May 13, 2007

Jornada 37: Malaga vs. Vecindario

Six games, including this one, to go to the end of this nail-biting season and still 18 points to play for. The league table still shows as many as eleven teams, if not more, in jeopardy of dropping into Segunda B division for next season, so apart from the three teams at the top in the promotion slots, every team is fighting for survival.

For Vecindario, the little team from Gran Canaria enjoying their first ever season in La Segunda, the fight is over as the bottom club are already mathematically relegated. The pressure is off them and they can now try to enjoy the remaining games of the season. The team, as befits the bottom club, has the worst record of the division in every department: worst goal difference, least number of goals scored etc and includes the one which frightened some of us before a ball was kicked – they had yet to record their first away game of the season. As Geoff said, they are quite likely to win against somebody away before the season ends, as it is very unusual for any team to go through 21 away games without a single win. We were hoping that it wasn’t to be against Malaga!

Manager Muniz had to do without left winger Calleja for this game after his sending off against Castilla last week. The straight and obvious replacement was Ernesto. Molinero returns after his suspension and so the team lined up in familiar terms:

Malaga (4-4-2): Goitia; Jesus Gamez, Armando, Jesule and Valcarce; Molinero, Hidalgo, Silva and Ernesto; Ivan Rosado and Counago.

Vecindario kick off in front of a 14,159 crowd defending the Fondo end. It’s a 6 o’clock kick off yet again televised live in Spain with the temperature at around 30oC and in full sunshine.
In 50” Molinero showed his worth as a winger when he reached the by-line and sent in a delightful cross into the box, but his target Rosado did not have enough height to reach it.
Malaga were looking to kill the game off quickly and maintained the pressure with Ernesto forcing the game’s first corner in 3’ down the left. His corner found Silva but the big defender headed over.
Vecindario had their first attempt on goal in the next minute but winger Aitor Goni’s effort from distance was well wide.
Again in 7’ Molinero gets to the by-line, but with three in the box waiting he overhits his cross and it goes for a throw.
In 8’ Jesus Gamez wins Malaga’s second corner. Ernesto takes and again finds Silva who with plenty of time completely misses the ball and the danger is cleared.
Molinero is getting plenty of room down the right wing and sends in another inviting cross; however his forwards were not quick enough to be in position to receive it.
The first save of the game is at the other end in 10’, when Goitia has to look lively to stop a Jesus Gamez back-pass.
Vecindario play-maker Carrizo has a go in 13’ after creating space for himself, but his shot is well wide of the post.
In 14’ Ernesto takes a free kick, trying to find Rosado, but it’s too high for “Pink”.
In 19’ Malaga have their best effort so far when Hidalgo slips the ball short to Molinero coming in off the right wing. The winger hits it beautifully and the shot beats the keeper but is blocked on the goal-line by a defender and goes out. Remarkably, a goal kick is awarded.
In 21’ Jesus Gamez gives away a free kick near the centre circle. Carrizo floats the ball into the crowded box. It looks quite innocuous to us but somehow KIRIAN gets his head to the ball first and Vecindario take a surprise lead!

Malaga 0 Vecindario 1

The goal is against the run of play and stuns the vociferous crowd. This was not the plan. The bottom club were here to be whipping boys and allow Malaga to climb a little way into a safer position in the table.
The very next minute, 23’, Ernesto has a chance for an immediate reply when Hidalgo is brought down 30 yards out. It’s a bit central but the winger tries a shot which goalkeeper Kelemen gathers easily.
In 25’ Ernesto has another chance when the ineffective Counago is tripped. This time the winger’s free kick is too strong missing his team-mates in the box and too wide to be on target.
In 26’ it’s Goitia who has to make another save, again from a long range effort from Carrizo.
In 28’ Malaga almost grab the equaliser. Molinero delivers another fine cross into the box which Kelemen tries and fails to cut out. Rosado sends a powerful drive goal ward only to see it kicked off the line by a defender.
In 29’ Counago puts Hidalgo through into the box and the keeper has to make a fine save on his line to block the shot.
Malaga maintain the pressure in the next minute when, after his free kick rebounds off the defensive wall back to him, Ernesto sends in a curling drive from 25 yards which Kelemen somehow gets to diving full length to stop the ball entering the goal at his left post.
It’s an enthralling contest and Malaga are creating plenty of good chances with lots of goalmouth action, but good goalkeeping and defending are keeping them out.
In 36’, disaster for Malaga. Carrizo sends a hopeful ball into Malaga’s penalty area and Michel runs into Valcarce and goes down. Valcarce is adjudged to have kicked him and a penalty is awarded. Valcarce is booked. Topscorer XISCO steps up to take the spot kick and sends Goitia the wrong way to score.

