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

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

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

February 29, 2004 @ 17:00h - yes it's another Sunday night match at La Roseleda. The temperature is 18C, it's sunny and in our seats we catch the sun and need both caps and sunglasses to watch the action. The pitch is immaculate, flat like a billiard table and the ground is again at capacity for the visit of Racing. They have made the long trip from the north coast - Santander is the ferry port where you arrive from Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries. They arrive in Malaga sharing 11th place on 32 points from 25 games, so a close game was always in prospect. Like Malaga, Racing have no superstars in their line-up but they are known as a hard working side, play a strict 4-4-2 set up and will be no pushovers.
Ruande again makes some changes to his line-up, enforced by suspensions and injuries. The team that lined up was (4-4-1-1) Arnau, Josemi, Litos, Juanito, Valcarce, Gerardo, Leko, Miguel Angel, Duda, Edgar and Salva. So Litos returns in place of suspended captain Fernando Sanz, Croatian Leko keeps his place in midfield with continuing absence of Romero and my favourite winger, Gerardo, makes a rare start wide on the right. So with Duda wide on the left, the Malaga set up was along the usual lines. There was no place for Luque or Diego Alonso, despite their heroics in the last few games against Celta Vigo and Real Madrid.
Malaga win the toss and elect to kick towards the goal in front of us, as the sun shines directly into the faces of the opposing defenders and goalkeeper. However, as the minutes pass by, it's clear that Racing are devoid of any other tactic than a packed defence then route one long ball attack. There are a lot of petty fouls and the game is constantly being held up by the referee for more and more free kicks. In fact 30 minutes go by and neither goalkeeper has had to make a save.
The game is bogged down in a packed midfield and neither team has much clue about how to make a difference. For Malaga, Salva, who started the season akin to a carthorse on acid, was showing a good appetite and his first touch was good but he had no support to lay off to when winning the ball time and time again in his battles with the two Racing centrebacks.
Then after 38 minutes, suddenly, out of nowhere, Leko picks up a loose ball in the centre circle and releases Gerardo on the right. He races to the byline and sends in a low cross to the advancing SALVA, who coolly brought the ball under control, took it away from the centre back and slotted it home for his 15th goal of the season.
Halftime Malaga 1 Racing 0
Malaga started the second period brightly but the fussy referee soon ensured that the pattern of the first half soon became established in the second too. Arnau still had to make a save of any consequence and we had to wait until the 57th minute before Malaga had a shot on target. Leko fired in a ferocious shot from the edge of a crowded penalty area. The shot took a massive deflection but the keeper did well to get across his box to make a diving save.
In 68 minutes, Duda was substituted for Luque. Luque has pace, is keen to shoot on sight, but is a very left footed left winger. True enough in 75 minutes, from the left wing, Luque's right foot shot again required a diving save from the Racing keeper, as Malaga tried to make the game safe.
This seemed to waken up Racing that perhaps Malaga weren't going to score another and that they were still in this game. So they changed their tactics, went three at the back and put five up front.
The tactic however allowed Malaga to have more scoring attempts on the break and first Edgar went close with a flying header and then Luque has a strong shot which went straight to the keeper. With three minutes remaining Salva was taken off to rapturous applause and Diego Alonso came on. Then Edgar was replaced by Canabal, as Ruande's response to Racing's tactics was to put on fresh strikers. It almost paid off as after typical harrying and closing down won the ball for Diego Alonso, the Argentine passed to Gerardo who was standing unmarked just outside the box. Noticing that the Racing keeper was on his six yard line, he tried a spectacular lob which cannoned back off the crossbar and fell to Luque's......right foot... and he tamely shot straight into the keeper's arms.
Final Score 1-0.
Still, that's now three wins in a row for Malaga, after their dreadful start to the year. They remain in their midtable position, but if results go their way over the coming weeks, they could soon be challenging for a European spot in the top six at the end of the season. Next week they travel to Zaragoza, who are struggling this season, languishing just above the three relegation spots. Another tough game in prospect then, but also another opportunity for "Our Boys" to advance further up the table.

Posted by hodgers at 1:00 AM | Permalink