Match Reports

Well, new manager Manolo Hierro could not have wished for a better fixture list to start his tenure in charge of Malaga, against the three bottom clubs in La Liga, he had a great opportunity to take the club away from relegation worries and hike them up into the middle of the table. Three six-pointers, back to back!
In his first game in charge he did the needful and beat Athletic Bilboa. Then last week, the long trip up to Vittoria in the Basque Country to play Alaves, who have been bottom club all season. What happened? A 3-2 defeat for Malaga! An own goal by Cesar, a defensive error between Arnau, Cesar and Litos to allow Alaves to score with a simple tap-in for the second and worst of all, Arnau kicking the ball against their striker instead of clearing way up the park, only to watch the ball rebound and back into the empty net. That result meant Malaga dropped into the third bottom position, above Athletic and Mallorca, as Alaves climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

So to Sunday's match against new bottom club, Mallorca. Hector Cuper resigned as manager last Monday night and Mallorca appointed Gregorio Manzano as their new boss. Yes, the very same Manzano who was sacked by Malaga last season around Christmas time. Manzano has been out of the game since leaving La Roseleda, but how often does it happen in football when he makes his return, he returns right back where he was last?
For Hierro, the defensive problems which have changed results in the past few weeks need to be addressed. The loss of Valcarce at left back to injury has caused all sorts of problems, with a number of players being asked to play out of position to cover there. Well, on Sunday, we had the debut of new signing, Portuguese international left back, Ribeiro, signed on the last day of the January transfer window from Dinamo Moscow. There was no place again for captain Fernando Sanz, who had to be content with a place on the bench and Cesar was dropped for his howlers last weekend. So Litos retains his place alongside wunderkid, Alexis, with Gerardo at right back.
In midfield there was a return for Duda, who has not played for five months after being in dispute with the club's management. At the beginning of the season, the tricky Portuguese left winger declared that he would not be signing an extension to his contract with Malaga when it expires in June 2006, nor was he seeking a transfer, as he preferred to move club at the end of his contract under the Bosman ruling. Malaga's response? Shove him to train with the Malaga C squad, for which the 25 year old is ineligible, as the Malaga C squad play in the under-19 league. However, needs must, when your club is fighting relegation, and some sort of compromise has been agreed between club and player. The upshot of all this was that he played against Alaves last week and scored with a lightning bolt direct free kick!
Up front, there was a return for Salva, missing through suspension last week, but his replacement last week, Uruguayan international, Morales, who apparently had a stinker, does not even merit a place on the bench. Hierro sticks to an attacking 4-4-2 formation, but with Edgar up front, and Gabriel in the right wing slot.

Malaga (4-4-2): Arnau; Gerardo, Alexis, Litos and Ribeiro; Gabriel, Juan Rodriguez, Bovio and Duda; Salva and Edgar.
Mallorca (4-2-3-1): Prats; Cortes, Nunes, Tuzzio and Potenza; Basinas and Pereyre; Campano, Arango and Pisculichi; Tuni.