Malaga 0 Vecindario 2

The score line looks surreal on the giant scoreboard. This defeat would surely mean the end for Malaga in this division. If they cannot beat Vecindario at home, then they do not deserve any better. At this point it is difficult to see where Malaga can get three goals from to get the victory they desperately need.
In 40’ Vecindario almost go three ahead when Goitia has to make a fine full length diving save to stop a goal bound effort from Javi Morales.
In 41’ Muniz takes a brave decision by bringing on two substitutes. Desperate times require desperate measures. Off come Silva and Molinero and on come the giant striker Chengue Morales and dwarf playmaker Sandro, the latter for his first game in seven after his dreadful display in El Ejido. Malaga change to 4-3-3.
The changes almost pay off immediately when Chengue (remember, he’s the 8’3” Uruguayan powerhouse) beats the full back and fires in a shot from an acute angle. The shot looks goal-bound but somehow Kelemen makes a great save.
In 43’ Goitia again comes to Malaga’s rescue with the dangerous Xisco forcing the home keeper into another fine diving save.
In 44’ Counago and Jesus Gamez combine down the right flank to give Ernesto a chance. The left winger crashes in another shot on target which Kelemen does well to save on his line.

Half-time Malaga 0 Vecindario 2

Remember the tea lady? This was not a day for that wifie’s brew to slow down and upset the home team, as in previous games.
When the game restarted we noticed another formation change. Malaga had gone to 3-4-3 with Jesus Gamez operating more as a right winger.
Then, only two minutes into the half, in 47’ Muniz makes another change. To whistles from the crowd, Ernesto is taken off and Jonaton Valle is introduced. Different formations, all three subs on the field at the beginning of the second half. Muniz was showing some courage by using up all his options early. Would it pay off?
The very next minute, Sandro sends in a speculative long ball into the box. Chengue, Counago and the goalkeeper Kelemen all jump for it at the far post and all come crashing down in a heap. Result? Penalty! We are not arguing but we cannot remember when we last saw a penalty at La Rosaleda let alone two in a game. No matter. HIDALGO steps up and confidently puts the spot kick past the unlucky Kelemen.

Malaga 1 Vecindario 2

Getting the goal back so early in the half gave us some confidence, but Malaga still had to score another twice. The way other results were going and looking at the games left for each of the clubs slogging it out at the bottom, a win today was imperative.
In 50’ Jonaton Valle marked his entry into the game by getting booked for bringing down Javi Morales, who was about to run into the Malaga penalty area at the time. Carrizo takes the kick and saw the ball skiff the top of the bar as it went over. So close – and it showed that Vecindario were not here to lie down for Malaga.
In 53’ Counago feeds Rosado and Pink’s shot has keeper Kelemen diving and tipping the ball onto the post and out for a corner.
There’s a slight panic in the Malaga goalmouth in 54’ when Goitia takes a short pass back from Armando and kicks the ball against the inrushing Xisco. The ball could have ended up in the net but luckily it goes wide.
It’s been a pulsating and action packed game and full of incident, but Malaga were still 1-2 down and looking to get back into the game.
Michel becomes the first visitor to be booked for a foul on Hidalgo in 60’.
In 63’ Hidalgo bursts into the box after a strong run from the centre circle. Chengue is with him in support but the ex-Uruguayan international’s effort is parried away by Kelemen. However, ROSADO is lurking and pounces on the rebound to net from six yards, scoring his first goal for the club after joining in the January window. GOOOOAAAAALLL!!!! It’s the break Malaga needed. It’s the equaliser! We can breathe again, even if ever so slightly. Malaga are right back in this game. Can we go on and win it??

