51' Duda wins another free kick in the same place. This time his shot goes wide.
In 53' Juan Rodriguez is brought down in the same spot again by Lopo, who is booked. Duda takes the kick and this time finds the target, but Kameni makes an excellent save.
In 62' Malaga are encamped in the Espanyol half and Gerardo shoots on the half volley from 20 yards, but his powerful drive rebounds off the crossbar. The ball bounces back up to the halfway line and is picked up by the Espanyol striker Tamudo who lays it on for Luis Garcia to score past the undefended Arnau.
Malaga 0 Espanyol 2
In 63' Salva and Alexis are replaced by Anderson and Edgar, which required a big reshuffle in the team. Gerardo moves to right back, Edgar goes to right wing and Juan Rodriguez moves up to partner Morales.
In 68' Juanfran is replaced by Colunas.
In 72' Valcarce is replaced by Counago, who forms a three prong attack, with Nacho falling back to left back.
The game though lacks punch and Espanyol are just playing out time with Malaga seemingly giving up.
In 86' Morales handles in the box but the referee points to the spot and it's a penalty for Malaga! There is a gathering of Espanyol players around the referee in protest, but it's GERARDO who takes the kick and places it well out of Kameni's reach.
Malaga 1 Espanyol 2
From the kick off substitute Colunas goes for a run down the right wing. As he goes into the box, Nacho comes across to make a tackle, but before he gets near, Colunas falls down and the referee awards a ...... penalty for Espanyol!
More protests, this time by Malaga, but Tamudo steps up and Arnau saves! But wait, the linesman's flag is up, so the referee trots across to his assistant and awards a .....goalkick.
The game speeds up and the last two minutes are very exciting but it's all too late and Espanyol pick up the three points.
Full time Malaga 1 Espanyol 2

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 2:28 PM | Permalink

Whew it's hot today! 27C and bright sunshine at the 17:00h Sunday kick-off time - still our seats this season are not directly in the sun, but it is still shirt-sleeve weather. 20th February? Fantastico! No Geoff for the second home game running so Helen is sitting beside me at today's game.

Malaga under Tapia has recorded three wins, one defeat and one draw and have conceded only one goal. However, at the start of today's fixtures, they sit just one place ahead of the bottom three relegation places, despite their magnificent 1-0 away victory last week at Numancia (Juan Rodriguez). So another home win is imperative. For the first time this season (probably), Tapia has a full squad to pick from, free of suspensions, injuries and international call-ups. So when the teams are announced, the big surprise is that there is no place in the team nor on the bench for Wanchope, who sits in the stand, contemplating. In fact, Tapia picks what has become his first choice eleven, in a 4-2-3-1 formation, using both Romero and Juanito as joint anchors in front of defence.
Team: Arnau, Gerardo, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce, Juanito and Romero, Juan Rodriguez, Michel Angel and Duda, Baiano.

Espanyol (Barcelona's "other" team, who play at the Olympic Stadium) have been the surprise team of the season, sustaining a top six (European) slot all season on merit. Their manager, Lotina, has to do without de la Pena (who got his first cap for Spain in the recent thrashing of San Marino), Velamazan, Pochettino and Posse, all injured. However, he still has a strong squad with Cameroon goalkeeper Kameni, midfield supremos Alex and Fredson and goalgrabbers Maxi, Dani and Tamudo available.
Team: (4-4-2): Kameni, Jarque, Lopo, Soldevilla and David Garcia, Alex, Ito, Fredson and Maxi, Serrano and Tamudo.

