Match Reports

In the first local derby of the season, Betis, from Sevilla, were the visitors to La Roseleda on Sunday. Another capacity crowd turned up to see if Malaga could come out of a patch of poor form and record their first win at home this season.
Last week, after a break the previous week for World Cup qualifiers, Malaga were away to Valencia. The history books showed that Malaga hadn't won in that fixture for 50 years. In that game, similar to other away matches, Malaga adopted a 4-4-2 system with two strikers, Salva and Morales, up front. However, it wasn't until they were 2-0 down and with fifteen minutes to play that Malaga came to life. They made three substitutions at 75 mins, among them Counago for Morales as a straight change, and right away scored through Salva to make it 2-1 and had Valencia dying for the final whistle, which eventually came with no further scoring.
So it was perhaps no surprise when Malaga's line-up was announced: 4-4-2 with the impressive Counago retaining his place:

Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Alexis, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Edgar, Juan Rodriguez, Gerardo and Nacho; Salva and Counago.

Betis on the other hand were just back from London and Champion's League duty having lost to Chelsea 4-0 in midweek and also the services of former Malaga favourite, Michel Angel, who broke his leg in that game and will be out for six months. Amongst their impressive squad is the young Spanish international right winger Joaquin, the subject of a bid of 10 million euros plus Cisse from Liverpool. Also in the team is Edu, signed from Arsenal in the close season. Betis also had history on their side having won in the corresponding fixture at La Roseleda for the past three seasons.

Betis (4-2-3-1): Doblas; Melli, Juanito, Rivas and Castellini; Assuncao and Arzu; Joaquin, Edu and Xisco; Oliveira.