Malaga 2 Vecindario 2

In 65’ Chengue has a great chance to grab all the glory. He is put through one on one with Kelemen. He has plenty of time to compose himself and pick his spot, but instead he winds himself up for a powerful shot which he sends high into the upper tier.
It’s a dreadful miss but there can be no denying that since his introduction, his powerful presence and strong running off the ball has had a huge detrimental impact on Vecindario’s defence.
In 68’ Vecindario make their first change. Off comes winger Aitor Goni for midfielder Granero.
In 69’ Carrizo is booked for handball 20 yards out. However, there seems to be some disagreement amongst the players and they huddle around the referee. Perhaps they have seen something else? The referee runs across to his assistant and then runs back to the huddle. It’s another yellow card and thus a red for Jonaton Valle for kicking his opponent. He’s off. Malaga are down to ten men! Jonaton Valle has only been on for a little over 20 minutes! What did he contribute? Is his needless sending off going jeopardise Malaga’s whole season? Is he on loan and can we terminate the deal now? This is all we need. Drawing 2-2 against the bottom club at home, trying to find the winner and now reduced to ten men! Help!
It’s the 72nd minute before the free kick is taken. Remember it was handball and Hidalgo takes it. His shot is powerful and low and is just wide of the far post. The ball must have taken a deflection because a corner is awarded. Hidalgo takes the corner and picks out the giant Chengue in the box. He has a free header but has to watch it come off the crossbar.
In 74’ Vecindario make another substitution. Midfielder Michel is taken off for striker Mirosavlievic as the visitor’s sense that this could yet be their day to break their away games duck.
In 75’ Counago gets through past the defence into the box and goes down. There is no way the referee is going to award a third penalty in this game, though.
In 76’ Chengue breaks into the box from the left wing and sends in another crashing drive – but it’s into the side netting.
In 80’ Rondo comes on for Marcos Suarez as Vecindario make their final change.
In 81’ Sandro takes a free kick which Armando heads over.
In 82’ Sandro floats in another hopeful ball into the box. Chengue is there to meet it at the far post and Kelemen comes out to challenge. The ball breaks free and IVAN ROSADO is there again to pick up the scraps and poke the ball into the empty net. GOOOOAAALLLLL!!!! What an important goal! Well done Pink. Two valuable goals in this game! Rosado takes off his shirt and runs to the corner flag in celebration, for which he is booked. No matter. 10 man Malaga are in the lead. Salvation may be around the corner after all. Hello! Are we happy now? Well, happier, yes, but we have all been put through the mill backwards in this game.

Malaga 3 Vecindario 2

In 87’ Granero is booked for a foul on Sandro.
Then in 88’ Silva, who was subbed in the first half and is now sitting in the dugout, is booked after the referee’s attention to his offence is brought by the fourth official!
In 90’ Armando gives away a free kick in a dangerous position. Can Vecindario spoil the party? No, the ball flies over the bar.

Full time: Malaga 3 Vecindario 2

What a game! We are drained and in need of immediate refreshment at the full-time whistle. A valuable and necessary three points gained. Especially as both Alaves and Castilla have been beaten in their games, so a slight breathing space for the moment, but Malaga are by no means out of this yet. They have five games left: away to fellow strugglers Tenerife next Sunday, then a tough home game to promoted Real Murcia. Then away to local Andalucian rivals Almeria, who are also in the top three and promoted for the first time in 50 years. Then back home for their final home game against another local rival Cadiz – which is another difficult fixture. Then finally away to Castellon in Valencia province, in what could yet be the match that decides Malaga’s fate.