It's a 7pm kick-off tonight and there is a bitterly cold wind blowing (8C). But we're cheered up by Malaga's new mascot, Manolito el Octopus, who does some amazing things with his eight legs.
Mallorca, in their normal red shirts, kick off and within 42 seconds, dangerman, Venezuelan attacking midfielder, Aranga, forces Arnau to make a point blank save from 6 yards as Malaga are caught sleeping.
In 2' Juan Rodriguez offers Mallorca a second chance with a needless foul 30 yards out. Again it's Aranga who takes the kick but his shot is high and wide.
It's only 5' gone before the first booking of the match and it is Litos for a tackle from behind in the centre circle.
The next minute and we get our first glimpse of new boy, Ribeiro, who goes on a run down the left flank. His run is looking promising before he is hacked down by Cortes, who is booked.
Mallorca have a grip on midfield in these early stages and Malaga have to resort to fouls to stop the play. Gerardo gives away a free kick in 9' which affords Pereyre a free header that Arnau can only watch as it whistles just wide.
Malaga's first attempt at goal finally comes along in their first attack in 11' when Salva is brought down. Brazilian defensive midfielder Bovio finds his countryman Gabriel with the kick. The wingback sends in a tempting cross which Salva gets his head to, but it is just wide.
Malaga have another chance in the next minute when Duda takes a free kick from 40 yards after the bustling Salva is again brought down. Duda's kick is well wide of the post.
A better chance is presented to Bovio in the next minute as Malaga continue to press. Duda beats his man on the left and cuts it back to the Brazilian, but he seems to be surprised with the pass and his weak shot is easily mopped up by Prats.
Malaga continue to press forward and Bovio is starting to dictate in midfield. He wins a free kick in the centre circle and Arnau is left alone in the Malaga half as Mallorca defend in depth. There is a sense of anticipation as Duda takes the kick, but the ball is blocked in the box and hoofed clear.
In 20' Edgar forces Malaga's first corner after the Portuguese Angolan rushes down the right wing and the ball comes off Potenza. Duda takes the kick and finds Gabriel in the box, but the ball bounces off his knee and goes wide.
In 25' Arnau has to make a great punching save from a shot from Tuni, as Mallorca try to catch Malaga on the break.
In 27' the best chance so far for Malaga. The two Brazilians Bovio and Gabriel combine well down the right, before a well aimed cross lands at Duda's feet. The little Portuguese winger is in the clear with only the keeper to beat but he snaps at the shot which goes well into the upper tiers of the stand behind the goal.
In 29' Pisculichi is booked for a foul on Edgar.
In 31' Duda has another chance after a good run down the left wing by Ribeiro. He slips the ball to his countryman, but Duda again shoots over.
The next minute Edgar shoots straight into Prats' arms after receiving a short pass from Juan Rodriguez to give him the opportunity.
In 36' the so far disappointing Juan Rodriguez, who looks out of sorts, gives away a free kick about 30 yards out. There is a sense of danger in the air as Aranga shoots from the kick. Arnau has to make a spectacular diving one handed save to turn the ball around for a corner. The corner is swung into the crowded box and drops for centre back Nunes. He is at the near post and his effort flashes across the goal mouth and out for a goal kick. Arnau looks in difficulty and Gerardo has to take the goal kick.
In 40' it's clear Arnau cannot continue and he is substituted by Gotia, who comes on to make his first team debut. The youngster had starred in last season's Malaga B team, but had yet to make an appearance in La Liga.
Half time Malaga 0 Mallorca 0
In 47' Duda finds Edgar on a run down the left channel, but the striker is brought down by Tuzzio, who could have received a straight red, as he looked "last man".
In 48' Duda, who seems to have moved inside a little, finds Salva breaking into the box. Prats shows amazing pace when he rushes out off his line and launches the ball high into the upper tier of the main stand.
In 50' Campano shows his pace for the first time in the game as he runs past Ribeiro. The left back makes a desperate tackle from behind to bring the winger down and is lucky just to receive a yellow card.
Then in 55' disaster for Malaga. Tuni breaks down the right wing and gets in his cross into the box. There seems to be no danger for Litos and Alexis who are both covering Pisculichi, who is alone in the box. There was a suspicion of a use of hands to control the ball by the forward, away from the defenders, but it's all done in a flash and the ball is in the back of the net to put the visitors ahead.
Malaga 0 Mallorca 1
Hierro immediately makes his final two changes: Juan Rodriguez and Gabriel off for Hidalgo and Counago. Edgar goes to his more familiar right wing slot, for Counago to partner Salva upfront and it's a straight swap in central midfield with Hidalgo taking up the attacking midfielder role.
Ribeiro makes another fine run down the left and Potenza is booked for a foul on him.
In 65' the new boy Ribeiro forces a corner down the left. However, Hidalgo's kick is weak and easily cleared.
The game becomes very scrappy with constant interruptions as Mallorca defend their lead uncompromisingly and Malaga lack the class to beat these destroying tactics.
The next chance falls to Bovio after another good combination between Ribeiro and Duda wins a corner on the left. The ball falls to Bovio and this time he directs a powerful shot a goal which brings out an excellent save from Prats.
In 75' Pisculichi is subbed for Victor.
In 79' Prats again denies Malaga with his rushing out, this time to thwart Counago who had been put through with a clever pass from Salva.
Mallorca are playing the offside rule to perfection as Edgar, Duda, Salva and Counago are successively caught out after more promising midfield play from Malaga creates the openings since the introduction of Hidalgo.
In 85' Basinas is booked for time wasting as the clock starts to run out for Malaga.
In 86' Pereyre is booked for kicking the ball away as Edgar attempts to quickly take a free kick.
In 87' we're on our feet as Edgar enters the box on a run and his shot forces another fine save from Prats.
In 89' Tuzzio is booked for pulling Duda's shirt almost off his back. It's a second booking and Tuzzio is off.
In 90' Arango is subbed by Ballesteros.
Three minutes of added time are shown on the fourth official's board as Malaga continue to look for a life saving equaliser.
In 91' Victor is booked for not retreating 10 yards after twice being told off by the referee.
In 92' a great chance for Malaga. Litos, who has moved up front, gets onto the end of a great cross from Ribeiro. He is up above the Mallorca defence and his header is powerful, beating Prats all ends up. However, the ball takes a lick of paint off the cross bar and goes over.
In 93', a wonder goal. Campano picks up a ball on the left wing. We're waiting for the cross, as he is almost on the touchline. Somehow he manages to put in a powerful right footed shot from no angle and the ball flashes into the net. It's game over for Malaga, but the usually partisan home crowd has to applaud that goal, as good as any I've seen this season.
Full time Malaga 0 Mallorca 2