It was a 17:00h kick off, with no wind and still bright sunshine with the temperatures around 28C on what had been a beautiful day on the Costa del Sol.
Malaga kicked off towards the Gol end (the other end from where we sit) and in the first minute some fancy footwork from Counago in the box allowed him to draw the ball back for the unmarked Valcarce, but the fullback's shot sailed well over the bar.
Malaga were dominating the early exchanges and Counago seemed to be involved in every move. In the third minute he again created havoc in the Betis penalty box before finding Nacho on his left, but the little winger's attempt was blocked and went for a corner, which Juanito headed clear.
Strong tackling from Rodriguez in midfield gained possession for Malaga in 5' and he released Edgar down the right wing. The Portuguese/Angolan paceman ran with the ball to the touchline but his weak cross was easily mopped up by Doblas in the Betis goal.
In 8' Counago wins the ball in midfield to continue the onslaught on Betis's goal. He spots Edgar on a diagonal run from right to left and the speedy winger again got to the touchline, leaving two defenders in his wake. This time his cross was powerfully struck - too powerfully as it eluded both Counago and Salva in the box and Juan Rodriguez had to dash to save it going out for a throw. His attempted cross was blocked for a corner. Gerardo took the kick and swung a cross into the box. The two Betis central defenders both went for it and it spilled to SALVA who belted it home from 4 yards. It was no more than had been deserved after all Malaga's pressure.
Malaga 1 Betis 0
In 13' there is strong claim for a penalty after Salva's pass found Edgar clear in the box and he was brought down from behind. Nothing was given.
In 16', Betis managed their first foray out of their own half. Joaquin tried a snap shot from fully 25 yards which had Arnau scrambling across his box to turn it for a corner, although the ball appeared to be going wide anyway.
In 18' Betis mounted a second attacked as they tried to get back into the game, Assuncao found Juanito in the clear with a well worked free kick, but the big centre half shot wide.
In 26' Assuncao was the first to be booked in the match after bringing down Juan Rodriguez just outside the box after the burly midfielder had made a fine run from the centre circle. Gerardo's attempt came back off the wall and was cleared.
In 30' excellent play between Nacho and Gerardo down the left wing finds the latter in the box. He looks up to see SALVA running in and Gerardo's inch perfect lob is bulleted past Doblas by a powerful header to make it a double for the striker.
Malaga 2 Betis 0
It is all Malaga now and Juan Rodriguez goes close in 32' with a powerful shot which grazed the bar as it flew over.
Malaga maintain the pressure and continue to look likely to score again. In 35' Nacho collects the ball from Valcarce and finds Counago in the box. The former Ipswich Town man swivels to send in another cracking drive which whistles just over.
In 36' Castellini makes a good run down the Betis left and his cross into the Malaga box finds Oliviera. The Brazilian meets the ball with his head but the shot goes wide of the post.
In 41' Gerardo is booked for dissent after Juanito falls down in a limp challenge and Betis are awarded a free kick.
In 42' Edgar is clear in the box with only Doblas to beat. Salva's pass gives the winger plenty of time to compose himself but he drags his shot wide.
Half time Malaga 2 Betis 0
Betis make two substitutions at half time in an effort to get themselves back into the game. Off come Arzu and Assuncao and on come Rivera and Malaga transfer target Juanlu.
In 50' the impressive Counago, enjoying his first start with Malaga since joining in the summer, finds Salva in the box with a neat pass. Salva in turn passes right to Edgar, but the winger's shot is blocked and goes out for the first corner of the second half. Gerardo swings the ball invitingly into the box and it's captain FERNANDO SANZ who meets the ball around the penalty spot to head the ball home for number three.
Malaga 3 Betis 0
Despite Betis' changes the game continues in the same vein as in the first half and it is Malaga who seem determined to pile on the agony for their Andalucian rivals.
In 54' Edgar is again in the clear in box as his pace gets him behind the defence to pick up Salva's pass. He is one on one with Doblas, but the keeper makes an excellent save to deny Edgar and concede a corner. From Gerardo's corner, Salva sends in a powerful header goalwards but only a fantastic reaction save from Doblas keeps the score the same.
More heroics from Doblas in 57' as Valcarce's cross is intended for Salva running past the hapless Betis defence. The keeper has to rush out to his "D" to head the ball clear.
In 63' Edgar makes another dart down the right wing. He sends in a cross intended for Salva, but Juanito gets there first but can't control the ball. As Doblas rushes out to assist his defender, the ball falls nicely for COUNAGO and he is able to prod the ball into the empty net to score for his new team for the first time.
Malaga 4 Betis 0
In 66' the relentless attacking play from Malaga is almost further rewarded as Doblas has to make another fantastic save, this time from Juan Rodriguez's powerful downward header, as the midfielder met another excellent Gerardo free kick.
In 70' it should have been five as Juan Rodriguez's header from an Alexis free kick on the right loops over Doblas but also the bar and lands on the roof of the net.
In 75' Malaga do make it five. Gerardo and Nacho again combine well on the left wing. The little winger sends in another excellent cross for the onrushing COUNAGO to head home for another excellent goal and his own personal second.
Malaga 5 Betis 0
In 76' Malaga make their first substitution. Gerardo gets a standing ovation as he goes off to be replaced by Anderson
In 77' the disappointing Joaquin is replaced by Israel, for Betis's final change.
In 78' Betis come closest to scoring in the whole game. Oliviera takes a free kick just outside the box. Arnau has to dive full length to deny the Brazilian adding to his season's tally.
In 80' another change for Malaga as Nacho is replaced by Paco Estaban. Edgar switches to the left and Paco Estaban begins to operate down the right.
In 82' Counago is replaced in another standing ovation, testament to his contribution during the game. His replacement is Hidalgo, who slots into midfield.
Full time Malaga 5 Betis 0

An excellent home performance from Malaga, but this is a tough league. Having already played "top teams" Valencia last week and Betis this week, their next game is away to Barcelona on Wednesday, followed by another away game at Zaragoza on the following weekend. The next home match is in two weeks against another of the "top teams" in La Liga, Deportivo de La Coruna.
Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 5:27 PM | Permalink

Tapia's men face three tough matches in a row. Last week, it was away to Deportivo La Coruna. Malaga were defeated 1-0 through a very soft penalty award and also suffered the sending off of Cesar (for two laughable bookable offences). The technical term for that game was "We wuz robbed". Next weekend, Malaga are away to Real Madrid (who were beaten yesterday 2-1 by fellow Madrid team, Getafe, with Solari getting Real Madrid's consolation in the 89th minute).