There is so much interest in Malaga’s fate that next week’s away game is again to be broadcast live on Spanish TV. Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be watching!

Remember for more news and gossip on the Message Board, go to www.malagafootballenglish.com

December 10, 2006

Jornada 16: Vecindario vs Malaga

After last week's storms, surely Malaga would find a bit of nice weather this week when they fly to the Canary Islands for the game at Vecindario in Gran Canaria. Wrong! The "stadium", which has a capacity of less than 4000, is located close to the airport (and indeed just before kick off we can see a Thomsonfly Airbus, carriage down, coming into land close by) and is exposed to the fresh winds of the Atlantic Ocean.

So it was on Saturday night, 9th December 2006, the strong wind was blowing from one end of the pitch to the other. No doubt the weather, and the controversial artificial pitch, will have a bearing on how this match progresses.

Vecindario are a small club and enjoying their most successful period in their history, climbing out of Segunda B last season through the playoffs and achieving La Segunda status for the first time ever. This season has seen them struggle so far to compete with the bigger and brighter lights and they currently occupy bottom spot in the table and look doomed to an almost certain return to the lower league, come the end of the season.

Malaga are also struggling. They have failed to dominate and run away with this league as expected and lurch from game to game with the supporters crying out in anguish after every result. After last week's 3-3 draw at home to Castilla, they will be wanting to leave the Canaries with the three points safely tucked away. In a sequence of games in which the league programme has thrown up six games against the so-called "easy" teams in the division, Lorca (2-2), Ponferridina (1-1), Elche (0-1), Salamanca (1-0) and Castilla (3-3), in the five games so far Malaga has mustered three draws, one defeat and one win, mustering from these five games six points out of fifteen. So even before a ball was kicked, the pessimists amongst us were forecasting yet another draw.

Muniz experimented with a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 for last week's game. It produced three goals from Salva (whose nine goals this season is attracting the attentions of Villarreal) on a wet and windy evening. And so it was the same set up this week in similar conditions, with Hidalgo preferred to OJ Morales in midfield in an otherwise unchanged line-up. Amongst the subs for today's game are Silva (back from suspension) and Counago (back from injury).

Malaga (4-1-2-1-2): Arnau; Jesus Gamez, Cesar Navas, Jesule, Jose Mari; Romero; Hidalgo and Calleja; Jonaton Valle; Salva and Chengue Morales.

Malaga's captain Romero wins the toss and elects to have the strong wind at his back in the first half.

Vecindario are first to show and win a free kick in the first minute. The ball is swerved into the crowded box, Arnau flaps at it and it goes for a corner. The corner swings in on the wind and falls to Axtebal, the Vecindario centre back, in the six yard box. His powerful shot is blocked by Arnau at point blank range. A very early let off for Malaga.

Vecindario are running these early stages and win their second corner in the 3', again on their left. Axtebal again is found at the far post, this time for a free header, but Malaga's defence somehow manage to scramble the ball away.
It's a nervous start for the visitors and they could easily have been 2-0 down already!

In 4' the brollies go up around the ground as the rain comes on, first of all as a persistent drizzle but getting heavier as the game progresses and also the strong wind down the ground is unabated. Not the sunny picture you have of the Canaries!

In 9' more panic in the Malaga defence as they concede yet another corner. From the looping kick, Arnau again tries to connect with his hand but Chengue has to boot the ball over his own bar to safety for yet another corner kick. Hidalgo is on hand for the kick and clears well upfield.

In 16' Malaga's nightmare start continues when, all alone on the edge of his own penalty area, Cesar Numpty, for some reason known only to him, heads the ball along the 18 yard line, instead of out to safety. This has been a characteristic of the giant centre back all season and has led to a number of goals scored against Malaga. Why Muniz continues to play him is beyond my comprehension. Rant over. Vecindario striker Xisco latches onto Cesar Numpty's "pass", runs into the box and drives a powerful shot at goal. The ball luckily comes off Arnau's knees and goes past for a corner. Two corners later and it is again left to Hidalgo to clear the ball upfield. He is becoming Malaga's best defender!