A poor game with two sides scrapping it out for La Liga survival. Malaga, having lost two six-pointers in a row, now drop to 20th and last place in the table. Their next few games do not provide easy prospects for them; away to Atletico Madrid; home to Valencia; away to Real Betis and home to Barcelona. It's a tough league and it's not looking too good for Malaga at the moment. We shall have to wait and see what Hierro can do to save the team from relegation. The next home game is against one of the best sides in the league, Valencia. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!


PS A number of you have written about the apparent high number of bookings in each game. This is down to two reasons: a Spanish referee will book you for any foul committed in which the offending player does not make any attempt to make contact with the ball - quite right; also, a Spanish referee will book a player for no apparent reason, so the same the world over, then.

Sunday's crime count:
Malaga: 2 yellows: Litos and Ribeiro
Mallorca: 8 yellows: Cortes, Pisculichi, Tuzzio (2), Potenza, Basinas, Pereyre and Victor.

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 12:51 PM | Permalink

Just a quickie to tell you about Sunday's result. It was a 17:00h kick off at the San Moix stadium in Palma, so it must have been quite hot, temperature-wise, for playing. Tapia again tried a different formation, with several personnel changes again from the dismal draw against Alaves last Wednesday. There was no place for Anderson, serving a one match suspension after his ordering off against Alaves, nor for fit again Romero, in the starting line-up. He opted for two strikers up front in a 4-4-2 formation. Malaga: Arnau; Gerardo, Cesar, Fernando Sanz and Valcarce; Edgar, Juan Rodriguez, Nacho and Duda; Salva and Morales.
The conditions and line-up must have suited "Our Boys" as they romped to a 0-2 score at half time with goals from Salva (his first this season and for his "new" club) after great work down the right wing and an inch perfect cross by Edgar, and Duda, the little Portuguese left winger who is very frustrating to watch normally, as he is always so involved with the play, being the principal taker of free kicks and corners. He took a free kick 40 yards out, which bounced just in front of Mallorca goalie Prats that totally deceived him and the ball finished in the net. Bit of a freak goal, but using the law of percentages, for the number of attempts he makes during a season, some have to go in somehow.
The second half started as the first finished and very soon (and before the hour) Malaga were 0-4 up! Duda got his second of the game with a spectacular 30 yard volley which the former Real Betis stopper, Prats, could only watch as it flew into the net. Edgar also got on the scoresheet for the second time this season, again coming in from the right wing, passing to himself right foot to left foot before sending a low drive across Prats and into the net from 15 yards.
Mallorca got a late consolation but this was a good result away from home and sends Malaga up the table from 18th to 9th position. The 21,000 season ticket holders at Malaga (a record for the club) will be hoping to see some of this form at La Roseleda, where the first two home games have been very frustrating to watch.
On Sunday, they face the mighty Atletico Madrid here in Malaga, with a 21:00h kick-off (live on Canal +, Spain's equivalent of Sky, so it may mean that it will be the live game on Sky this Sunday). Atletico have had a poor start to the season by their standards, so it will be a tough game and with superstar striker Fernando Torres up front, Cesar and Fernando Sanz will have to be at their best.
Can't wait - as your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by malagacf_correspondent at 8:51 AM | Permalink