This weekend, it's Real Betis at home. Betis are a big club with over 40,000 season ticket holders. Lying seventh in the table, just outside the European slots, they boast some superstars in their line-up. First of all there is the £20m+ rated right winger, Joaquin, a Spanish internationalist at 20, and a possible transfer target for Chelsea. They also boast in Oliveira a striker whose 15 goals so far this season make him third top scorer in the league (behind Barcelona's Eto'o (19) and Villarreal's Forlan (16), yes, he's on loan from Manchester United). Oliveira's two Brazilian countrymen, Edu and Assuncao, have also been regularly on the scoresheet, particularly Assuncao, who has outshone many more illustrious scoring deadball takers in La Liga (particularly, D Beckham) with some amazing freekicks, especially in the range 30-40 yards. In goal there is Toni Doblas, another young goalkeeper who has been taking the eye. And in reserve, there is another Brazilian, Denilson, who is worth the admission money on his own, when he plays to form. They play counter attack football, with pace and accurate passing, in an increasingly popular formation (4-2-3-1). Team: Doblas, Melli, Rivas, Juanito, Fernandez, Arzu and Assuncao, Joaquin, Edu and Fernando, Oliveira.
Malaga make one change from their normal line-up, with the big Portuguese centre back, Litos (an ever-present last season) replacing the suspended Cesar. Team (4-1-2-2-1): Arnau, Gerardo, Litos, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce, Romero, Michel Angel and Juanito, Juan Rodriguez and Duda, Baiano. Juan Rodriguez plays wide right and Duda on the left with Miguel Angel the main support for Baiano through the middle.

It's Sunday night. It's 10pm (yes, 10pm). The game is live on Spanish TV. It's a very mild 16C, with no wind. There are flares going off, big drums being beat in a steady rhythm, huge banners covering from top to bottom of the stands all around the ground, we've also got those infuriating flashy touchline advertising boards which have Toyota Yaris's driving from left to right. The ground is full, with a large contingent from Sevilla to support Betis, for after all this is a derby match. La Roselda looks different, as the main stand to our right has been completely demolished and from our seats we can see traffic moving on the street. But it's as fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and when Malaga run out of their new blue tunnel onto the pitch, they are welcomed with a cacophony of noise and blue and white confetti from the top tier of the stands. Geoff has failed to make it again, so Helen is beside me, as Betis win the toss and elect to kick towards our end at the Fondo in the first half.