Malaga's narrow tactics mean that all their play is down the centre of the park and the twin strikers Salva and Chengue are not getting any service apart from the occasional long ball punted out of defence in desperation. This is not a very convincing display from the visitors who have failed to string two passes together or even venture into their opponent's half.

Vecindario, though, seem to be playing a more conventional 4-4-2 system with two wide players. Their right winger in particular, Javi Morales, is enjoying himself down the flank and Malaga's young left back, Jose Mari, has to resort to fouling him every time the winger is on the ball. After 25', Jose Mari has committed 6 fouls on the winger to date and must watch his step.

In 28' it's Hidalgo's turn to bring down Javi Morales. The kick is to be taken about 30 yards and is straight in front of goal. Fortunately the wind carries the shot over the bar.

But you get the feeling that it's only a matter of time before Malaga's luck at the back runs out.
In 30' Hidalgo is booked for going in feet first for 50/50 ball.

In 32' another scare for Malaga when Michel slips a pass to Javi Morales on the six yard line near to the touchline. It's a tight angle but the winger gets in his shot and its rising trajectory almost shaves the bar as it goes over.

In 35' Malaga get their first corner. Jonaton Valle chases a lost cause down the left wing. He gets to the ball first but cannot get it under control and it bounces off the right back's legs for a corner. Calleja takes and finds Cesar Navas alone at the back post, but the 8'3" giant misdirects his header wide.

In 37' Malaga celebrate their first shot on target! Don't celebrate too much though. Cesar Navas takes a free kick in his own half. The ball goes high into the air and seems to get caught in the swirl before landing near Chengue. The big Uruguayan swings at it but the effort is weak and is easily mopped up by the home goalkeeper.

The ball seems to be up in the air most of the time with neither side seeming able to control it in the conditions, giving away possession to each other in midfield.

In 43' it's corner number 7 for Vecindario. Chengue concedes another from the kick. Salva (remember him?) gets his head to the second corner and clears to halfway. However the ball is returned immediately and Romero is forced to concede Vecindario's ninth corner. Javi Morales swings the ball in from the right, it hits the outside of the post and goes out for a goal kick.

In 45' Axtebal is the second booking of the game for a foul on Romero. Hidalgo takes the kick and hits the two man wall 10 yards away.

The referee puts us out of our misery and blows for half-time

Vecindario 0 Malaga 0

This has been a woeful first half from Malaga and Vecindario should have been three goals in the lead, with all their pressure, corners and chances.

As the second half commences, the rain is much heavier now. The wind also seems stronger, rendering some brollies as useful as an umbrella in a hurricane. The crowd can been seen cowering under what little shelter is available around the ground

In 52' Counago comes on for Chengue.

In 53' Counago is flattened by Markel, who is booked.

In 57' Sandro replaces Calleja. Despite these changes, or even more so after removing winger Calleja, Malaga persist with the narrow 4-1-2-1-2 formation.

In 58' Vecindario make their first change. On comes striker Raul Borrero for Michel.

The pattern of the game is unchanged with Vecindario continuing to mount attack after attack on the Malaga goal.

In 59' Axtebal, at the far post, gets his head onto yet another free kick from the right, but thankfully from Malaga's point of view, the effort is just wide.

The scrappy nature of the game continues and is marred by constant stoppages; over 30 free kicks in the first hour.

In 63' we see the first flowing move of the game. Vecindario's left winger manages a run down the flank and puts over a great cross into the box. The ball flies over both Jesule and Cesar Navas giving Raul Borrero a free header at the far post. Arnau just watches as the ball goes just over.