Malaga win the toss and elect to kick towards the Fondo end (that's our end, for those of you who have visited La Roseleda) in the first half. But it's Espanyol who take the eye with solid passing and keeping possession. They look well organised and at first glance we can see why they currently enjoy sixth place in the league. However, in the eighth minute it's Malaga who take the lead. Duda sends a long ball into the box where Malaga have three waiting. It passes Baiano and Miguel Angel but not JUAN RODRIGUEZ who slots home from 8 yards.
Malaga 1 Espanyol 0.
It is all Malaga now and Alex is booked for a two footed foul on Duda in the 9th minute.
In 13' there is good passing down the right wing between Miguel Angel and Juan Rodriguez and finally Gerardo, but the full-back's cross into the box is too long and the danger is cleared.
The next minute and Miguel Angel finds Baiano out wide on the left touchline. The Brazilian turns sweetly and threads a pass through four defenders' legs to Romero, who in turn slips it into the path of Juan Rodriguez. The Malaga starlet takes the ball around a defender before hammering in a shot that Kameni is pleased to see bounce off his legs to safety.
In 15' Malaga keep up the pressure as Romero enters nosebleed territory (for him) with a powerful shot that Kameni does well to stop.
In 16' Duda swings in a cross from the left. Baiano is surrounded by three defenders but manages to head the ball down to MIGUEL ANGEL, who takes it on his right foot, swivels past a defender and onto his left foot and slots home from 12 yards.
Malaga 2 Espanyol 0.
Espanyol may be stunned but it's still Malaga on the hunt for more goals. In 19' Romero sends a delightful pass into the path of Baiano, whose run is timed to perfection, but Kameni and Lopo combine to stifle the threat.
Arnau's first save comes after 20 minutes, but it's easy as Maxi shoots straight into his arms from 25 yards.
In 25' the busy Miguel Angel picks up a pass from Juanito, who is a terrier in the tackle and his closing down wins a large percentage of the ball in midfield. Miguel Angel finds Baiano in the box, but as usual the lone front man is surrounded by defenders. Non-plussed, he holds onto the ball until he gets support, this time from Duda, but the little winger is offside.
The next minute and it's Espanyol getting a little bit back into the game. Midfield general, Fredson, who has been impressive with his use of the ball, this time is on the end of a cross and his header goes narrowly past and reminds us all that this game is not over.
In 28' Alex, who is clearly the dead ball expert for Espanyol taking all their free kicks and corners, has an opportunity from 30 yards after Duda brings down Serrano. It's a powerful effort but it goes wide.
Then in 33' there is a big stooshie in midfield. Miguel Angel is standing on the centre line when he receives a short pass from Juanito. In rushes Alex from behind bringing Miguel Angel crashing to the ground. It is a hideous foul and the referee is immediately surrounded by players from both sides, while Miguel Angel writhes about on the ground. At first I'm not sure what all the fuss is about, but then it becomes clear. Remember the ninth minute? Alex has already been booked! And yes, the referee produces a second yellow card and then a red one and Alex is sent off. So Espanyol are 2-0 down and now down to 10 men. The Malaga fans are delirious! We've won the game, the league, the cup, the UEFA Cup and the World Cup. You little beauty!
In 35' Malaga almost increase their lead. Whilst Espanyol are still reorganising after Alex's dismissal, Valcarce finds himself alone in the inside left slot so elects to fire in a powerful shot at goal that only just goes over with Kameni stranded.
But Espanyol are not sixth for nothing. In Tamudo, they have a tricky little striker who can produce danger from nothing and is always on the prowl. In 39' he hits a really powerful shot straight into Fernando Sanz - it's a great block but poor Fernando is pole-axed and requires treatment before he can continue.
In 41' there's a scare for Malaga as the ball breaks off Juan Rodriguez after a corner kick and Arnau has to be lively to stop the ball going in at the near post.
Then Malaga regain their attacking boots and Romero finds Baiano in the box. Similar story, surrounded by defenders, holding on to the ball, looking for support. Again it's Duda and again the winger cannot manage a shot as he is dispossessed before he pulls the trigger.
We're ready for half time and waiting for the whistle. Espanyol are not. We are into injury time and Arnau has to make two fantastic saves, one after the other, first from a snap shot from 20 yards from Maxi which he dives across goal to parry away, then secondly to Tamudo's shot after the little striker latches onto the rebound. Arnau has to get up smartly off the ground and is able to turn to shot around the post for a corner. Arnau is congratulated by his team mates and also receives loud applause and cheers from the crowd. (The double save is featured heavily later on Spanish TV as one of the highlights of the weekend).