The game has hardly settled down from the kick-off when, in the third minute, Arzu finds Joaquin on the right touchline. This is going to be a big night for our left back Valcarce, who must snuff out the runs and crosses from this very dangerous threat. So the experienced full back makes his presence felt and the young winger is felled 30 yards out, wide on the touchline. Assuncao takes the kick into a crowded penalty box, but Litos heads it out. The back four quickly move forward, but the ball comes back to JUANITO, the Betis centre back, standing in the clear(ly offside position) and strokes the ball past Arnau. The goal is given much to the anger of the Malaga players and crowd alike, but the referee has decided, so that's that.
Malaga 0 Betis 1
Malaga are stunned by this start, not what they wanted at all. So we have to wait until the 9th minute before they mount their first real threat on goal. Romero wins the ball in midfield and finds Baiano on the left wing. He runs past three defenders before cutting back to Romero, who, with plenty of time, is able to send in a piledriver. But it is well wide. Malaga come closer in the 12' when Duda is fouled by Joaquin out on the left wing. Unusually, it's Baiano who takes the kick. We see why as he sends in a screamer which Doblas does very well to get a hand to. From the corner kick, Duda finds Baiano who knocks it onto Litos. The big centre back is clearly being held back, but no penalty is awarded. (Fact - Malaga are the only team in La Liga this season who have not scored from the penalty spot. They have only been awarded one all season and Juan Rodriguez missed). It's still very early in the game, but already we are beginning to think that nothing was going our way.
This is confirmed in 17'. Malaga have been pressing for an equaliser, with Betis very much on the back foot. There are some dubious tackles in midfield, for which most referees would award a free-kick for, if not shown a card or two. This referee wants to see a flowing game and allows "advantage". Romero is hacked down in midfield, but the ball breaks to Duda, so the ref waves "play on". Of course, Duda is promptly tackled by Melli, who passes it quickly to Assuncao. The Brazilian lobs over the Malaga defence, who are up at the centre line, and EDU runs onto the ball, takes it past the flailing Arnau and it's 0-2.
Malaga 0 Betis 2
Our Brazilian, Baiano, is looking very lively at this point, with a good first touch and movement. But our star is Romero, the bandy legged Uruguayan, who is strong in the tackle and purposeful with every pass. The two who have been making Malaga tick since the turn of the year, Miguel Angel and Juan Rodriguez, are almost absent from the play tonight.
In 23' Baiano wins a corner by harassing Fernandez, when the ball should just have been cleared up. Duda's corner, though, is just headed over by Litos. Then in 26' Duda is fouled out on the left wing, 40 yards out. He takes it short to Romero, who finds BAIANO in the "D" with a super accurate pass through a ruck of players' legs. The striker doesn't hesitate and spins around to beat Doblas from 20 yards. Malaga are back in the game!
Malaga 1 Betis 2
Tapia recognises that there is nothing happening down our right wing at all and makes a surprise substitution after only 30 minutes. Juan Rodriguez comes off for Tote (the striker is on-loan from Betis and very keen to show them what they are missing). Miguel Angel moves right and Tote takes up the more central role, playing off Baiano.
In 36' Romero again wins the ball and sees Miguel Angel making a run down the right. The midfielder runs into the box and is one on one with Doblas, but the young goalkeeper manages to block the shot.
The following minute, Gerardo is deemed to fouled Fernando and it's our first opportunity to see Assuncao take a free kick. It's 35 yards out but he is aiming for goal. Unfortunately for Betis, Rivas gets in the way of the shot and it goes over for a goal kick. There has been no real threat from Oliveira or the other Betis players really as Malaga have kept them pinned down in their own half. Melli is the first booking of the game in 44' after hacking down Romero and it's halftime. It's been a quick first half and Malaga must feel that the game is not beyond them, although Betis have only been in Malaga's half half a dozen times and have scored twice.
Half-time Malaga 1 Betis 2
When the teams line up, Miguel Angel is back in the middle and Tote is wide right as Tapia tries to make the break through. Juanito is the first Malaga player in the book after bring down Oliveira in the centre circle after 48'.
In 52' Baiano is still a threat as he creates something out of nothing in the "D" but his shot goes just over. The next minute he outjumps the Betis defence to head a Duda freekick just wide. Tote is causing panic down Betis's left with his strong running and scent for goal. He is continually brought down but the referee waves play on even when Malaga don't have the advantage. In 63' Duda is presented with two clear chances, probably the easiest chances in the whole game, but he panics and puts them both well wide, with only Doblas to beat. This has a section of the crowd urging Tapia to make another substitution and take the little Portuguese winger out of his and our misery. There is a substitution in 64' but it's Baiano off for Wanchope. The 8'6" Costa Rican striker begins winning all the high balls into the area, but he can't direct them into the path of his team-mates and Tote is particularly frustrated, getting into good scoring positions, without the service. However, when he does get the ball, Tote's lack of match practice shows and his shooting is well off the mark.
In 71' Tapia takes off captain Fernando Sanz to bring on another striker, Amoroso. Betis are just now getting out of their half and Tapia clearly believes he does not need four defenders. Amoroso has a good touch and a keen eye for movement around him and he is quickly giving Tote the service he has been looking for. However, Tote is not able to convert the good runs and positioning into a real threat to his erstwhile colleagues.
In 77' Arzu commits a heinous tackle on the dangerous Amoroso which gains him a yellow card. But also, he's injured himself and has to be carried off in a stretcher and is replaced by Benjamin. Gerardo takes the free kick and Doblas makes an excellent save. It is not Malaga's day!
In 87' it's the best chance of all for Tote to open his account for his new team when Gerardo finds him free in the box out on the right. The crowd get to their feet in anticipation but his powerful drive is blocked by Fernandez, who ran back at speed across the path of the shot. We all know that was the last chance to get the draw which is the least that Malaga deserved from the game.
Full time: Malaga 1 Betis 2

Next week it's away to Real Madrid. The next game is after a short break for Easter, when Malaga are at home to the third Madrid team, Getafe, on 9 April. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.