In 65' Ernesto comes on for Jonaton Valle. Ernesto is very left footed and normally plays on the wing, so there is a bit of confusion amongst the Malaga players (and the supporters) about what the team's formation should be. It looks like 4-1-3-1-1, with Ernesto wide left of Hidalgo and Sandro in midfield and Counago playing off Salva up front. It's all irrelevant as Malaga still have not mounted any serious attacks on the home goal and the creative and attacking players have largely been superfluous.

In 66' Counago is fouled again near the centre line. Jose Mari takes the kick and the ball loops into the crowded penalty box. The ball goes over the players' heads and the goalkeeper gathers the ball at the second attempt after his initial fumble with Hidalgo charging in.

This is a brief respite for Malaga's defence as Javi Morales continues to torment them and is unlucky with two attempts which go very close.

In 75' a free kick is conceded by Malaga wide on the left by the centre line. The ball is whipped into the box by left back Ruano aiming for the far post, but then seems to change direction in midair and starts to swerve towards the near post. RAUL BORRERO gets his head to it and cleverly back-heads the ball back towards the far post. He catches the defence and Arnau wrong footed and the ball is in the net for Vecindario's opener.

Vecindario 1 Malaga 0

It's a chance created by the wind, but Raul Borrero deserves some credit for directing the ball away from the stunned Malaga defence.

It's all gone pear-shaped for Muniz and his tactics again. Being a goal down and not having had any real chances or shown any attacking flair, it's difficult to see Malaga getting back into the game, let alone take the three points, which, as a promotion seeking team, they should be expecting from this fixture.

The Vecindario fans are euphoric! Malaga is seen as a major scalp in this division and the home supporters must be thinking that they deserve the lead and the win that must surely come.

In 78' we see the first attacking move of the match from Malaga and it's substitute Ernesto who takes the eye with his endeavour. He breaks down the left wing, beats two men and then whips in a dangerous cross into the box for the waiting Salva and Counago. Axtebara has no choice but to head over his own bar.

In 80' Malaga create another chance. Jesus Gamez takes a long throw from the right to Sandro. The tiny playmaker slips the ball to Counago who forces a great save from the goalkeeper as the shot was heading for the top corner.

Then in 82', Malaga's blushes are saved with a freak goal. JOSE MARI, taking a free kick at the half way line, sends the ball high into the air. It loops over all the players and drops sharply behind the goalkeeper standing two yards out and over the line! Let's face it. It was the only way that Malaga were going to score and to be fair, the wind had a strong hand in both goals.

Vecindario 1 Malaga 1

Malaga go all out now to try and snatch an unlikely winner.

In 85' Ernesto again delivers a fine cross into the box which Salva, diving a full stretch, just misses.
In 86' the ball falls twice to Counago in six yard box free for all but his final effort is skied over the bar.
In 87' Javi Morales is taken off for Ciani.
In 88' a free kick to Malaga on the centre line. Jose Mari takes and tries again but this time the goalkeeper is alert and makes the save.
In 89' Ruano is booked for a foul on Jesus Gamez. Our new free kick specialist Jose Mari takes the kick just inside his own half. The ball bounces once in front of Hidalgo who hits it just wide of the near post.
In 90' the last chance again falls to Malaga who have created all of their opportunities in the last eight minutes of the game. Again it's Jose Mari with a free kick. He finds Cesar Navas alone at the far post. With all the time in the world and with the goal at his mercy, he decides to head along the six yard line! Salva is the intended recipient, but it comes as a surprise to the striker and the chance is lost.

Full time Vecindario 1 Malaga 1

Another disappointing display and result from Malaga who are definitely underachieving big time this season. The negative tactics, the inability to harness the wind and driving rain to their advantage, to use the experience of their established players and what seems to be a lack of ambition against sides which should on paper be demolished in the wake of Malaga's superiority is very depressing for us supporters.

We can only look forward to the next game and seek some respite from all this misery. Next week, Malaga are at home to another team from the Canaries, Tenerife. Let's hope for three points from this one. Never fear, Your Malaga CF Correspondent will be there.