Half time: Malaga 2 Espanyol 0

In 48' Miguel Angel receives the ball from Romero on the centre line and starts on a run. He finds he is alone so keeps running until he reaches the by-line where Jarque, who has had to run back 40 yards, sticks out a foot and the ball goes out for a corner. Duda's kick is headed clear.
Espanyol are pushing right up to the centre line and Kameni has to deal with a "pass back" from the centre circle which is bouncing 10 feet in the air! He can't handle or it's a foul and the ball is being chased by Baiano. What to do? He heads the ball vertically in the air and out of Baiano's reach, then kicks the ball back upfield before it touches the ground. Pure theatre!
In 55' Malaga go looking to extend their lead. Juan Rodriguez wins a corner on the right. Duda takes it short with Gerardo. He receives the return pass and then drives at goal. Kameni has to dive full length across his goal to stop the shot but it comes out to JUANITO five yards out and he taps into the empty net for his first goal of the season.
Malaga 3 Espanyol 0
In 60' Tote comes on for Duda. Although he hasn't shown much to date, Tote is already the crowd's favourite and receives a great cheer on his introduction to the play. Tote goes up front alongside Baiano and Miguel Angel moves out wide left.
Romero seeks out Miguel Angel in his new position and from an impossibly acute angle, the number 21 fires in a shot which Kameni has to touch onto and over the bar.
Malaga are cruising now and play becomes bogged down in midfield with a series of possession keeping passes, greeted with "Ole, Ole" at each pass. The crowd become bored and start chanting matches between each end of the ground, shouting "oh-a-oh-a, oh-a-ai" and finally, Mexican waves.
In 71' the tiring Baiano is replaced by Michel, who takes over the left wing berth and Miguel Angel returns to his more normal position in the middle of the field.
The next minute and the crowd is silenced when Serrano makes a run down the left wing and sends in a powerful cross across the goal. Cesar misses it altogether and Fernando Sanz has to slide across the goalmouth in an attempt to clear. However, DANI, who has come on Fredson, is there and he fires home from 12 yards with Arnau mesmerised.
Malaga 3 Espanyol 1
If Malaga are affected by this reverse it does not show and the players look to be playing out time (What? with 20 minutes to go? Suicide!)
Lopo is booked for a two footed challenge on Juanito in 79' as frustration at the events unfolding begin to show.
Then in 85' it happens. Serrano, who is finding lots of space down the left, hares down the wing with the Malaga defence caught upfield. They are on the run trying to catch up and Serrano spots Tamudo making a strong run into the box. Serrano's powerful cross eludes Cesar and FERNANDO SANZ, rushing to get between the ball and Tamudo, makes a strong connection and has to watch agonisingly as it goes in the wrong side of the near post for an own goal.
Malaga 3 Espanyol 2
Well, 10 men Espanyol have a second lease of life and seem to have boundless energy and determination. Malaga are now on the back foot and it's a nail-biting climax to an excellent evening's entertainment.
In 88' Gerardo is booked for bringing down Tamudo on the edge of the box. For a moment the crowd holds its collective breath, but the referee says it's outside the box and not a penalty. Maxi hits the free kick with all his might and the ball comes off Miguel Angel's head for a corner. But Miguel Angel doesn't know this as he is knocked out. There are some anxious moments as the medics attend to him and he is eventually carried off on a stretcher, where he continues to receive attention behind the goal. Edgar comes on as substitute.
There is no respite for Malaga as Espanyol bring on another striker, Jonathan, and the remaining minutes are spent in the Malaga goalmouth with last ditch clearances the order of the moment. The only cheer for Malaga fans is when Miguel Angel shakily gets onto his feet and has to be led to the dressing rooms.
Finally the referee blows for full time and nail-biting can stop.
Full time Malaga 3 Espanyol 2

Brilliant spectacle, great result and Malaga jump three places to 14th after this result and six points clear of the third relegation team in 18th place, Racing Santander (who had a brilliant 1-0 home victory themselves today over last season's champions, fifth placed Valencia.) There are no easy games for any team, which makes the league very compelling. Next week, another interesting match with Malaga making the trip up north to Osasuna, who drew 0-0 today away to Getafe in Madrid and sit in 11th place in the table.
The next home game is on Wednesday 2 March against Athletic Bilbao, who ended new manager Luxemburgo's dream of eight straight wins today by beating Real Madrid 0-2 at the Bernabeu. No matter who they are, they will get a game at La Roseleda. As always, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by hodgers at 12:31 AM | Permalink