Dear Diary,
What a fortnight it's been! Snow on Torre del Mar beach, two new signings for Malaga and one departure and the first rain since November, albeit rain is an overstatement as we had some drizzle for an afternoon - which is having the locals making plans for a possible drought if we don't get some more rain during February.
In the week after the win against Atletico Madrid, we saw the arrival of Tote on-loan from Real Betis, with an option to sign for 1m€ at the end of the season. Tote is now 26, but at one time was as revered as his then team-mate, Raul, at Real Madrid as the dream ticket in attack in Spain. Successive managers and extreme competition for the striker's role for the Blancos saw Tote make the move to Andalucian rivals, Real Betis but again never got the opportunity to prove himself in Sevilla. With the arrival of Oliveira from Valencia at the beginning of the season, Tote saw his options decrease even more. Always a goalscorer in every team he's played for, he seems a good bet for Malaga, who will surely be given the opportunity this season to make a name for himself and salvage what was a very promising career.
Also in that week saw the signing of Fernando Baiano (on his shirt, Fernando) from Brazilian club, Sao Caetano, having previously played in the German Bundesliga for Wolfsburg. The six feet plus Brazilian is well loved in his home country and at 25 has already an impressive goalscoring record. His signing, however, caused an administrative problem for Malaga, as the Spanish Liga rules only allow three non-EU players in the first team squad. Malaga already had three, Wanchope (Costa Rica), Romero (Uruguay) and Leko (Croatia). The Brazilian, Amoroso, already has dual nationality, after years of playing in Europe. So, Leko, whose contract was due for renewal at the end of the season was sacrificed and has left the club. He has returned to Croatia and has signed for Hadjduck Split.
(Footnote: the day after Leko left, Romero gained dual nationality and so no longer counts as a non-EU player. Sod's Law applies in Spain too).
Last week, Malaga played away to Real Zaragoza in a game which the home team won 1-0, but only after Malaga had two cast-iron penalty claims turned down and also had two men sent off (Edgar and Duda) both for deliberate hand ball. Your Correspondent may be biased, but it was also a bit of a mystery to each of the five major TV stations in Spain why they were straight red cards and why penalties weren't awarded, so we can safely say "We wuz robbed".
New Manager Tapia (it means "garden wall") therefore had three new signings and at least two changes to make to the starting eleven for tonight's crucial game against Mallorca. Malaga sit one point clear of the three relegation places in the league in 17th place. Mallorca start the game in second bottom place (19th). So a six-pointer in prospect. In the event, it was starting debuts for Michel (pronounced Meetchel) and Fernando, with Tote, Amoroso, Wanchope, Litos, Iznate and Calatayud on the bench. In a much changed line-up, Michel started on the left wing, Gerardo on the right wing, Romero at right back with Juan Rodriguez playing off Fernando in attack.
Malaga (4-4-1-1): Arnau, Romero, Cesar Navas, Fernando Sanz, Valcarce, Gerardo, Miguel Angel, Juanito and Michel, Juan Rodriguez and Fernando.
Mallorca also have had a change of manager with Benito Flores being replaced by Hector Cuper, the Argentinean who gained fame some seasons ago with Valencia, before trying his luck in Italy. He has been busy during the January transfer window, signing Uruguayan midfielder De Los Santos, Italian midfield legend Iuliano, and strikers Okabu, Romeo and Felipe Melo. In Luis Garcia they already have a proven goalscorer, with 8 goals this season.
Real Mallorca (4-4-2): Moya, Campano, Fernando Nino, Ramis and Poli, Iuliano, De Los Santos, Arango and Tuni, Luis Garcia and Okubo.