Posted by hodgers at 11:38 AM | Permalink

Well, here we are back in Spain; we returned home on Thursday 20 May after almost a month abroad in Scotland. What better way, then, to raise the spirits but to go to La Roseleda for the final match of the season. Although the prospect of UEFA Cup football next season has gone with the 1-1 draw away last week to Real Sociedad, this last match did bring together two arch rivals from within Andalucia, with this week's visitors, Real Betis, making the two hour trip down from Seville. Having been to the corresponding away fixture in January and sensing a carnival atmosphere, Geoff and I were joined by both Helen and Sheila for this game.
It was Sunday, it was a 7 o'clock evening kick-off - the sun was still warm and the ground was full to capacity. The Malaga squad had been reduced to the bare bones with regulars Edgar, Romero, Diego Alonso, Valcarce, Rojas all missing from the team and the bench. The team lined up (4-4-2) Arnau, Josemi, Litos, Fernando Sanz and Duda, Gerardo, Michel Angel, Leko and Insua, Salva and Canabal. In theory, Portuguese left winger Duda, playing at left back, should offer another attacking option, with him overlapping down the wing.
Real Betis had ex-Malaga goalkeeper, Contreras, in their line-up, the keeper is third in line behind Casillas and Canazares for Spain's No.1, and has lost least goals in the league this season. I was also looking forward to seeing Joaquin, one Spain's rising stars. As well as these two, Betis also boasts other full internationalists in Capi, Denilson, Assuncao, Fernando and Alfonso.
Malaga kicked off and immediately went into attack and a swift move down the left ended with a cross to Gerardo, whose strong volley brought out a world class save from Contreras after only 23 seconds on the clock! In two minutes, Gerardo again was denied with another fine save, after receiving a short pass from Salva in front of goal.
In the 10th minute, disaster for Malaga as Josemi had to leave the field after failing to shrug off an injury received minutes earlier in a crunching tackle from sprightly Betis striker, Dani. Local lad Manu (from Fuengirola) came on to take up the right wing position, with Gerardo dropping to right back. In the 14th minute, Dani was booked for a heavy tackle on Michel Angel, as Malaga continued to have the bulk of possession and the play.
Then a burst into the box by Canabal in the 19th minute, was rewarded by his long lanky legs being chopped from beneath him and a penalty was awarded. Up steps Salva to face Contreras. The goalkeeper guessed correctly and made an excellent save to his right, but SALVA was there to net the rebound into the empty net. 1-0.
The two central midfield players for Betis, Benjamin and Assuncao, looked very strong and Assuncao in particular looked very dangerous with accurate passing in open play and with swerving free kicks and corners on set pieces. However it was still Malaga the most likely to score and Salva came close in 29 minutes, heading wide from a Manu cross.
An escape for Malaga in 40 minutes when Fernando Sanz seemed to handle in the box but the referee gave nothing and the chance was lost as centre back Rivas shot wide.
Betis were getting back into the match, with Assuncao finding Joaquin out wide on the right with long 30 metre passes and the pace of the young star beating makeshift left back Duda, time and again.
However it was Malaga who increased their lead on the stroke of half time after a typically lung bursting run from Insua was met by 8 foot three striker CANABAL's head to make it 2-0.
In the second half it was Betis who started the most brightly and the Assuncao-Joaquin route was exploited time and time again. One such move in the 50th minute saw the 23 year old winger ghost past four defenders before bringing out a fantastic save from Arnau. Betis continued to press and when Dani was put through one on one on Arnau following an incisive pass from Benjamin in the 54th minute, Malaga were saved by their goalie's outstretched leg, for the ball to go behind for a corner.
On Malaga's right wing Manu was finding it difficult to come to terms with the pace of the game and kept giving the ball away when a simple pass was the obvious choice. However, he did spring briefly to light with a dazzling run across the 18 yard line, but Contreras was there to make the save from the resultant shot.
Betis were not to be denied however and it was no surprise when they pulled one back in 62 minutes. Again Assuncao to Joaquin, who went past three men before delivering an inch perfect pass to DANI who made no mistake. 2-1
Betis sensed they had a chance to get something out the game and brought on Denilson for the disappointing Fernando on 65. Five minutes later, Betis drew level. Centre back Juanito took a free kick two yards inside into Malaga's half and sent it long into the penalty box and BENJAMIN ran on to head it home and make it 2-2.
In 76, substitute Manu was substituted for Luque, who immediately showed with a strong run into the box.
On 78, Contreras came off worst in a clash with Salva and had to be substituted. The home fans gave their old hero a very warm send off and greeted his replacement, Relano, with shouts of "Loco, loco" (Mad, mad)
The game was heading for a stalemate, with Betis finishing the stronger and so it was to be when in the 89th minute, with the Malaga defence mesmerised by crosses coming in all directions into the box and not getting cleared properly, when little DANI nips in to make it 2-3.
In one last bid to save the game, on 90, Salva saw Relano make a finger tip save to his strong header and put the goal bound shot over the bar.
Full time. 2-3
So that's that for this season. Malaga's final position 10th, but with only four points between them and the eventual 6th place, Sevilla, it has been a tale of what might have been. Who knows what next season will bring as there are several Malaga players out of contract, including Duda, Insua, Edgar, Diego Alonso, Salva, Canabal, Rojas and Iznata. Also, manager Juande Ramos is out of contract and rumoured to be on his way. Mexican superstar Hugo Sanchez is being tipped to be his successor. Such is modern football, more like a merry-go-round, with every season starting afresh.
However, whatever happens, when the new season comes around in September, your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.
Adios Amigos!

Posted by hodgers at 8:06 PM | Permalink