It's a 17:00 kick-off, and although a mild 16C, there's been a slight drizzle this afternoon so the surface might be a little greasy on top. The opening exchanges are confined to midfield and we had to wait until the 8th minute before we had any real goalmouth action. Big strong Juan Rodriguez wins the ball in the midfield and slips it to new boy Fernando who with slight of foot ghosts past three defenders and puts the ball in the path of the supporting Miguel Angel. Moya is first to the ball and the danger passes. Valcarce sends in a tempting cross after 15 minutes, but Moya beats Juan Rodriguez to the ball. Malaga are trying hard but there's a lack of cohesion about their play, probably due to the number of enforced changes, players out of position and first team debuts.
Mallorca's first attempt comes after 20 minutes when Arango takes a free kick 20 yards out, but his shot goes straight into the arms of Arnau. Two minutes later Mallorca have another chance when Iuliano is fouled on the edge of the box. Luis Garcia takes the kick but it bounces off the wall out to Mallorca skipper, Campano, whose strike from 30 yards goes wide.
At the other end, in 24 minutes, Juan Rodriguez is fouled outside the box out on the left. Gerardo's free kick hits the wall, deflected off De Los Santos's outstretched arm but Moya gets behind it. Although there are claims for a penalty, the referee is not interested.
The best chance of the half falls to Juan Rodriguez after 36 minutes, who is on his own 30 yards out when a loose ball falls at his feet. He sends in a rasper, but Moya, who is having a fine game, is able to scramble across his goal to make an excellent save.
Both teams have been huffing and puffing but neither side has seriously threatened the goal with both defences and goalkeepers looking comfortable.
Half time Malaga 0 Mallorca 0.
Malaga start brightly and force a corner a minute after the restart. Miguel Angel takes but again Moya shows safe hands and grabs the ball off the head of nine feet two giant centre back Cesar Navas.
In 52' Valcarce finds some overlapping space wide on the left and his pass finds Fernando, who, spinning round, tries a first time shot that just goes over. Two minutes later, the best move of the match has Miguel Angel in midfield sending a superb through pass, splitting the Mallorca defence right down the middle, to match the perfect run from Fernando. The big Brazilian sees Moya coming off his line and tries to lift it over him but it goes just over the bar.
After 55', Juanito comes off and is replaced by Amoroso.
Amoroso is quick to make an impression and his quick feet mesmerise the Mallorca defence and he finds Fernando in the box. The striker is surrounded by three defenders and can't get the ball away from his feet but the ball spins out to the lurking Miguel Angel whose snapshot just goes wide from 18 yards.
It's been all Malaga since the restart but Mallorca prove that they are dangerous on the break in 60' when Valcarce is booked for a foul on Okabo, who was in full flight. The danger isn't over and there is a bit of pushing and shoving as a wall is constructed for the free-kick with two Mallorca players wanting to help make up the wall. The always impressive Aranga takes the kick and Arnau can only watch as the ball strikes the underside of the bar and bounces clear.
This wake-up call galvanises Malaga back into attack and Amoroso and Michel link up well with neat interpassing down the left. Romero is in support and he takes the pass from Amoroso to unleash a screamer from 30 yards which again forces a great save from Moya. Moya's clearance finds Luis Garcia who releases Campano down the right wing. Valcarce is closing him down and Arnau nervously covers his near post, but the Mallorca captain's powerful drive ends up in the side net.
In 64' it's Amoroso and Michel again combining well down the left. This time the cross finds Fernando, but his first time effort from 12 yards lacks venom and Moya is able to make a comfortable save. That's it for Fernando as he is substituted by Wanchope.
In 72' Okabo is taken off and is replaced by Romeo for Mallorca.
In 75' Michel comes off as Tote is introduced to a great welcoming roar from the crowd.
The team rearranges itself with Wanchope and Amoroso up front with Tote sitting just between them in the "hole". Juan Rodriguez drops back to a more centre midfield role alongside Miguel Angel in a very attacking formation.
In 78' Iuliano goes in with both feet and flattens Miguel Angel out on the left wing. It's a dreadful foul and deserves a red card but the referee shows only a yellow. This brings the crowd to its feet in indignation with cries of "fuera, fuera" (get off) and much waving of white hankies.
In 82' Malaga are looking strong and forcing the play deep into Mallorca's half. Their team formation seems to be working and players are finding team-mates almost intuitively with their passes, in stark contrast to the first half. Amoroso out on the left spots the run of Wanchope and sends a delightful 40 yard pass into his path. Chope is in the clear and bearing down on the keeper. The crowd roars and gets to its feet in anticipation but Wanchope loses his footing at the crucial moment and lands flat on his backside. Enough said!
Full time Malaga 0 Real Mallorca 0
Two points lost at home could be costly. Other results today mean that Malaga remain in 17th place, still looking for a little run of wins to lift them up the table and away from the relegation zone. Next week they have another opportunity when they are away to bottom club Numancia.
Then the following week they return to La Roseleda for the visit of Espanyol. The "other" team from Barcelona have had a good season so far so it will be yet another tough test for the Blue and Whites. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there!

Posted by hodgers at 1:10 PM | Permalink